Baby and permanent teeth
Baby and permanent teeth
Most parents seek orthodontic treatment for their child’s baby teeth between the ages of 6 to 10 years old. And if your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, Invisalign First™ treatment could help them. Let’s look at some of the treatment options.
What are baby teeth?
Baby teeth are also known as primary or milk teeth.1 They generally begin to erupt around 2½ years old and slowly start to shed around 6. But sometimes, a child’s baby teeth don’t fall out at all, which can cause malocclusions or a bad bite. In such a case, corrective treatment is required.
What are the complications caused by some baby teeth?
There are some important reasons you may want to talk to your doctor about removing baby teeth, which can include:
-
Extreme tooth decay that is unresponsive to fillings or root canals
-
Overcrowded teeth that can interfere with proper jaw development
-
A shattered or fractured tooth that cannot be fixed
What’s the best age for starting orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign First™, is generally advised for children between the ages of 6 and 10 who have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth.
Available treatment methods
-
Invisalign First clear aligners
Invisalign First aligners are a phase 1 treatment specially designed to shape your child’s smile for the future. The aligners are created to meet the special requirements of developing children while providing predictable results and a comfortable experience. -
Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is frequently performed when baby teeth do not come out before the adult teeth erupt.2 Children must have enough room in their jaws for the adult teeth to grow. Insufficient space in your child’s mouth for the adult teeth to erupt normally can lead to severe crowding. -
Braces
Children 6 to 10 years are generally eligible for getting braces. Braces is a kind of traditional treatment using arch wires and metal brackets to move the teeth in the proper position and correct persisting bite issues. -
Palate expanders
A palate expander opens the upper jaw, so there is more space for both the existing teeth and the teeth that are erupting.3 Your child might feel uncomfortable over the first several days and have trouble speaking and eating.
Reasons to get Invisalign First for your child
There are several advantages of getting Invisalign First for your child, even before their baby teeth have fallen out.
Here’s how Invisalign First can assist with your child’s future smile:
-
Removable aligners help your child enjoy their favorite foods and drinks without any interruption
-
Growing children can easily brush and floss without hassle
-
Clear aligners help them smile with confidence even during the treatment process
-
Assists in aligning both baby and permanent teeth properly