How has the use of aligners in treating children changed the approach of orthodontists

AIMS of the Course

Thanks to 3D technology the aligners are custom made and are adapted as the patient grows.

80% of orthodontic treatments could be avoided if treated at an early age before the malocclusion sets in. Treatment with aligners in kids is specifically designed for children between 5 and 14 years old, to correct patients’ malocclusions, both in primary as in mixed dentition. Thanks to 3D technology the aligners are custom made and are adapted as the patient grows. Aligners are made with a special material that adapts perfectly to the dental anatomy, thus avoiding discomfort of conventional devices.

Aligners in kids are a real alternative to conventional treatment of orthodontic problems in growing patients since they are really comfortable, they do not cause wounds or sores, they reduce the risk of cavities, facilitate patient hygiene, allow them to be removed to eat, do not make speech difficult, reduce the risk of dental fractures and increase the patient self-esteem.
The use of Aligners in kids allows for intervention before malocclusions develop in primary, mixed, and young permanent dentitions. The goal is to maintain or restore the natural functional balance of the mouth of young patients from an early age. Many orthodontic problems can be avoided with timely intervention, before malocclusions develop.

The number Aligners will vary in relation to the complexity of each case and the recommended treatment plan. The present course will demonstrate with several clinical cases the use of Aligners in mixed dentitions, to correct anterior cross bites, lateral cross bites, relieve crowdings and redirect the harmonious development of the arches. Also, the use of Aligners in teens during permanent dentition will be shown, as alternative to Twin Blocks/Functional appliances to correct Class II malocclusions, cross bites, and deep overbites.

USE OF ALIGNERS IN KIDS:

• What is the use of Aligners in Kids about?
• Our philosophy.
• Treatment objectives.

EARLY TREATMENT IN PRIMARY DENTITION.
INTRODUCTION.

GENERAL CONCEPTS

• about aligner biomechanics.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

• in deciduous and mixed dentition.

PRODUCT SELECTION:

• When? and Why?

SPECIAL FEATURES OF ALIGNERS IN KIDS:

• Digital tracks.
• Occlusal blocks.
• Lingual stops.
• Eruption guides.
• Smart Hooks

CASE SELECTION:

• Managing the occlusal plane.
• Vertical problems.
• Transversal problems: Expansion patterns.
• Sagittal problems.

Clinical Indications

• Anterior Cross bites
• Dento-alveolar expansion.
• Vertical control.
• Improve overbite.
• Reduce open bite.
• Class I, II, III malocclusions
• Crowding relieve.
• Habit control.
• Mandibular advancement.
• Prevention of future malocclusions.
• Guide to dental eruption.
• Aesthetics.
• The Stop and Go and the Stop and Wait Concepts
• Treatment time duration

Interceptive treatments

Anterior cross bites:

• Aligners
• Sectionals
• Quad Helix
• Acrylic plates 

Crowding relieve:

• Aligners
• Sectionals
• Lip bumper
• Lingual arch

Transverse discrepancies:

• Aligners
• Rapid Maxillary Expander
• Conventional Quad Helix  – Ni-Ti Quad Helix
• TPA with and without extensions
• Acrylic plates
• Lip bumper
• Lingual arch

Sagittal discrepancies

Class II malocclusion therapy:

• Conventional Twin Blocks vs Twin Blocks Aligners
• Aligners with Class II elastics

Vertical discrepancies:

• Aligners
• Cervera Plate – Double plates
• URA

Maxillary molar distalization

• Aligners vs Conventional Molar Distalizers.

DAY-TO-DAY WITH ALIGNERS IN KIDS:

• What to do at each appointment.
• Stop & Go / Stop & Wait. Concept.
• Patient instructions and motivation.
• Retention and stability.