Using Invisalign clear aligners In Fontana is a popular way to fix teeth that do not use metal braces but instead use clear plastic aligners. This makes it a good choice for a lot of people, but can it be used for people with special needs? The answer is yes but with a few adjustments.
The challenges of traditional orthodontics for special needs patients.
Traditional braces can be hard for people with special needs because of a few issues. Wearing braces can be painful and make your gums and cheeks itch.
Also, they might make it hard to eat and brush your teeth. People with special needs may also have sensory issues that make braces uncomfortable for them.
The benefits of Invisalign for special needs patients.
For people with special needs, Invisalign can solve many of the problems that regular braces cause. The clear aligners are smooth and easy to wear, and you can take them off to eat and brush your teeth.
This makes it a lot easier to keep your teeth clean. Also, Invisalign may be less obvious than braces, which can be helpful for people who are self-conscious.
Tailoring Invisalign treatments for special needs patients.
For people with special needs to get good results from Invisalign, dentists need to make sure that the treatment plan fits the needs of each patient. This may include:
- having shorter wear time.
For some people, they may only need to wear the aligners for a shorter amount of time every day. Putting this on can help ease pain and itching. If a person has trouble with the braces for long amounts of time, for example, they might only be able to wear them for 12 hours a day instead of 22.
- More monitoring should happen.
People with special needs may need to go to the doctor more often for checkups. That way, the dentist can make sure everything is going as planned with the treatment and answer any questions the patient or dentist may have. For instance, a person who gags often might need to go to the doctor once a week to check on their progress and make sure the aligners are not making them feel bad.
- Teaching about oral health.
It is important to teach people with special needs how to take care of their teeth while they are getting Invisalign. This could mean making a plan with a helper that is easy for the patient to follow. For instance, a person who has trouble brushing their teeth might need to use a toothpaste or toothbrush that is made just for people with special needs.
- Behavioral modifications.
In some cases, people may need to change the way they behave in order to get Invisalign treatment. For instance, people who like to chew on things might need to find another way to satisfy their need to eat. People who chew on their braces might need to be taught to chew on something else, like a chew toy.
Traditional braces may still be needed in some cases.
It is important to remember that Invisalign is not always the best option for people with special needs. In some cases, you may still need standard braces. This could happen if the patient’s teeth are very badly out of place or if they have certain health problems.
People with special needs who want to fix their teeth in a way that is easy and does not draw attention to them can use Invisalign. However, it is very important to work with an experienced dentist if you want the treatment to go well.
It is important to find an experienced dentist because not all of them can help people with special needs. Communication is very important for treatment to work, and the length of treatment may change based on the patient’s needs. Doctors, patients, and caregivers can work together to make sure that Invisalign treatment goes well.