Teeth straightening has come a long way in the last few decades. Traditional metal braces are no longer the only option for those considering orthodontic treatment - clear brace options like Invisalign can be more comfortable, more discreet and easier to maintain. But these new braces cost more and are not always appropriate for all dental cases.
If you’ve been looking into teeth straightening options for your teen,
you’ll need to weigh up which solution your child prefers and what is
most practical. Below is a guide to help you choose between traditional
braces and invisalign.
Traditional Braces: the Pros and Cons
Traditional braces consist of brackets cemented to the teeth that are connected with a metal wire. They are fitted by an orthodontist and are adjusted every few months to gradually realign the teeth. Nowadays, they are less popular than clear aligners, but still commonly used.
The Pros
Suitable for complex cases
When it comes to severe overcrowding or biting issues, a traditional brace may be the only viable solution. This is because such braces can often apply more pressure and be more easily fitted around awkwardly angled teeth. A pediatric orthodontist will be able to tell you whether your child requires a metal brace.
More affordable
Traditional braces tend to cost less than Invisalign braces - as much as $500 to $1000 times cheaper in some cases. This makes them an attractive option to low income families and those simply wanting to save some money. Make sure to compare the prices of different orthodontists in the area.
Customizable options
Traditional braces may be less subtle, but this can make them more attractive to some teens. In fact, it’s possible to customize them with all kinds of colors and turn them into a fashion accessory. There are also more discreet options like ceramic braces and lingual braces. Ask your teen what they prefer the look of.
The Cons
Less comfortable
Wearing traditional braces takes some getting used to. Some people do experience irritation from metal wires and braces and speech may be affected. Clear aligners are less likely to have this effect.
Harder to eat with
Eating with braces on can feel strange at first, but most people do get used to it. That said, there are certain foods you’ll be advised to stay away from such as toffee, chewing gum, hard sweets and nuts - such foods could damage or detach the braces. Will your child have enough willpower to stay away from these foods?
Harder to clean
Cleaning your teeth while wearing traditional braces can be fiddly. Very strict dental hygiene is required to prevent parts of the teeth being missed and cavities from developing. There are tutorials online that can teach you how to clean your teeth with braces effectively.
Invisalign: the Pros and Cons
Invisalign braces are clear plastic aligners that slide over the top of the teeth. They provide gentle pressure, which pushes your teeth into place. Every few weeks, you get a new set to wear until eventually the teeth are aligned. Invisalign is the most common brand of clear aligners - others brands like SureSmile, ClearCorrect and Byte do the same thing.
The Pros
Removable
Unlike traditional braces that are fixed to your teeth, Invisalign braces are removable. Your teen will be able to take them out to eat and brush their teeth. Cleaning the brace itself is easier because of this too - you can take it out and clean it with a toothbrush, or soak in water with a retainer tablet for a deep cleanse.
Discreet
Invisalign braces are see-through. Most people won’t know that your teen is wearing them, and for those that don’t like the look of traditional braces, Invisalign braces could help improve self esteem and confidence.
More comfortable
These braces are also more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. They’re molded to the shape of the teeth and are made of smooth plastic, so they won’t cause any abrasion to your child’s mouth.
The Cons
Requires discipline
Because you can take these braces out, it’s very tempting for some kids to keep removing them throughout the day - sometimes even taking them out for the entire school day. This will prevent the treatment from working properly as constant pressure needs to be applied to help the teeth move. Your teen therefore needs to be certain that they will only take them out to eat or brush their teeth.
More expensive
On average, Invisalign braces are more expensive than traditional braces. It’s worth comparing the two at your local orthodontist just in case, as some clinics may charge more for traditional braces. There are also alternative brands to Invisalign that are cheaper.
Not suitable for all cases
An orthodontist may recommend traditional braces when it comes to more severe realignment cases. While clear aligners can sometimes be used for mildly complex cases, they may have slower results than traditional braces, and could work out a lot more expensive as a result. It’s best to check with an orthodontist to see if they think Invisalign is practical.
Traditional Braces or Invisalign?
Ultimately, you need to talk to your teen to see what they would prefer to wear. Some teens may like the idea of traditional braces, while others may prefer the discreet look of Invisaligns.
You do need to consider the complexity of their case and whether Invisalign braces are feasible. An orthodontist will be able to provide more information on this by assessing your child’s teeth.
Cost-wise, you may also find that traditional braces are cheaper. However, there are many financial plans out there that could potentially make clear aligners more affordable. Take your time to compare costs before you commit.
Traditional Braces: the Pros and Cons
Traditional braces consist of brackets cemented to the teeth that are connected with a metal wire. They are fitted by an orthodontist and are adjusted every few months to gradually realign the teeth. Nowadays, they are less popular than clear aligners, but still commonly used.
The Pros
Suitable for complex cases
When it comes to severe overcrowding or biting issues, a traditional brace may be the only viable solution. This is because such braces can often apply more pressure and be more easily fitted around awkwardly angled teeth. A pediatric orthodontist will be able to tell you whether your child requires a metal brace.
More affordable
Traditional braces tend to cost less than Invisalign braces - as much as $500 to $1000 times cheaper in some cases. This makes them an attractive option to low income families and those simply wanting to save some money. Make sure to compare the prices of different orthodontists in the area.
Customizable options
Traditional braces may be less subtle, but this can make them more attractive to some teens. In fact, it’s possible to customize them with all kinds of colors and turn them into a fashion accessory. There are also more discreet options like ceramic braces and lingual braces. Ask your teen what they prefer the look of.
The Cons
Less comfortable
Wearing traditional braces takes some getting used to. Some people do experience irritation from metal wires and braces and speech may be affected. Clear aligners are less likely to have this effect.
Harder to eat with
Eating with braces on can feel strange at first, but most people do get used to it. That said, there are certain foods you’ll be advised to stay away from such as toffee, chewing gum, hard sweets and nuts - such foods could damage or detach the braces. Will your child have enough willpower to stay away from these foods?
Harder to clean
Cleaning your teeth while wearing traditional braces can be fiddly. Very strict dental hygiene is required to prevent parts of the teeth being missed and cavities from developing. There are tutorials online that can teach you how to clean your teeth with braces effectively.
Invisalign: the Pros and Cons
Invisalign braces are clear plastic aligners that slide over the top of the teeth. They provide gentle pressure, which pushes your teeth into place. Every few weeks, you get a new set to wear until eventually the teeth are aligned. Invisalign is the most common brand of clear aligners - others brands like SureSmile, ClearCorrect and Byte do the same thing.
The Pros
Removable
Unlike traditional braces that are fixed to your teeth, Invisalign braces are removable. Your teen will be able to take them out to eat and brush their teeth. Cleaning the brace itself is easier because of this too - you can take it out and clean it with a toothbrush, or soak in water with a retainer tablet for a deep cleanse.
Discreet
Invisalign braces are see-through. Most people won’t know that your teen is wearing them, and for those that don’t like the look of traditional braces, Invisalign braces could help improve self esteem and confidence.
More comfortable
These braces are also more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. They’re molded to the shape of the teeth and are made of smooth plastic, so they won’t cause any abrasion to your child’s mouth.
The Cons
Requires discipline
Because you can take these braces out, it’s very tempting for some kids to keep removing them throughout the day - sometimes even taking them out for the entire school day. This will prevent the treatment from working properly as constant pressure needs to be applied to help the teeth move. Your teen therefore needs to be certain that they will only take them out to eat or brush their teeth.
More expensive
On average, Invisalign braces are more expensive than traditional braces. It’s worth comparing the two at your local orthodontist just in case, as some clinics may charge more for traditional braces. There are also alternative brands to Invisalign that are cheaper.
Not suitable for all cases
An orthodontist may recommend traditional braces when it comes to more severe realignment cases. While clear aligners can sometimes be used for mildly complex cases, they may have slower results than traditional braces, and could work out a lot more expensive as a result. It’s best to check with an orthodontist to see if they think Invisalign is practical.
Traditional Braces or Invisalign?
Ultimately, you need to talk to your teen to see what they would prefer to wear. Some teens may like the idea of traditional braces, while others may prefer the discreet look of Invisaligns.
You do need to consider the complexity of their case and whether Invisalign braces are feasible. An orthodontist will be able to provide more information on this by assessing your child’s teeth.
Cost-wise, you may also find that traditional braces are cheaper. However, there are many financial plans out there that could potentially make clear aligners more affordable. Take your time to compare costs before you commit.
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