You’ve probably heard another parent say it, or you have said it yourself. “Why do we need to see an Orthodontist so soon? The baby teeth are just going to fall out anyway.” There are many other factors to consider when you are thinking about orthodontic care for your kids. That is one of the many reasons that we offer a complimentary consultation at Pana Orthodontics in Aliso Viejo. We welcome resident from the surrounding cities such as Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel as well. This allows Dr. Pana to do a thorough exam and see if there is anything that can be done early to help avoid potential problems in the future. If everything looks good, you can pet the office dog and be on your way. If he sees anything that he thinks should be followed up on now, or at a later stage in life, he will let you and your Dentist know so you can plan accordingly. The AAO has put together this great list of 9 things a parent should know about Invisalign:

1. Invisalign® treatment is the modern way to straighten teeth

Invisalign® clear aligners are the future of teen teeth straightening —
95% of orthodontists agree. After taking a digital scan or impression,
your orthodontist will develop a treatment plan using a series of
custom-made, removable, and virtually invisible aligners.

2. From simple to complex, Invisalign treatment is effective for
a wide range of teeth-straightening cases

Your first concern as a parent is choosing a treatment that will give
your teen their best smile. With advances that no other clear aligner
can offer, like SmartTrack® material and SmartForce® features,
Invisalign clear aligners straighten teeth with 75% more predictability
— without interrupting your teen’s life.

3. Invisalign treatment can now shape your teen’s smile faster than braces

Invisalign clear aligners straighten teeth even faster. And they are clear and removable, so you can see the
progress in your teen’s smile every step of the way.

4. Invisalign treatment is a more comfortable way to straighten teeth

There are no brackets to rub or wires to break. And unlike most other
aligners, Invisalign clear aligners are trimmed along the gum line
for optimal patient comfort.

5. Teens do wear their Invisalign aligners

Studies show teens wear their aligners the recommended 20 to
22 hours a day. Plus, only Invisalign clear aligners have built-in
compliance indicators, so you can be sure your teen is wearing the
aligners. What’s best? Replacement aligners are available should
your teen misplace them.

6. Teens who wear Invisalign clear aligners are more confident

You want your teen to see what you’ve always seen: their potential.
Traditional braces can make teens self-conscious, and studies show
that teens with Invisalign clear aligners are more likely to have a
boost in self-esteem.

7. You can have fewer, shorter office visits and fewer emergency visits

Invisalign treatment can give you back family time, because Invisalign
clear aligners don’t need to be manually adjusted by Dr Pana.
And you’ll never have an emergency visit due to broken wires
or brackets.

8. Your teen can keep living their life without interruption during
Invisalign treatment

The aligners are virtually invisible and easily removable, so your teen
can still enjoy school pictures, social events, and all the foods they
love. Plus, no brackets or wires means sports injuries are less likely.
Your teen can even continue to brush and floss as usual for better
oral health — and have less cavity-causing plaque than patients
with braces.

9. Many orthodontic insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment up
to 50%

Ask Dr Pana how insurance, flexible spending accounts, and
payment plans can help you fit Invisalign treatment into your budget.