If orthodontic treatment has been recommended for your child, you’re probably beginning to weigh your options. Two of the choices you may be pondering are metal braces, which you might’ve worn yourself during your youth, and Invisalign clear aligners, which have surged in popularity recently due to their comfort and convenience. Both of these options can create beautifully-straighter smiles, but they work differently—and the right choice depends on a few different factors. Here’s what you need to know so you can feel confident about your decision!
How Can Traditional Braces Help My Child?
Braces have been straightening smiles for generations, and for good reason—they work quite well! Metal brackets are bonded directly to your child’s teeth and connected by a wire that gradually guides the teeth into alignment over time. They’re effective for everything from mild crowding to complex bite issues, and since they’re fixed in place, they’re working 24/7 with no reminders needed.
This makes them a great fit for younger kids or teens who might not reliably keep up with removable aligners. Many families also appreciate that braces tend to be the more budget-friendly option, and kids can even pick colored bands at each visit to make appointments something fun to look forward to.
The main trade-offs are food restrictions, brushing and flossing take a little more effort, and your child may experience mild soreness after adjustment appointments. All of that said, they’re still a fantastic treatment option that kids end up appreciating, once they make it to the finish line.
Is My Child a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners that gradually shift teeth into place. Because the aligners are nearly invisible and removable, they’re a popular choice for image-conscious teens who want to eat what they like, keep up with their normal brushing routine, and not worry about a wire poking or a bracket becoming loose.
That said, Invisalign only works if your child actually wears the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, every day. For kids who need frequent reminders or have a habit of losing things, that level of commitment can be a real challenge. Invisalign also tends to be less suitable for more complex orthodontic cases; it can’t always accomplish the tooth movements that braces can easily handle.
Whether your child ends up wearing metal braces or goes the route of Invisalign, the end goal is still the same: a beautiful, healthy smile filled with straight teeth that boost their quality of life!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Christina Helfrich, Dr. Moe Beydoun, and Dr. Hyun Jeong Lee, our team has served patients and families in New Britain for several years, offering a wide range of services for kids of all ages. This includes full orthodontic treatments, such as traditional braces, as well as Invisalign clear aligners. If you have questions about the blog or need to schedule an appointment for your child or teen, reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (860) 356-3727.