Alternative to Braces for KidsReston, VA

The Right Orthodontic Treatment

Kids need orthodontics for several reasons — ranging from crooked and overcrowded teeth to a bad bite. Tooth and jaw problems can be caused by the loss of baby teeth too soon, accidents, or thumb sucking. The type of orthodontic treatment often depends on the severity of the child’s case and the family’s comfort level with the different options.

A pediatric dentist will suggest alternatives to braces for kids if there is:

• Minor crowding or spacing issues
• Insignificant bite alignment problems
• A shorter treatment time required

Clear aligners are a good choice for a child who can be trusted to take care of the aligner trays and wear them the recommended amount of time. They are much less obvious than braces, making them a good choice for patients who might be self-conscious about metal braces. Orthodontic office visits are also less frequent, which saves time. In general, clear aligners also take less time overall to complete treatment.

When Braces Are Unavoidable

Sometimes traditional metal braces represent the only solution. In that case, there are a few more aesthetically pleasing alternatives to the braces of the past. One of these options may be a good alternative for a child who is hesitant to wear the standard metal version.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible. They treat the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces and come with the same cleaning route and food limitation. The major benefit is cosmetic. A patient with lingual braces looks as if they have no braces at all.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces and use the same bracket system. The difference is the brackets are made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic material. They are less visible than metal braces but are still durable. For patients who are not a good candidate for clear aligners but still want something less noticeable than metal braces, ceramic braces are a viable alternative.

Removing Aligners

Clear aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and tooth cleaning. They can also be removed for special occasions and when playing sports or an instrument. Since aligners can be lost or misplaced when they come out of the mouth, it is important to have a case nearby to keep the trays safe.

Just remember, clear aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day to get results. If they are worn any less than that, then the patient may negatively affect their treatment. Since clear aligners are removable, children may be tempted to remove them if there is discomfort. Parents and caregivers should remind their children that the aligners cannot work unless they remain in place.

Caring for Aligners

Clear aligners need to be cleaned twice a day. A good rule is to do it at the same time as brushing and flossing. Brush the trays with a soft toothbrush with no toothpaste and rinse them in warm water. They also should be rinsed every time they are removed to keep bacteria and saliva from sticking to the surface.

Along with going over other treatment options, the American Dental Association states that aligners must be removed when eating and drinking. Teeth need to be brushed before the aligners get put back in to keep food particles from sticking in the trays. When taken care of properly, clear aligners are less likely to cause cavities or other tooth damage. Clear aligners need to be worn for at least 20 hours a day to be effective. It may be helpful to use a timer to remind the child that their aligners need to be in place to work. Often it is beneficial to switch to a new set of aligners before bed so that they can do their work overnight without any interruptions. Parents and caregivers should explain to their child the importance of keeping the aligners in their mouth and how it will result in a healthier smile.