Straighter Smiles: Online Aligner Companies vs. Orthodontist Visits for Children

If it seems as though your child may need intervention for teeth straightening and they'd prefer to go the clear aligner route over traditional braces, what should you do? While it may be tempting to avoid the cost of seeing an orthodontist by pursuing an online direct-to-consumer option, this isn't the recommended option for children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist around 7 years old. Orthodontic treatment isn't just for the appeal of a beautiful smile; teeth need to function well as a whole in order to bite and chew properly. Children still have a combination of baby and permanent teeth at age 7, and through examination an orthodontist can tell if there are any potential problems looming. Getting a head start on assessing need can speed up the overall process of treatment. Children younger than 7 can also see an orthodontist if a problem is suspected. There are a few telltale signs that your child may need orthodontic care. Early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, cheek biting, jaw shifting or clicking, and facial imbalance are some of the warning signs to look out for in a child. Braces are no longer the only option for orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners are custom-formed thermoplastic trays that are nearly invisible and snap over the teeth. They have become another popular way to address common teeth conditions in children, such as gapped teeth, crowded teeth, over/underbite, and crooked teeth. Clear aligners sequentially apply pressure to move the teeth and are generally worn for about a week at a time, for at least 22 hours a day, to incrementally move teeth. They are removed to eat, drink, brush and floss. The number of aligners/treatment times will vary for each child. Some clear aligner systems can be used in children as young as 6 years of age. Aligners are appealing for their ease of removal to clean teeth and eat, as well as their level of comfort. The process to obtain aligners is fairly simple and involves a scan in the office, time for production and shipping of the aligners (this can take the longest amount of time), and delivery in the office with the patient that includes placement and care instructions. However, not every orthodontic issue can be resolved with aligners, which is why an orthodontist is the best person to assess which treatment is necessary for your child's specific needs. Because children's mouths are still growing, it is best to seek professional help for orthodontic treatments rather than utilizing online aligner companies. Your child should also see their orthodontist for regular check-ups throughout the treatment process to ensure teeth are responding appropriately and to address any possible issues related to the aligners. Conversely, online companies may be the best fit for adults looking for a straighter smile. The lower cost and ability to purchase do-it-yourself impression kits that are then reviewed by licensed orthodontists to assess treatment needs is appealing for busy adults who generally need a lower level of oversight. While cost can be an issue for children's orthodontics as well, dental insurance that includes orthodontic care will often cover traditional braces and clear aligners equally. Obviously, this varies depending on the plan, so consulting a qualified orthodontist is the best way to receive an individualized estimate based on your child's needs. Flexible Spending Accounts can typically be used to pay for orthodontic "appliances," as they're commonly called, and many offices will also offer payment plans to assist with affordability for those who are uninsured for orthodontic care. As the American Association of Orthodontics explains it, "moving teeth is a complex biological process." In children, the outcome can be even more detrimental when the process is done incorrectly. Seeking intervention and advice from a trained orthodontist is the best way to proceed when it comes to straightening the smiles of youth.