Can Kids Get Straight Teeth Without Braces

Braces in children are such a common sight in developed countries that they've turned into a cultural item; much like watching Disney. While some parents are known to have their kids braced up for aesthetic reasons, majority of the kids who don braces do so under the direction and guidance of their dentists. Well, actually, it's not dentists who prescribe and fit braces but orthodontists, who are essentially the masters of teeth alignment procedures.

If you've ever worn braces, you will admit that although there's some pain in the initial days, the long term benefits are quite satisfactory. Talking of the pain, there are indeed some children whose bodies are just resistant to braces, which results in recurring pain and discomfort whenever they have braces on. For such children, braces end up being a problem instead of a solution.

So what should you do in such a case? Can the bad teeth just straighten themselves as the kid gets older?

Answer: No, Teeth Can't Straighten Themselves Without Treatment

The worst thing you can do is to give up on your child's dental condition after you realize braces won't work. See, it is by good reason that teeth alignment procedures are mostly done on kids. For one, their dental structures are still developing and are thus likely to respond much better to corrective procedures. If you leave it too late, the problems continue to entrench themselves, making them harder to treat.

Viable Alternatives to Braces

Where metal or ceramic braces can't work, your orthodontist may recommend either of the two main alternatives to bracing. The first option is called Lingual braces (also known as invisible braces) and it involves long term wearing of braces, only that the braces here are placed at the back of the teeth instead of the front, like with ordinary braces. Admittedly, lingual braces can be as uncomfortable as metal braces and are thus mostly recommended for kids who find normal braces damaging to their self-confidence.

That said, the most effective alternative to braces is a fairly modern procedure called Invisalign. Although it is a bit more expensive than the other procedures, it is very effective, not to mention the massive confidence boost it gives to shy kids.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is basically a technique to correct crooked teeth without using the crampy metal braces. Instead, transparent plastic aligners are fitted over the teeth to slowly but painlessly mold them into the desired shape. Just like braces, one has to wear the Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours per day to achieve the desired results. Depending on the extent of the problem, regular visits to the doctor may be necessary for progress checks and replacement of the aligners, which is usually done every 2-4 weeks.

Needless to say, getting Invisalign for kids is quite an easy process that begins with a visit to an orthodontist who will examine your kid's teeth and thus give an informed prescription. Next, the orthodontist, or their technician, will take the 3D mold of your child's mouth and teeth and use it to create fitting aligners. This whole process can take anywhere from a day to a week.

Benefits of Invisalign

Apart from the no-pain part, here are the other benefits of the Invisalign treatment:

• Not Noticeable - Braces may be a common thing but they still carry negative connotations in the school environment, which makes them unpopular among many kids. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are technically invisible from a distance. To self-conscious kids, the fact that most people won't notice that they're wearing some corrective accessories can significantly boost the self-esteem of the wearers.
• No Food Restrictions - There are literally zero restrictions on what one can and can't consume when using Invisalign aligners. You can eat anything - sticky candy, soda, gum, name it - as long as they remove the aligners before.
• Low Risk - Invisalign aligners are usually made from soft plastic and thus carries no risk of injury compared to metal braces, where wires can get out of line and injure the gums or cheeks.

Looking for an experienced orthodontist for kids in Corona? Call us today to make an appointment!