When it comes to orthodontic treatment for your child, our orthodontist, Dr. Sunny Lee, considers several factors to determine whether they're a good candidate for clear aligners with Invisalign®. Dr. Lee considers your child's oral and facial development and the complexity of their treatment needs, since clear aligners are not ideal for complex bite concerns.
She will also discuss compliance with families, as wearing aligners 20-22 hours per day is essential to keep treatment on track. Many teens have busy, hectic schedules that may not allow for the compliance needed for Invisalign treatment.
The best way to determine the right treatment for your child is to book an orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Lee. We typically recommend that children have their first ortho evaluation around age seven or eight. Many kids can benefit from early orthodontic intervention, or Phase 1 treatment, and Invisalign is often ideal for Phase 2, when they only need minor tooth alignment to complete their smile.
Why Are Straight Teeth Important?
Besides the beautiful aesthetics of a correctly aligned smile, straight teeth also offer several dental health benefits that are important:
- Easier home care — Teeth in correct alignment are easier to brush and floss properly.
- Less susceptibility to problems — When they can properly brush and floss, your child is less susceptible to developing common problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
- Correct bite function — When the bite is correctly aligned, it protects teeth from damage and wear since they function as they're designed to.
- Better chewing function — When the bite is aligned, it's easier for your child to properly chew and eat the healthy foods they love.
If you'd like to learn more about orthodontic treatment in San Jose for kids, contact Forever Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for more information or to schedule an appointment for your child.