Choosing the best treatment options for your child can be daunting in any situation. How can you know whether to choose braces or invisalign? Understanding some basics about the options can be an important first step to prepare to discuss with your child’s orthodontist which orthodontic treatment works best for both of you.

Braces

Braces are not the way they were when you were a kid. Technology has made them sleeker, stronger and given more options for how to make them fun for your child as well. They even include “invisible” options where clear materials and ceramics that match your tooth shade are used to give the same results as metal brackets with less noticeable aesthetic impact.
But these are not the only considerations in the braces or invisalign debate, your child may land on the braces side due to other factors in their treatment needs.

Some other considerations that may be part of your decision may be stability, range of treatment needs and other things specific to your child, including personal preference.

Braces cannot be removed by your child, meaning children who need stability and routine may benefit from the consistency of wearing braces all the time.

Braces can also be the dependable, affordable option with fun ways to include your kids in the decision making process (like choosing what color to customize their braces.)

Braces are also more versatile, able to treat a range of orthodontic needs, meaning if your child has a more complex treatment plan, metal braces may be the way to go.

Braces do require excellent oral hygiene and adapting your child’s diet to exclude items that may break the metal wires or brackets.

Invisalign

When it comes to Invisalign, what makes it an excellent choice for some children may rule it out for others. In the braces or invisalign decision making process, you may want to consider the differences in oral hygiene impact.

Invisalign can be removed, allowing for more thorough oral hygiene without working around brackets or wires. But it also requires excellent oral hygiene to ensure teeth are not exposed to even more decay while bacteria is trapped in the close quarters of the clear aligners for hours at a time.

Also, because Invisalign can be removed, diligence and self control are an important factor, as the patient will need to keep them in for a large portion of their day for the aligners to work.

Invisalign is aesthetically pleasing, and generally more comfortable. Ultimately though, Invisalign allows for more patient control, which may be an excellent option for some children, and a drawback for others.

Lastly, Invisalign is an excellent option for certain treatment needs, but may not be able to address more complex treatment plans.

How to Choose?

When asking yourself: Braces or Invisalign? Consider your child’s preferences, proclivities, and personality. Also consider the complexity of their orthodontic needs, and be sure to discuss all of these facets of treatment with your Orthodontist.

Call our to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.