Most people don’t have perfectly straight teeth and time can take its toll on your mouth. Crooked, discolored teeth can look unattractive and be difficult to keep clean, especially for a child. An imperfect smile can also affect your child’s levels of confidence and may result in unkind comments or teasing from peers.
Dr. Igor Babenkov is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist with a warm and welcoming practice in Roseville, California. He and his skilled staff provide a full spectrum of dental services to allow you and everyone in your family to have great-looking, healthy teeth.
Dr. Babenkov offers high-tech Invisalign teeth straightening for his patients who want to have straight teeth without all the hassles of traditional metal braces. Children as young as 6 years old can get Invisalign to address a range of teeth-straightening issues.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that is used to straighten teeth. Although most people are familiar with traditional metal braces, they can be quite uncomfortable, take a long time to work, and look unattractive. Invisalign is a much better option for teeth straightening for people who don’t want the fuss of braces.
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gently move teeth to their correct positions. The aligners are custom made to perfectly fit your teeth and you change them every few months as your teeth slowly shift into their new positions. They are very discreet and comfortable, and can be taken out for short periods of time for flossing, brushing, and eating.
The typical treatment time for Invisalign is 12 to 18 months, though you see gradual progress in your child’s teeth along the way. Once the treatment is complete, the results last a lifetime.
Is Invisalign right for your child?
Invisalign is a flexible system that may be right for your child depending on the circumstances. After completing a review of your child’s dental history and a thorough exam, we talk to you about whether we think Invisalign might be appropriate.
Adult teeth
For the best results, it’s helpful if your child’s adult teeth are fully grown in. However, Invisalign can be started when baby teeth remain. Although they don’t need their wisdom teeth completely developed, the first molars need to have come through the gum line to ensure their growth doesn’t change the position of other teeth and negate the treatment.
No needed dental work
Your child can’t have significant untreated tooth decay, tooth loss, or damage before using the Invisalign system for teeth straightening. If significant dental work is needed, it must be completed before Invisalign treatment is considered.
Maturity level
The Invisalign aligners aren’t connected to the teeth, they’re removable. They’re worn every day, all day long, and are only removed for eating and teeth cleaning. It can be tempting to remove them more often, but if they are the treatment doesn’t work. You need to assess your child’s ability to understand and willingness to comply with this crucial aspect of the treatment.
To learn more about Invisalign or for other dental questions, set up an appointment by calling our office or using our online booking system today.
