It’s a right of passage for many children: braces. They have exceptional long-term benefits for children who have misaligned teeth. Orthodontists are the experts in braces and other treatments for teeth alignment.
But many children will be resistant to braces. They involve routine trips to the dentist, moderate discomfort, and a host of social stigmas. Adding braces to the equation just adds additional stress to the lives of many teens and pre-teens.
To avoid the need for braces, you may have a child who’s tried to bargain with you. “Can’t I get straight teeth without braces?” they’ve asked. Before you dismiss them out of hand, the question isn’t as bizarre as you’d first imagine.
At Children’s Dentistry, we specialize in pediatric dentistry at our 10 Las Vegas area locations. However, we also are well-equipped to handle your child’s orthodontics needs as well. We’ve heard the pleas of children wanting to get straight teeth without braces, and we’re prepared to give you some “straight talk” on the subject!
Teeth Don’t Just Straighten Themselves
If your child is hoping that their misaligned teeth will straighten themselves without any assistance, understand that this simply is not possible. For teeth to be straightened, they need to be encouraged into their proper spots. Simply put, gaps in teeth, crooked teeth, or crowded teeth can’t fix themselves. In fact, if no corrective action is taken, the issues will only get worse over time, not better.
Braces Aren’t The Only Solution
Do teeth fix themselves on their own? No! Can you have straight teeth without braces? Yes! Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be.
There have been many changes in orthodontics over the past several years. One of the greatest and most welcome changes is that traditional metal or ceramic braces are no longer the only solutions to straighten teeth. Lingual braces are another option available to young patients. This option is much like traditional metal braces, but they are located behind the teeth instead of in front of them. Although some children prefer this option, it still has a host of disadvantages. For instance, they’re hard to clean and they take longer to complete treatment than traditional braces.
The real game changer in orthodontics that allows children to have straight teeth without braces is Invisalign. For awkward teenagers and skeptical parents, it may sound too good to be true. But trust us when we tell you that Invisalign is the real deal.
The Advantages Of Invisalign
Invisalign is a revolutionary way to achieve straight teeth without braces. Instead of using rubber bands, metal wires, and brackets, Invisalign uses clear plastic trays to gently shift teeth into their proper places.
The Invisalign process starts with an initial consultation with your orthodontist. A digital mold of the child’s teeth is created during this visit. At your child’s next appointment, they’ll receive their first set of aligners that will fit over their teeth. Over time, the teeth will gently shift towards their proper position. Your child will receive new sets of aligners periodically that will continue to build on previous gains. In the end, you’ll child’s teeth will be straight, all without braces!
The Difference Is Clear
Invisalign may sound intriguing, but you may be wondering if they truly are superior to traditional braces. At Children’s Dentistry, we treat many patients with Invisalign, and these are some of the comments we hear about why kids love it so much:
- They’re invisible: After all, it’s in the name! When children have traditional braces, they’re often self-conscious due to all the metal and wire in their mouth. However, this isn’t the case with Invisalign. The clear plastic aligners are transparent, and they’re almost impossible to see when your child is wearing them. They’ll love that almost nobody can tell they’re wearing Invisalign.
- No food restrictions: When a child wears braces, there’s a host of foods they have to avoid. No gum. No sticky candy. No popcorn. No soda. What food restrictions does Invisalign have? None! Every time they eat, they simply take the aligners out of their mouth and eat what they want. After they eat, they brush their teeth and pop the trays back in. Kids love it!
- Virtually pain-free: Anyone who has ever had braces can attest to the pain that can come with them. Brackets can rub cheeks raw. Wires can pop out and poke the cheeks as well. Of course, the worst pain usually comes after braces are tightened. Often, this ends up being uncomfortable or distracting. Because Invisalign doesn’t use wires or brackets, there are no issues with them causing pain. Most Invisalign users report little to no discomfort from their treatment.
- Confidence: Because Invisalign is almost impossible to see, most teenagers will get a boost of confidence knowing they can get straight teeth without braces. At an age when most kids feel especially vulnerable and ill-at-ease with their body, this can’t be overstated.
Invisalign From Children’s Dentistry In Las Vegas
If you’re looking for straight teeth without braces, call Children’s Dentistry today. We have multiple convenient offices in the Las Vegas area, making your child’s treatment as painless as Invisalign!
You may be intrigued by Invisalign, but concerned about the cost. Children’s Dentistry understands your anxiety, which is why we make the process as streamlined as possible. We accept most major dental insurance plans, including Medicaid. You’ll be pleased to know that many plans will cover Invisalign if they cover traditional metal braces. Our office also offers several promotions for those who pay for their dental costs out-of-pocket.
Can you straighten teeth without braces? With the help of Invisalign and Children’s Dentistry, the answer is an emphatic YES!