Deciding between braces and clear aligners for your child depends on several factors, including their age, dental needs, personality, and your family’s lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

1. Type of Orthodontic Issues

• Braces: More effective for complex cases (severe crowding, large bite issues, teeth that need rotation or vertical movement).
• Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign, Spark): Great for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and some bite problems — but may not handle every case as precisely.

According to Dr. Nizam: She has done every kind of case with both, so she usually gives the decision to the patient to make.

2. Age and Responsibility

• Braces: Fixed and can’t be removed, so no chance of losing them or forgetting to wear them.
• Clear Aligners: Removable — so your child must wear them 20–22 hours/day and be responsible enough not to lose them (especially during lunch or sports).

3. Oral Hygiene

• Braces: Harder to clean around brackets and wires, so brushing and flossing must be extra thorough.
• Aligners: Easier to brush and floss as usual (since they’re removable), but kids need to keep the aligners clean too.

4. Appearance and Confidence

• Aligners: Virtually invisible — some kids/teens feel more confident socially.
• Braces: Visible, though modern options (clear or ceramic braces) are less noticeable. However, braces these days are a TikTok phenomenon.

5. Lifestyle & Activities

• Aligners: Easier to manage with sports, musical instruments, and eating (no food restrictions).
• Braces: May need a mouthguard for sports and have more food restrictions (no sticky or hard foods).

6. Cost & Insurance

• Costs is similar (in our office)

7. Dr. Nizam’s Recommendation

Every child’s smile is unique — Dr. Nizam will evaluate what’s clinically best for your child. Some offer both options and will tailor the recommendation.
Please call our office 403-457-7700 or text 587-875-0830 to set up a consult and we can go over both options in detail with you.