A Parent’s Guide to Braces and Invisalign for Teens

- July 13, 2022

One of the questions I get most from parents is: “which is better: Braces or Invisalign?”

It’s a hard question to answer because so much of it depends on each teen’s personality and their specific needs. That’s why I prioritize spending time with them, and listening to their parents. That’s what helps me land on the best possible treatment plan for each unique child who comes to see me for orthodontics.

Let me give you some background on the treatment options. Traditional metal or clear braces can be a great choice. There’s minimal involvement from the patient’s perspective except for brushing really well and avoiding foods that can damage brackets and wires. Braces are also great for kids who simply aren’t going to wear aligners for 22 hours a day. And that’s okay! You’ll come to me every 6-8 weeks for adjustments and we’ll be on our way to a straighter smile in no time.

On the other hand, clear aligners are an excellent alternative for kids that are good at keeping to a schedule. They’re also a great choice if you know brushing is already an issue - which is the challenge of wearing braces. It’s harder to reach those nooks and crannies when the brackets and wires are in place.

If I feel that one would be a better option for any reason I’ll let you know why but we’ll talk through everything in detail together. In most cases both treatment options are efficient and effective at giving your child their ideal smile, and making parents smile along the way.

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