The Pros and Cons of Clear Aligners for Children and Teens
Clear aligners are an increasingly popular option for teens and children, and they have many benefits. However, many people still don’t fully understand them and how they work. Clear aligners are placed directly over the teeth so they can align themselves over time. They do not require patients to spend hours on a dentist’s chair or to constantly go back for adjustments. But they do have a few drawbacks you have to consider. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of clear aligners for children and teens.
Pros – No Food Restrictions
One of the greatest things about clear aligners for children is that they do not have a long list of food restrictions. Asking a child to not eat popcorn or sweets is not only torture, but there’s a very strong chance that they will cheat. With clear aligners, they’ll be able to have any type of drink or food that they want.
Con – They Demand Discipline
It’s important to realise, however, that they are not free of maintenance. While you won’t have food restrictions, you have to be very careful with your dental hygiene when wearing clear aligners. They have to be removed and brushed after each meal. This means that your children might have to excuse themselves and go to the bathroom after lunch to brush their teeth.
If they neglect this, all sorts of issues can happen. They can start to develop gum disease and cavities. This is why you have to make sure that your children are responsible enough for them before you choose this option.
Pro – They’re Convenient
One thing a lot of parents will love about clear aligners is how convenient they are. You could get a custom set of aligners from a service like Straight My Teeth which makes the process is incredibly simple. All you have to do is go to their smile studio where they’ll get a 3D rendering of your child’s teeth. You also have the option of having their dream smile impression kit sent to you for £49. Straight My Teeth will then prepare the aligners and send them to your door in a few days. There are also night-only aligners that your child will only have to wear at night and you won’t have to constantly have to go for follow-ups, which they will greatly appreciate.
Con – They Can’t Treat All Issues
You should know that while clear aligners can treat most misalignments cases, it’s not always possible. People who have very severe cases or cases that have to do with the structure of the jaw and not the teeth might not be able to use them. Thankfully, this is something the provider you decide to go for will be able to tell you on your first evaluation.
If you were still wondering whether clear aligners would be the best choice for your child, we hope we were able to help. We now suggest you speak with others who have opted for the procedure so you can get their opinion.
