Improve Oral Health and Dental Marketing Tips!

Blog By:
MarinaAmbridgeDDS

Invisible Aligners

Invisible aligners are clear plastic aligners that fit on teeth in a similar way to a mouthguard. The aligners are removable and they are replaced every few weeks. The goal of invisible aligners is to gradually shift your child's teeth into alignment whilst they wear the guard, without having to wear braces 24/7. There are many great benefits to opting for invisible aligners - they are comfortable and many people find them easier to adjust to than braces, they are removable, meaning that your child won’t get food caught in them, and they are aesthetically pleasing, appearing almost invisible to the naked eye. 

Like all braces, invisible aligners require maintenance, but it is minimal. You will have to take your child to the dentist to get the aligners refitted as their teeth start to move, but there won't be any invasive appointments where they have to get their braces tightened. Read reviews before purchasing invisible aligners, so you can learn more about local orthodontist? User reviews tell you all need to know about invisible braces, how much they cost, how long the process takes, and whether or not it is the right option for your child. 

Traditional Metal Braces 

These braces are definitely the cheapest option - metal braces are what probably pops into your head when you picture a child with braces. However, metal braces have come a long way and the brackets which fit onto teeth are far smaller and more discreet than they once were. Young children can also choose to personalize this kind of brace by making the brackets coloured. 

This is a great way to make braces fun and a subtle way for kids to express themselves! 

As patients get older, they become increasingly concerned about the aesthetic appearance of their braces, so this might not be an option for older kids if they want a subtle style. However, for young children that simply want their teeth straight and aren’t too concerned about the appearance of their braces - this is a great, affordable option. 

Lingual Braces 

Lingual braces attach to the lingual side of a child’s teeth - this means the side that is closest to their tongue. Because of this, lingual braces cannot be easily seen by anyone else and are a very discrete option if they are worried about the aesthetic appearance of braces. Due to the fact that lingual braces fit against the tongue side of the teeth, they can be trickier to fit because of the more uneven surface of the back of the teeth. Lingual braces can also take some getting used to and your child may find them rubbing uncomfortably against their tongue for the first few days. 

Self-ligating Braces 

Self-ligating braces look similar to traditional braces but can be made with clear or ceramic brackets which blend in with the colour of the teeth, making them far more discreet than traditional metal or coloured braces. Self-ligating braces also used clips instead of elastic bands, which makes it easier for a child to brush around their brace and keep their teeth clean between dentist appointments. 

If you’re looking for another discreet option, then self-ligating braces would be great for your child. Self-ligating braces are a great option to go for if you’re unsure about the higher prices of clear aligners and ‘invisible’ brace styles but are still looking for a subtler option for your child than the traditional metal brace.

Choosing what style of the brace to go for can often be an overwhelming decision for parents and kids. Gone are the days where the only option was a clunky and obvious metal brace. You can now go for styles that are completely invisible or styles that don't need to be worn around the clock or fixed to the teeth.