Mixed dentition features and technology

CandidPro is a highly capable clear aligner system that can help you treat a wide variety of mixed dentition case types with an expansion-focused philosophy that promotes healthy airway development.

Treating patients at the mixed dentition stage can help permanent dentition express in a healthy manner, and CandidPro’s connected approach to care can help you achieve predictable results. 

CandidPro can treat a wide range of malocclusions. For mixed dentition cases, we recommend these four case types—especially if you’re just getting started with clear aligner therapy. 

• Class I malocclusion
• Mild-to-moderate crowding
• Anterior crossbite
• Narrow arches

Connected technology for children and parents

With CandidPro, our provider can offer a high-touch, digital treatment experience that’s ideal for younger patients with mixed dentition. Our ProMonitoring™ app actively engages younger patients and their parents in their treatment while providing detailed records and analysis to your office at every aligner change. On the doctor side, you get a full suite of treatment records at every aligner change so you can carefully track their progress and development. 

• At-home check-ins minimize office visits while maintaining doctor oversight
• Gamified experience motivates patients while driving compliance
• Guardian accounts help parents track progress from anywhere
• Shareable photos and videos to show off results with friends and family

Mixed dentition requirements and tips

Not every mixed dentition patient is suitable for CandidPro clear aligner therapy. You may need to wait for incisors and/or molars to fully erupt. You may also want to wait until the permanent dentition has fully expressed. 

Here are the requirements we’ve set for CandidPro:

• Fully erupted upper and lower incisors and first molars are required.
• Comprehensive cases must finish within the refinement period. Phased treatment is not offered at this time

Scheduling appointments

Mixed dentition shifts rapidly. It’s important to schedule your patient’s delivery appointment shortly after the expected Aligner Kit arrival date.

For assistance submitting or managing a mixed dentition case, CandidPro providers can book live video calls with our CandidPro Orthodontists to assess each patient on a case-by-case basis

Learn more about CandidConsult

Mixed dentition FAQ

Let’s clear the air about the role clear aligner therapy can play in guiding the development of patients with mixed dentition. 

How do mixed dentition and adult treatment plans differ?

Permanent dentition treatment plans address malocclusions that have developed during childhood and adolescence. Mixed dentition treatment plans seek to intercept developing malocclusion by guiding the development of the patient’s dentition and providing adequate space for future eruption. 

What is eruption compensation and how does it work?

Eruption compensation is a treatment planning feature that promotes proper development of adult dentition by maintaining or creating space for non-erupted or partially erupted permanent teeth. Space is either maintained using a pontic or created via translation or tipping.

Can treating patients with mixed dentition benefit their airway health?

Clear aligner therapy may help patients with mixed dentition develop healthy airways by promoting proper arch development and creating adequate space for the tongue. 

Is a 7-day or 14-day wear schedule better for mixed dentition cases?

Both 7-day and 14-day wear schedules are suitable for mixed dentition patients. As the treating clinician, it’s up to you to choose the appropriate schedule based on the patient's unique needs, oral health, age, and case complexity. If compliance is a concern, a 14-day wear schedule may promote better outcomes. You can always schedule a video consultation with a CandidPro Orthodontist to help determine the best option for your patient. You may also change your patient’s wear schedule at any time over the course of their treatment. 

Does the ProMonitoring™ app work on mixed dentition patients?

Yes. CandidMonitoring is capable of analyzing progress scans of your mixed dentition patients. This FDA-cleared technology can help you detect tracking deviations, hygiene issues, and compliance concerns. The patient-facing ProMonitoring™ app also includes parent-friendly features to help younger patients submit their scans on time. 

Does CandidPro treat impacted canines?

CandidPro clear aligners can play a role in treating impacted canines by creating space and developing the arch in support of additional surgical or orthodontic interventions. Ultimately, treating impacted canines is often complex, and we recommend that only experienced clinicians attempt these cases. 

‍What can I do about ankylosed teeth? 

Ankylosed teeth cannot be moved with clear aligner therapy. You must mark ankylosed teeth that should not be moved when submitting your case. We also recommend scheduling a treatment plan review with a CandidPro Orthodontist to help determine the best way forward if you plan on addressing ankylosed teeth with surgery down the road. 

How do I plan treatment for patients with congenitally missing teeth (e.g., upper laterals)?

Please mark any missing teeth on your intake form when submitting a case. You may also provide direction to address congenitally missing teeth in the “special concerns” section. We can create a pontic space that you can paint or fill with your preferred material until the patient is ready for restorative work.

Does CandidPro plan for serial extractions?

Though we do provide eruption compensation to account for developing dentition, we do not currently offer support for cases requiring serial extractions occurring during the treatment plan period. 

Do you offer a phase 1 pediatric product?

At this time, we do not offer a phase 1 pediatric product. Please keep this in mind when selecting your mixed dentition cases to ensure you can complete their care within the three-year refinement period offered with our Comprehensive product. 

Are young patients less compliant?

Anecdotally, our doctors have reported that younger patients tend to be more compliant than adults with clear aligner treatment and are more enthusiastic about using the ProMonitoring app. 

For even more information on using clear aligner therapy to help patients with mixed dentition, see our webinar with Dr. Brittany Johansen. 

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