School will look different in most districts when students return to classrooms this season. Looking their best will assist both elementary level students and teens in feeling optimistic and confident, as they reunite with friends they haven’t seen for several months, make new ones and adjust to the new normal of today’s modified classrooms, set up to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. While masks may be required in some situations, that won’t likely be the case during every event, or for the long term. Beautiful back to school smiles boosts self-esteem at any time and help ensure good dental health for later in life.
Braces: The Traditional Choice
The basic role of braces, according to KidsHealth for parents, is to fix defects of teeth and mouth, including crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth, or a bad bite (malocclusion).
Though it’s acceptable to see a dental alignment professional at any time, it is recommended that children first consult with one around age seven when permanent teeth begin coming in, since, at that stage, it begins to become apparent whether teeth may become overcrowded or suffer misalignment, and there is plenty of time to correct defects.
Invisalign Shapes Smiles Without Being Obvious
How does Invisalign differ from conventional braces? Confidence is the answer some have offered. Invisalign straightens teeth predictably, yet the invisible aligners are discreet in appearance. Perhaps even more important, they’re not disruptive to the life of the wearer. A high tech version of conventional braces, progress through Invisalign can be tracked at every appointment via scanning that takes six thousand images per second. Invisalign improves appearance while aligning teeth for uninterrupted confidence. The clear and undetectable Vivera retainer keeps teeth in line, once they are corrected. It’s custom-made and built to last.
Braces Versus Invisalign: Which is the Best Choice?
Both braces and Invisalign result in the desired effect of creating straight, aesthetically pleasing smiles and proper bite for efficient function. Neither option is necessarily “better” than the other. They simply function in a different manner. Following are a few comparisons:
- Braces are visible, usually silver but also available in bold colors for self-expression. Invisalign aligners are clear, not noticeable to others.
- Braces are bonded to the teeth so they cannot be removed by the wearer. Brackets are bonded to each individual tooth. The brackets are connected by a thin wire. The wire is tightened to gradually shift the teeth into the desired position, over time. Invisalign clear aligners are removable for tooth brushing and eating. It is recommended, for best results, that they be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day.
- Treatment time for each option depends upon the individual situation, but Invisalign wearers must come into the orthodontist’s office every 10 to 12 weeks, while those who opt for braces visit the office every eight weeks or so.
Your orthodontist can help determine the best choice for each patient.
The Role of Retainers
Traditional retainers are normally worn after braces are removed, to make certain teeth don’t slip back out of place. This is a very important insurance measure to protect the new dental structure over the long term. Sometimes retainers can be used for other purposes: to close gaps between teeth, help with speech problems, or solve certain medical issues. Retainers are constructed of plastic and metal and are custom-made for each individual.
Orthodontic Treatment and its Impact on Self-Confidence
Studies, including this one published by NCBI, demonstrate the powerful impact of orthodontic treatment on the self-esteem of adolescents suffering from dental malocclusion. Self-esteem is an essential character trait for developing the confidence it takes to succeed in school and in life. We live in a fast-paced, highly competitive world. The pressure to socialize for success starts in school. Parents can help children face this pressure successfully by doing everything possible to keep them healthy and attractive. Specialized dental treatment can do both.
Developing self-confidence has always been difficult for many children, high school and college students. This school year presents an even more difficult situation as students adapt to the “new normal.” Parents can help by securing the best dental and orthodontic work possible in order to facilitate bright and attractive smiles, one of the top tools for confidence-building.
Ready to get your kids started in their back to school smiles? Schedule an appointment with Lamparski Orthodontics today!
