Thinking about Invisalign Calgary?
All parents want to give their children beautiful smiles and teeth that will last them a lifetime. Traditionally, metal braces were recommended for kids.
These days, in the search for the best way to do this, moms and dads often come across clear aligners (brands like Invisalign, Angel, Spark, Clarity) as an option for their child.
These were not generally an option for the parent, so they don’t know if they are better or worse than braces. The opinions of others is all they have to go on.
We want you to be able to make the best decision for your child, so we will cover the pro’s and con’s of Invisalign clear aligners below.
Of course, speaking to Dr. Jen or Dr. Dena at a new patient exam will be the best way to get your specific concerns addressed. You can book a free new patient exam for your child here: https://impactortho.com/book-appointment/
Orthodontic treatment is a big deal and a rite-of-passage for many kids and teens. At most orthodontic offices, you will have the option of traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners (and many other clear aligner brands like Angel and Spark).
We tell our patients every day that the best appliance to choose is the one that you think you will do the best with. Metal and plastic both move teeth in similar ways, the timelines are generally the same, and all types of teeth and bites can be corrected with both.
How do you choose?
What Are The Advantages of Invisalign, Calgary?
Comfort
Invisalign trays come as a set of aligners packaged in individual bags and numbered from 1 to X (depending on the length of your treatment plan). Each aligner has small tooth movements built into it and each aligner builds upon the last.
Most people that have had both braces and Invisalign will say that Invisalign treatment is more comfortable because of the gentle, consistent forces. Each aligner is worn for 7-10 days before it is switched out to the next.
In the first 3-4 days:
Your child or teen will feel temporary discomfort, but as the teeth gradually shift, the teeth return to feeling like they did before wearing aligners.
Anything that works for a headache can make the teeth feel better (Tylenol, Advil, ice pack). Soft and cold foods will also ease any discomfort from the Invisalign aligner.
Food
Your Invisalign aligners are worn for 22 hours a day and are only removed to eat and brush your teeth. This means that you can eat anything your heart desires. There are no food restrictions with any clear aligners.
When parents are considering teen Invisalign treatment they often tell us about all the snacking that their teen does. Rest assured, Invisalign aligners can be removed and inserted as many times as needed throughout the day. A simple rinse with water and they can pop them back in.
Oral Hygiene
Removable aligners like Invisalign are removable…meaning you can take them out to brush and floss. This means that there is no change to your day-to-day routine. We simply ask that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Rinsing with water after meals is enough during the day.
Good oral hygiene is key to a healthy smile before treatment begins, throughout Invisalign treatment, and after the Invisalign process is complete. It is much easier to straighten your teeth when traditional brushing and flossing habits are integrated into your child’s routine.
That new beautiful smile will always be more beautiful with improved oral hygiene, especially around the gum line.
At-Home Digital Monitoring
We use a system called Dental Monitoring to keep a very close eye on your teeth during the orthodontic treatment process. When we are using Invisalign clear aligners to move your teeth gradually, this monitoring program will let you know when you can switch your aligners.
It ensures that teeth are doing exactly what we want. It also allows us to communicate directly with your child or teen to keep them on-track and motivated.
Appointments/Emergencies
When your child or teen is in Invisalign aligners, they see us for appointments on an as-needed basis. No more having to come to the office every 6 weeks! Most of our patients see us every 12-30 weeks (because we see their teeth every single week with the Dental Monitoring app).
There are also no emergencies with Invisalign treatment because there is nothing that can break or get pokey that requires our attention.
If, by chance, your child or teen loses or breaks one of their Invisalign aligners, they can jump ahead to the next one. You have their entire set of aligners at home with you.
Virtually Invisible
Many children and teens appreciate the appearance of clear aligners. They appear slightly shiny on the teeth but are not noticed by most people. Calgary Invisalign is a great option when your child or teen does not want train-tracks!
The clear plastic trays are subtle as their new smile begins to take shape. There has never been a more esthetic way to move crooked teeth into proper alignment.
What Are The Disadvantages To Using Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Removable aligners
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign, virtually invisible aligners, can be removed. This means that while adult teeth and baby teeth are undergoing the straightening process, the Invisalign can be removed to eat and brush…and any other time your child or teen wants to take them out.
Invisalign only works if it is on your teeth for 22 hours a day for the entire estimated treatment time. If you want your teeth to be in the desired position at the end of treatment, they have to be worn full-time.
We recommend you choose Invisalign treatment over traditional metal braces only if your child and teen can commit to wearing them.
Another disadvantage to Invisalign trays being removable is that your child or teen can lose them. If they want straight teeth, they will need to wear them 22 hours a day and know where they put them when they take them out.
That means no pockets or napkins or kleenexes for storage. We provide a case and we tell all of our amazing patients “If it’s not in your face, keep in it your case!”.
The great news is that most children and teens do not lose their Invisalign clear braces often. If it happens once, they learn the mistake they made, and do not do it again.
Parents Are Shocked!
When parents come in with their children for a free Invisalign consultation, they are often shocked that Invisalign can straighten teeth as well as wearing braces.
They often ask us if plastic is strong enough to move permanent teeth. We only use advanced clear aligners (Invisalign and Angel), and yes, they are strong enough to move all of the teeth in the mouth!
They are often also shocked that replacement aligners are provided at no additional charge. We know that life happens. There is never a fee in our office to make a new set of aligners.
The Invisalign system allows us to create a custom treatment plan for straighter teeth and a better bite. In the teeth straightening process, there will be unpredictable things that will happen like the loss and breakage of the custom made Invisalign aligners. We don’t want you to have to worry about that, so it is included in the Invisalign cost.
Why Should You Choose Impact Orthodontics For Your Invisalign Calgary?
The Canadian dental association recommends orthodontic assessment for every child age 7 and up.
Invisalign clear braces, metal brackets, and many other appliances may be recommended for your child or teen. If you are set on Invisalign aligners for your child or teen, google “Calgary Invisalign” to see who provides this service near you. Keep in mind that appointments are not frequent in Invisalign treatment, so finding the best provider for your family may be more important than physical location.
Free Consultation For Everyone Under 20
Dr. Jen and Dr. Dena would love to see you for a free consultation to discuss a customized treatment plan for your child. This includes:
- what treatment is needed
- the types of appliances that can be used (Invisalign, braces, expander, etc.)
- when it should be completed
- what happens if nothing is done
- time to answer all of your questions and concerns
- a transparent discussion about pricing including our affordable monthly payment plans
Not all orthodontic problems are just about achieving straight smiles. Proper alignment of teeth is key as is proper alignment of the jaws. Sometimes your child’s smile looks great but there are issues with how the teeth bite together.
The only way to know for sure is to speak to an orthodontist in Calgary today! The perfect timing is age 7 (around when the permanent teeth emerging) OR any time after age 7 if you have not been yet.
No referral is needed to visit your Calgary orthodontists, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dena, at Impact Orthodontics. You can book an appointment by calling or texting 403-256-7797, emailing us at [email protected] or visiting our website to book directly into our calendar. They would love to meet you!
Check out our Google reviews to see what other’s think 🙂
Our mission is to provide orthodontic treatment in a fun, caring, inclusive environment, to as many of the deserving children and teens in Calgary and area as possible.
