INVISALIGN FOR KIDS IN CORTLANDT MANOR, NY
The Preferred Choice for Early Orthodontic Care
Choosing an orthodontist is the first step in transforming a child’s smile and confidence. At Glaser Orthodontics, we’re proud to lead the way in innovative orthodontic solutions with Invisalign First, a groundbreaking treatment tailored to children’s unique dental needs.
Under the expert care of Dr. Barry Glaser, a recognized Invisalign® Platinum Plus Provider, we serve families throughout Westchester County, NY, offering a modern alternative to traditional orthodontic approaches.
What is Invisalign First?
Invisalign First opens up a new world of possibilities for early orthodontic treatment. Specifically designed for children who are still sporting a mix of baby and permanent teeth, these clear aligners focus on expanding the dental arch to correct malocclusions—a fancy term for misaligned teeth.
This approach not only enhances the alignment of your child’s teeth but also strategically makes room for their permanent teeth as they arrive. It’s a proactive solution that addresses several orthodontic challenges without the metal wires and brackets of yesterday.
Benefits of Invisalign First for Children
Dietary Freedom
One of the standout benefits of Invisalign First is that it allows kids the freedom to enjoy their favorite foods without restrictions. Unlike traditional braces, which often require avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods, Invisalign aligners are completely removable.
Children can continue to indulge in apples, popcorn, or even the occasional caramel treat—just remember to brush before popping the aligners back in!
Simplified Orthodontic Visits
Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign First means fewer unexpected trips to the orthodontist. The design of these aligners eliminates common issues associated with traditional braces, such as broken brackets or poking wires.
If an aligner is ever lost or damaged, moving on to the next one in the series is typically straightforward, keeping the treatment process smooth and on track.
Comfort and Aesthetics
Many children are self-conscious about the appearance of metal braces. Invisalign First aligners are nearly invisible, which means most people won’t even notice your child is wearing them. Additionally, the smooth, plastic material of Invisalign aligners avoids the irritation and discomfort often caused by the sharp edges of traditional braces.
Predictable and Efficient Results
Utilizing advanced 3D imaging technology, Invisalign First treatments are precisely planned from the start, leading to faster and more predictable results. This meticulous planning reduces the overall number of visits to the orthodontist, making the treatment process not only efficient but also more accommodating to the busy schedules of families.
Common Orthodontic Issues We Treat with Invisalign First
TOOTH PROTRUSION
Sometimes referred to as “buck teeth,” protrusion occurs when the upper teeth extend too far forward over the lower teeth. Invisalign First aligners can effectively realign these teeth to a more natural position, enhancing both function and appearance.
ARCH DEVELOPMENT
Proper arch development is crucial for accommodating all of a child’s permanent teeth. Invisalign First helps in expanding and shaping the dental arch, thereby preventing overcrowding and alignment issues later in life.
SPACING AND CROWDING
Whether there are gaps between teeth or insufficient room in the jaw for all teeth to fit comfortably, Invisalign First can manage spacing issues and reduce crowding, setting the stage for a healthier dental arrangement.
AESTHETIC ALIGNMENT
Beyond functional corrections, Invisalign First also focuses on the overall aesthetic appearance of a child’s smile. This treatment method aligns teeth more symmetrically and improves dental aesthetics, boosting the child’s confidence.
A-P CORRECTION
Anterior-posterior discrepancies occur when the upper and lower teeth do not align properly from front to back. Invisalign First is capable of making necessary adjustments to correct these bite issues, improving both the bite function and the profile aesthetics.
Specialized Features of Invisalign First for Young Patients
Invisalign First is engineered with several unique features specifically designed to accommodate the dental needs of young patients as they grow. These specialized attributes make Invisalign First an ideal choice for children undergoing Phase 1 orthodontic treatment:
- Eruption Tabs: These tabs are built into the aligners to provide space for emerging teeth. Eruption tabs ensure that as your child’s permanent teeth come in, there is room for them to grow properly without disrupting the alignment process. This feature is crucial for maintaining the progress of the treatment even as the dental landscape changes.
- Blue Compliance Indicators: To help ensure that aligners are worn for the recommended amount of time, Invisalign First includes blue compliance indicators. These fade from blue to clear, providing a visual cue that helps parents and orthodontists track whether the aligners are being worn as prescribed.
- Replacement Aligners: Understanding that accidents can happen, especially with younger patients, Invisalign First includes options for replacement aligners. Should an aligner become lost or damaged, it’s easy to obtain a replacement to ensure that treatment remains on schedule without any setbacks. This feature adds an extra layer of reassurance for parents, knowing that minor mishaps won’t significantly disrupt their child’s orthodontic progress.
Braces vs. Invisalign for Kids
Braces are a more popular option for orthodontic treatment for children, but there are valuable reasons why Invisalign may be a better choice for young patients.
VISIBILITY AND COMFORT
Braces are quite noticeable and can cause discomfort due to their brackets and wires. In contrast, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and made from smooth plastic, reducing both visibility and discomfort.
MAINTENANCE AND HYGIENE
Braces require meticulous cleaning around brackets and wires, complicating oral hygiene and increasing the risk of dental issues if not managed properly. Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing children to maintain their standard brushing and flossing routine.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
With braces, children must avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage the appliance. Invisalign doesn’t impose such restrictions because aligners are removed during meals, letting kids enjoy their favorite foods without worry.
RESPONSIBILITY AND MONITORING
Braces are low-maintenance once placed, requiring only routine adjustments. Invisalign demands greater responsibility; aligners must be worn at least 22 hours a day and managed by the child, which includes remembering to replace them after meals.
FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTATION
Invisalign offers more flexibility, easily integrating into a child’s active lifestyle without additional discomfort or dietary changes. This can make Invisalign a more suitable option for children and families looking for a less intrusive treatment solution.
The Invisalign Process for Kids
Starting orthodontic treatment with Invisalign for kids is a straightforward process designed to fit seamlessly into busy family schedules. Here’s a quick overview:
STEP 1: Initial Consultation
The journey begins with a consultation at our office, where Dr. Glaser assesses your child’s dental needs and discusses whether Invisalign is the right choice for their orthodontic care.
STEP 2: Custom Treatment Plan
Using advanced 3D imaging technology, we create a precise treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific dental issues. This plan outlines the expected movements of the teeth and the approximate duration of the treatment.
STEP 3: Receiving Aligners
Once the custom aligners are ready, your child will receive their first set. Each aligner is worn for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next in the series, gradually shifting their teeth into the desired position.
STEP 4: Regular Check-Ups
Periodic appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and ensure the aligners fit well. These check-ups are quick and less frequent than those typically required for traditional braces.
STEP 5: Completion and Retention
After progressing through the series of aligners, your child will be evaluated to confirm that the desired results have been achieved. A retainer may be prescribed to maintain the new alignment of their teeth.
Dr. Barry Glaser is an Invisalign® Platinum Plus Provider in Westchester County NY and is very excited to offer this incredible aligner technology to his phase 1 patients. Call (914) 739-6400 today, or request an appointment online for a complimentary Invisalign for kids in Cortlandt Manor, NY smile assessment.