Should You Be Using Invisible Braces on Your Kids?
Invisible braces have been a hot topic for the last couple of years. What makes them so famous is the fact that they allow you to have your teeth straightened without compromising on looks.
Adults have been taking advantage of this technology and the results are astonishing. Not only do you have results that are faster than traditional metal braces, but you also have the convenience to have no limitations on the food you eat.
However, with all the advantages of invisible braces, a question does arise. Can invisible braces be used for kids? Do they offer the same benefits in their case?
We are here today to discuss the answers to all of these questions and also provide you with a list of the most affordable invisible braces in the current market.
Without further ado, let’s get on with it.
Why do Kids Need Braces in the First Place?
One aspect of braces that are completely misunderstood by people is that you only need them for crooked teeth. What they fail to realize is that braces can be a solution for a variety of dental problems in a child.
Here are some of the conditions that may require your child to get braces.
- Having difficulty chewing food.
- Trouble with their speaking skills.
- Losing their teeth too early.
- Unbalanced facial features.
- Teeth which don’t meet properly.
It should be noted that the listed conditions are the most common ones. If your child has any other dental issues, you should be setting up an appointment with your dentist, as soon as possible.
Are There Any Age Limitations?
It will come as a relief to a lot of parents that having braces come with no age limitations. You can take your child to see the orthodontist and ask for suggestions on when or if they should get braces.
Mostly, children have to be at least 7-10 years old to have braces. This is because braces are more efficient to be used when their permanent teeth start to appear.
However, there are many exceptions to this as many children face troubles like the ones mentioned previously. So, they might need to get the braces sooner rather than later.
Adult Braces vs Kids Braces: What’s the Difference?
To be honest, while comparing braces from one person to the other, they are all different. There are no changes in the idea of braces in this regard. Every person, regardless of age, has a unique set of teeth.
There are, of course, different types of braces but the principles on which the braces work are similar. They all push the teeth into the correct alignment by using constant force.
How Are Invisible Braces Helpful for Kids?
The ideal reason for your children to wear invisible braces is for emotional reasons. The thought of having wires and metal bands can cause anxiety and stress on your child during every dental visit.
Moreover, children at this age are more concerned about their social status. Starting from how they look in their pictures, how they are going to dress better, and what they can do to look better.
Invisible braces give children less to worry about and give them the confidence to go about their daily activities.
Invisible Braces: Are They Cheaper for Kids?
The prices for braces are dependent on the number of adjustments that are needed for the teeth to be pushed into place. It does not necessarily have an age factor to it.
However, the cost of braces for adults can be slightly more expensive than for kids. This is because adults’ mouths have the tendency to be affected by a variety of dental issues and it is harder to push the teeth into place.
For kids, pushing the teeth in is relatively easier because the teeth are still developing. Hence it requires fewer adjustments, which drives the price lower.
Will Invisible Braces for My Kids Break My Bank?
Not exactly. They are about the same and in many cases cheaper. Traditional metal braces can cost you anything between $1500 to $6000 whereas invisible braces range between $1800 to $4000.
This is also dependent on the number of adjustments and the severity of the position of teeth. Only the company providing the treatment may establish the precise pricing.
Fortunately for you, we've created a list of the greatest companies that can make your kids smile. So that you can enjoy all the perks of invisible braces without jeopardizing your financial situation.
Smile Direct Club
Smile Direct Club offers a service that is available directly to consumers, at their doorsteps. It provides a variety of packages that are affordable for your kids.
The company was one of the pioneers of invisible braces. The prices are also about 60% less than traditional metal braces.
Your child would need to be at least 12 years old, and all of their services are doctor-oriented. All the plans are directed and supervised by licensed dentists and orthodontists.
The process begins by taking your child to the nearest SmileShop to get a 3D scan of their teeth. It also provides aligners that are almost invisible to the naked eye giving your child all the confidence in the world.
Smile Direct Club currently has two payment modules. You can pay for the service in one go with a total price of $1950 or over a monthly installment which is priced at $89/month over 24 months with a $250 deposit.
Or read our complete review of Smile Direct Club
Byte
This company allows you to complete the full treatment in the comfort of your own home. When compared to other firms on the market, it offers one of the quickest treatment timeframes.
Byte does this with the help of a gadget known as HyperByte. The gadget emits vibrations at a certain frequency that are transferred to the bone through the teeth.
The vibrations serve to boost the comfortability of the aligners while they are being fitted, resulting in faster tooth movement.
HyperByte is included in both the packages that Byte currently offers. To make things even better, all of the aligners are monitored remotely including the scans that track the effectiveness of the treatment.
The All-Day Aligner System for Byte is set for a one-time payment at $1895 or an installment plan for $82/month over 32 months with a $249 down payment.
The All-Night Aligner System, on the other hand, is set for a one-time payment of $2295. The installment plan for this will set you back $99/month over 32 months, with a $299 down payment.
Or read our complete review of Byte
Candid
Candid is a company that combines two popular orthodontic trends: teledentistry and direct customer services.
You may either go to a Candid station or get a starting pack sent to your home. You then take molds of the child's teeth, snap a few photographs, and send everything back to Candid.
The molds are then utilized to create 3D scans of your child's teeth at Candid. Afterwards, a qualified orthodontist will determine whether your child is suitable for the treatment.
The same orthodontist who evaluates your child's 3D images will oversee the whole treatment. In addition, you will receive a whitening kit as well as a device that allows you to monitor your child's growth remotely.
The treatment strategy involves giving your child a series of aligners to wear to shift their teeth into position. Another characteristic of the aligners is that they are FDA-approved and resistant to stains.
On average, candid treatments cost up to $3300. This is less expensive than conventional braces and may be much cheaper depending on how quickly your child's teeth are moved into the right position.
Keep in mind that the retainers to be used after the treatment are $99. It is not included in the treatment costs.
Or read our complete review of Candid
NewSmile
NewSmile claims to be 75% cheaper than the traditional metal braces and takes 3-4 months to have straighter teeth.
The company takes pride in offering a straightforward service with three simple steps.
The first step involves signing up and receiving an impression kit that will allow you to create molds of the child’s teeth. The molds are then sent back to NewSmile.
The molds will be examined, and a 3D rendering of your child's straightened teeth will be provided. After that, you have the opportunity to approve the appearance before NewSmile begins producing the aligners.
After the treatment begins, you will be sending the progress of the child using the NewSmile App. If there are issues with the movement of your child’s teeth, the specialist will let you know.
NewSmile currently is offered with a Fast Track option that is priced at a one-time payment of $1395. There is also an installment option for this plan that costs $83/month over 18 months with no down payment.
There is also an option to choose only an impression kit and a review for $49. If everything seems good for your child, you can pay for the rest and get all your aligners delivered to your doorstep.
Or read our complete review of NewSmile
Flossing is great for your teeth
AlignerCo
This business provides almost undetectable aligners to help your child's dental problems. It advertises itself as being cost-effective and providing the convenience of not needing to visit a dental clinic.
Parents would need to acquire an impression kit before taking one of their inexpensive programs. It will be used to make a dental imprint of your child, which will allow AlignerCo professionals to build a treatment plan.
After a plan is crafted, you would then need to choose your payment model. AlignerCo currently has a one-time payment package called SmileAdvantage that is set at $1145. It includes the impression kit, aligners, and a set of retainers.
If you are looking for installment plans, there are two packages offered, SmileFlex and SmileFlex Easy. The former would cost you $81/month over 12 months, and the latter would cost you $95/month over 11 months with a $275 down payment.
Or read our complete review of AlignerCo
Strayt
Even though Strayt is a relatively new company, the flexibility of the services and the competitive prices make it one of the best providers of invisible braces.
The company focuses on a seamless service for all customers by reducing the cost of teeth straightening treatments. It also removes the prospect of visiting the dentist from the equation.
Strayt’s teeth alignment is guided by the use of software tools that help orthodontists design movements that are specific to your child. Your child’s digital scans can be done by an impression kit at home or any location at your convenience.
The scanning is a radiation-free process that produces a digital replica of your teeth. The scans impressively include your child’s root structures and detailed insight into their gums.
There are two sorts of treatment plans accessible right now: daytime and night-time.
The daytime kit demands wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours per day, whereas the night-time kit requires you to wear the aligners for at least 10 hours per day.
This is why the daytime plans have a faster result compared to the night-time plans. The plans are priced the same and should be chosen based on your child’s needs.
You can purchase either of the plans at $1848 in one go or choose any of the two installment options. You can choose a 12-month installment option which is priced at $87/month over 24 with a $248 down payment or you can choose a 24-month installment plan priced at $117/month over 12 months with a $199 down payment.
Our Take on Using Invisible Braces for Your Children
If done correctly, invisible braces are one of the greatest options for your children. When it comes to providing services for your child, different companies have different requirements.
These invisible braces are quicker, more effective, and have no negative impact on your child's social confidence. Furthermore, your child will be allowed to consume anything he or she wants.
Choose any of the firms listed above to take advantage of this cutting-edge technology. They all provide excellent services without putting too much of a financial strain on you.
Choose what works best for you and your child, and take care of their teeth while they're still young!
FAQ
Do I need special products to clean my Clear Aligner?
Clear Aligners are very easy to clean, as they can be removed. The best way to clean your Clear Aligner is to use a soft bristled toothbrush and cool or lukewarm water. No need to use soap or toothpaste as it might be abrasive. Always keep your Clear Aligner clean as poor hygiene can cause damage to your teeth.
Do Clear Aligners still require kids to see the dentist?
Of course! You should take your child to see a dentist every 6 months, with or without ongoing treatment. The dentist can make sure everything is in check with your child’s oral health and fix any issues with the Clear Aligner. If you have any questions, your dentist appointment is a great time to clear them up.
Can my child continue their extracurricular activities with Clear Aligners?
There are no issues with playing wind instruments or contact sports while wearing Clear Aligners, unlike metal braces which can be restrictive. Clear Aligners are comfortable so they can be worn during such activities, but if your child is uncomfortable, they can remove it temporarily and put it back on after they are done.
Will Clear Aligners impair my child’s speech?
Another reason to choose Clear Aligners over metal braces is the minimal speech impairment. Most patients will not have any issues at all, but some might develop a lisp at the beginning of their treatment. This will go away once the patient adjusts to the Clear Aligner though, unlike with metal braces where the lisp remains till its removal.
