Clear Aligners For Kids? A Myth Or Reality Or The New Normal?

When we talk about getting braces done in today’s scenario, the first thing that comes in our mind is the clear plate thing which everybody is talking about calling them ALIGNERS. The basic reason of aligners getting an edge over preferences to braces is the esthetics, comfort, ease of use and being removable.

Most of the adults would prefer the virtually invisible aligners over braces and wires sticking to their teeth any day. However, one uncertainty regarding the invisalign/clear aligner technology which many of the parents ponder upon is – Can kids get invisalign treatment done? Read on to get your answers.

Why Should Kids Get Orthodontic Treatment Done At An Early Age?

Why Should Kids Get Orthodontic Treatment Done At An Early Age?

Getting the orthodontic/aligner treatment done at an early age starting from 7 years will prove to be extremely beneficial to the child. The primary reason being the advantage of growing jaws and arches (upper and lower). Furthermore few of the other reasons are-

• Children nowadays are extremely particular about their appearance owing to the increasing dominance of social media and peer pressure. Since Invisalign First is virtually invisible it becomes a popular choice for kids
• Removable appliance – These are custom made removable plates which can be easily worn and removed by the kids. So, the child can enjoy their favourite means even while getting their teeth aligned. Gone are the days of food restrictions of not having hard or sticky food while having braces in the mouth 
• The arches are expanding at the age of 7-12 years in kids and as we all know new teeth also come at this age. So it makes it an ideal time to get orthodontic treatment  done as the alignment of newly erupted teeth is done under constant supervision of an expert
• Maintenance of oral hygiene is easier in clear aligners than with bracesLess chances of cavities/gum diseases in clear aligners as compared to braces.

What To Expect After Invisalign

What To Expect After Invisalign

So, is it finished after you are done with your invisalign treatment. Well, there is an important aspect to discuss when it comes to maintaining that perfect and healthy smile on long term basis and this is done by Invisalign Retainers. 

Once straightened, teeth usually have a tendency to move back to their original position and this is where the retainers play a significant role. They purposefully remind the teeth to remain straight after you are done with the active invisalign treatment.

There are two main types of retainers we offer:

• Fixed Retainers: A fixed retainer is basically a thin, metal wire that’s adhered to the back of the teeth, on the tongue-side. These retainers stay permanent offering long term retention and even better, and no one can see you wearing them. There are different kinds of fixed retainers which are designed mainly on the basis of ease of cleaning and to provide maximum rigidity.
• Removable Retainers: There are two types of removable retainers.
• The first is the traditional wire retainer, also known as Hawley retainer. It consists of a thin metal wire that wraps around the front of teeth and a plastic piece that is seated against the roof of your mouth.
• The second type of retainer is a clear plastic retainer referred to as 3 D or Essix retainer. It is very much similar to the Invisalign aligner and is made of a durable material.

FAQs on Retainers

FAQs on Retainers

1. What are retainers?
Retainers as the name suggests are meant to RETAIN the newly aligned teeth in their respective positions.

2. Is it compulsory to get retainers made? What If I don’t want them?
Yes, retainers are as important as your braces treatment if you want your teeth to remain in alignment.
Otherwise there is always a tendency for tooth to go back to their previous positions and become crooked again.

3. What type of retainers are available?
Retainers can be fixed or removable depending on the preference and need. 
Your braces doctor will best guide you If you need both or either of them.

4. Will the fixed retainer show? Will it hinder with brushing? When can I get It removed?
Fixed retainers are made with very thin wires and are fixed on inner surface of the teeth so no one can see them . You don’t feel them too and get adapted to them in one to two days. 
Furthermore, it’s very easy to brush and maintain oral hygiene with fixed retainers and there is no need to get them removed atleast for couple of years.

5. Can I wear removable retainers at night? How to clean them?
Yes. Removable retainers can be worn at night too but that decision lies with your braces doctor. You clean them the similar way you brush your teeth and rinse the retainers in running water after removing and before wearing them.

6. What to do if I break/misplace my removable retainers or dislodge my fixed retainers? 
Firstly don’t panic. Take an appointment with your braces doctor and get them fixed or get a new one made. 

7. For how long do I need to wear my retainers?
Retainer wear protocol is different for different cases. Generally you have to keep the retainers for about 2years to stabilize the teeth in new positions.