Gentle Braces for Kids in West Hollywood, CA, for Growing Patients
Clover Invisalign for Kids: Ideal Orthodontic Care for All Ages
We recommend that all children come in for their first orthodontic consultation between the ages of 7 and 8. Typically, only about 20% of children require early orthodontic treatment. For ultimate comfort and hygiene, we utilize Invisalign clear aligners in many of our pediatric cases. That said, we also specialize in traditional expanders and braces when they are more appropriate for your child.
Why Early Orthodontic Intervention Is Important For A Growing Mouth
Children’s mouths are very small. So small, in fact, that they can often get cramped as adult teeth begin to come in that don’t yet fit their jaw and face.
Too often these issues can be overlooked by parents who think it might be too soon for orthodontic care, when in reality, holding off can compound already forming issues. Treatment at this stage is actually critical, even for a 7-year-old.
At Clover Orthodontic Studio in West Hollywood, we love helping families learn the importance of early care to spare their kids unnecessary future pain and suffering. Using aligners to help create additional space for those incoming bigger teeth can prevent painful impaction (where the teeth can actually get stuck in the gums or jaw bone), and broaden the palate to help maximize your child’s airway and improve their breathing.
The beauty of Invisalign for kids is that the aligners are far more comfortable to wear and infinitely more hygienic than traditional hardware. Because the trays are custom-made to their mouths as they grow, the aligners change right along with them for a perfect fit.
Clover’s Invisalign system is the ideal way to treat even complicated cases in kids, making the journey easy on both the patient and their caregivers.
Invisalign For Your Child – What We Can Treat
— Excessive crowding or spacing
— Impacted permanent teeth
— Underbite and overbite
— Airway and breathing issues
What To Expect at Clover Orthodontic Studio
Step 1: Consultation & Digital Scan
Come for your first appointment where we’ll make your child feel comfortable and relaxed before we do a quick digital scan of their mouth. We’ll talk about your concerns and discuss options as we create a customized plan for their care.
Step 2: Receive The Trays
In 3-4 weeks time, you’ll receive your child’s set of personalized aligners to begin using day and night. Included in your child’s kit are new trays each week to gently support the changes we need to see over time.
Step 3: Office & Virtual Visits
Periodically throughout the treatment process you’ll have the option to visit Clover with your child for a 15-minute checkup or meet with us online to make sure progress is being made and the trays are working well.
Step 4: Maintenance
Once active treatment is completed, your child will receive a set of retainers to wear to help maintain the progress we’ve made. As they grow, they may need to return for another phase of treatment depending on their unique needs and growing mouth.
Clover kids who we treat with Invisalign have such an incredible and easy experience compared to those who get expanders and braces. Give your kiddo the gift of comfort and great results without all the stress and tears.
Braces for Kids FAQs
Do all young kids need orthodontics?
About one in five kids requires orthodontic treatment before all of their adult teeth come in. We always recommend dropping in for your first consultation to evaluate if your child has any orthodontic needs around age 7 or 8.
Is Invisalign better than traditional braces for early treatment?
As with anything, there are pros and cons to each treatment approach. Clear aligner trays are easy-to-use by even the smallest children. They’re lightweight, comfortable to wear compared to metal brackets, and they offer a flexibility in the treatment process that allows for less pain and mouth discomfort. Because they can be removed for eating and brushing, they also ensure much better hygiene during treatment! The only catch is that they need to be worn well. We’ve found that the vast majority of kids are excellent at wearing their trays. That said, there are always exceptions, and sometimes the more traditional expander and braces will be right for your child.
How much does Phase 1 Treatment Cost?
Phase 1 typically costs between $3485 and $4385. We offer in-house, interest free financing so you can spread the costs over the course of your child’s treatment time. We are also in-network with all PPO insurance plans and accept all FSA/HSA cards. Many patients pay as little as $168/month for their orthodontic care.
Can early treatment improve my child’s breathing / airway?
Absolutely. More and more data is coming out showing the significant impact that healthy breathing through the nose has on a child’s growth and development. If you notice that your child tends to breathe through their mouth, it’s important to evaluate possible treatment options. We often collaborate with other specialists to create a comprehensive plan to ensure your child is breathing properly throughout their developmental years.
Orthodontics often plays a critical role in this process, as expansion of the palate can create more space for the tongue and thereby facilitate easier breathing.
What if I think traditional expanders and braces will work better for my child?
There are certainly instances where traditional braces and expanders may be favored over Invisalign. For example, if you feel your child will not be compliant with wearing aligners, we may consider using traditional expanders/braces instead. They are certainly effective and can be navigated well with the right instructions and care. Dr. McComb and his team will help you and your child decide which option is best!
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