If your child’s dentist has recommended orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering: should your child get Invisalign or are braces better? Let’s talk about the pros and cons of Invisalign vs. other orthodontic treatment options and how they can each affect younger patients.

What are Braces?

Braces have come a long way in recent years. Modern dental technology has helped to make braces slimmer, stronger, more efficient, and more comfortable.

Braces are designed with small brackets that are attached to the patient’s teeth with a special dental glue and remain fixed in place throughout the course of treatment. Bands are then used to attach wires to the brackets to help move teeth into their proper alignment. The bands come in different colors, offering nearly endless fun possibilities for your child to customize their braces to show off their individual preferences and style.

Braces can treat a wide variety of conditions, making them an ideal treatment option for many patients. Traditional metal braces can be more noticeable than other options, such as Invisalign, so some patients choose to opt for clear or ceramic braces.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are quite a bit different from traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are made of clear, thin plastic, so they tend to feel more comfortable than braces. They do not attach to teeth, but instead are removable, allowing the patient to more easily clean their teeth and continue to enjoy their favorite foods without fear of pulling a bracket or wire loose.

However, the answer to the question, “Should your child get Invisalign?” can depend a lot on your child’s age. The removability of Invisalign aligners can be problematic for younger patients because the success of Invisalign aligners relies heavily on patient compliance. It is typically recommended that Invisalign aligners be worn at least 22 hours a day. The temptation to remove them can cause treatment to be delayed or pose the risk of the aligners being lost while the child is at school, a friend’s house, or playing independently.

Talk to a Pediatric Orthodontist

So, should your child get Invisalign or are braces better? The best way to find out is to make an appointment with a pediatric orthodontist so that they can examine your child’s teeth and jaw and discuss your child’s unique personality and proclivities. That way they can help you find the most ideal treatment options to fit your child’s needs and preferences to best help them achieve success.

Call our Indianapolis, IN, orthodontics office, 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.