The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first visit to the orthodontist is by their seventh birthday. Although it is rare for a child to need treatment at age seven, early evaluation provides timely and early detection of problems and a greater opportunity for effective treatment. If treatment is recommended at a young age when baby teeth are still present (Phase I) it is likely due to a severe issue that can be simplified if treated before all adult teeth erupt. Phase One treatments can be incredibly successful because the skeletal structure of young children is not yet fused. This means what would be a difficult and complicated treatment in the future (involving orthognathic surgery or dental extraction) can be avoided with specific indicated early treatments.

Clear aligners are a series of clear plastic aligners that move teeth. Often used with adult braces patients, these trays are nearly invisible and have revolutionized the world of orthodontics. Dr. Bhavnani has been an early adopter of clear aligners and has successfully treated hundreds of clear aligner cases. She is comfortable taking on almost any case with clear aligners, no matter how complex.

Reasons to consider clear aligners include:

• No Dietary Changes: You remove the aligners when eating, so nothing is off limits!
• Easy Care: You remove the aligners for brushing and flossing so your home care stays and some and it isn’t more difficult to floss or brush as it is with traditional braces.
• True Comfort: Unlike braces, the aligners are smooth and do not irritate the mouth.
• Fewer Appointments: Most orthodontic appointments are for adjustments, but you handle some of those at home on your own by swapping out aligners.
• Little to no emergencies: It is rare for clear aligners patients to have emergencies. As there is less to break, poke or cause discomfort.