Invisalign vs Braces

If your child is ready for orthodontic treatment, one of the first discussions to have with your orthodontist is whether to get braces or Invisalign… and there might be more to consider than you realized. Read below to learn more about your child’s orthodontic treatment options and find out all the pros and cons of both Invisalign and braces.

Invisalign vs Braces, Which Should I Choose?

When most people think orthodontists, they think of traditional metal braces. Others may be considering Invisalign treatment, but few are really sure which is best for them or their child.

There are times when one option is clearly the best orthodontic treatment option, while other times it may just be a personal choice.

Watch the video below or read our article where we break down the Invisalign vs braces debate and show the pros and cons of each.

Metal Braces

The fact is, traditional metal braces for kids still have a valued place in the orthodontic world, and despite advances and breakthroughs of products like Invisalign and even clear braces for kids, they aren’t going extinct anytime soon!

This is because traditional metal braces are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. Plus modern metal braces are smaller, sleeker, and more polished than ever before.

Additionally, most people still prefer metal braces to the alternatives.

Actual patients treated with metal braces at Premier Orthodontics.

Benefits of Traditional Braces or Metal Braces for Kids

Durable and strong
Kids can’t “take them off”
Metal brackets are tried and tested
Most kids prefer the look of metal brackets
Braces are often the most affordable option
Traditional braces don't cause changes to speech
Customizable and can be decorated with different colors at each appointment
The braces cost may be less than ceramic brackets or clear aligners

Potential Drawback to Metal Braces for Kids

You must be diligent with brushing and flossing and with oral hygiene
Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods should be avoided
Braces may cause minor discomfort to the cheeks during the first week
A mouth guard is required when playing sports
They are noticeable… which for some kids is a benefit!

Metal Braces Aren’t Just for Kids!

More adults than ever are choosing metal braces to get their perfect smile. For example, check out Gwen Stefani of No Doubt on the red carpet proudly showing off her braces.

Clear Ceramic Braces for Kids and Adults

Ceramic braces are very strong and generally do not stain. Adults like to choose ceramic because they “blend in” with the teeth and are less noticeable than metal. That’s why actor Tom Cruise most likely went with ceramic.

Older types of ceramic braces require white or clear ligatures (tiny rubber bands) to hold the wire on to the braces. These little rubber bands would sometimes stain over time.

Today the problem is solved with clear self-ligating braces!

Clear self-ligating braces are a revolutionary system that combines efficient tooth movement with a nearly invisible look. These braces don’t require a rubber band as they now use a small clip instead.

Patients choosing clear self-ligating braces no longer have to decide between metal braces or clear braces that could stain.

Actual patients treated with clear braces at Premier Orthodontics

Benefits of Clear Braces for Kids

Less noticeable than metal braces
Kids (or adults) can’t “take them off”
Tried and tested
Great for kids or adults who want to show less metal when they smile
No changes to speech
No staining to worry about (when you choose clear clear self ligating brackets)

Potential Drawback to Clear Braces for Kids

Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign and other plastic aligners are a widely advertised, well-known, and popular orthodontic product. Often kids know about it and ask parents and doctors for it by name.

For many, it’s as good an option as any other and sometimes even the best option.

Invisalign treatment uses advanced, proprietary 3-D computer imaging technology to “map” the entire span of treatment, from the present teeth alignment to the desired positioning, alignment, and smile.

Invisalign treatment has many features that have helped make it such a popular choice…

…the aligners are removable for snacks and meals as well as for general hygiene.

There are no metal brackets or wires. Office visits for adjustments throughout the treatment process are fast, easy and painless.

Plus treatment times for Invisalign treatment and braces are similar

Many celebrities, actors, and musicians have undergone Invisalign treatment without anyone noticing!

Over five million patients have used Invisalign clear aligners, and there is a special Invisalign system for teens and children.

Because Invisalign is computer mapped, there’s sometimes the idea that anybody can install Invisalign and that all practitioners go about treating with Invisalign the same way……

We have an important warning about this: during each stage of the complete treatment, you need to know how teeth move (and in what order) in order to get this right.

One must take into consideration the amount of time (days/weeks) needed for each successive set of aligners, plus in what order to move the teeth. This is why you must rely on an expert specializing in tooth movement for Invisalign treatment. (In other words, an experienced orthodontist).

At the start, the orthodontist will determine whether your son or daughter is a good candidate for the Invisalign approach, or if they would be better served with different braces.

You have to rely on somebody to tell you. I promise you, there are kids who’ve been hurried to Invisalign aligners who were not good candidates for it.

Actual Invisalign Patients treated at Premier Orthodontics

Benefits of Invisalign for Kids

Virtually invisible
Can be removed for eating and oral hygiene
Less discomfort or emergency visits compared to braces
Fewer office visits and shorter appointments compared to braces
No dietary restrictions

Potential Drawbacks to Invisalign for Kids

If the aligners are not worn your teeth won’t move
Your speech may be affected slightly during the first week
May not be ideal for kids or adults who are forgetful or not responsible
Invisalign may not be the best appliance to fix certain tooth or bite problems
It may be the more expensive option compared to traditional braces for kids

Invisalign for Teens and Pre-Teens

Much like the standard adult version, the Invisalign Teen System and Invisalign First System allows children and teens correct tooth and bite problems without the need for metal braces.

Treatment can begin even in young children who don’t have all their permanent teeth.

Invisalign Teen and Invisalign First allows treatment to begin early even when a child has some baby teeth remaining. These Invisalign systems allow for permanent teeth to grow gently and continuously move these growing teeth into the correct position.

Invisalign Teen and Invisalign First really work. It helps correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues.

Even kids can get a confident beautiful smile without metal bands, brackets, or wires. It works on many kinds of conditions to straighten teeth, including overly crowded or widely spaced teeth, crossbites, overbites, and underbites.

Invisalign vs Braces: Which Option is Best For My Child?

Premier Orthodontics is not “in the pocket of” any providers of different braces products and technologies. Our orthodontists select and recommend what we believe is the most appropriate and beneficial choice for your child.

We are happy to discuss the pros and cons of braces vs. Invisalign aligners, and together decide the best option for your child.

The truth is that these manufacturers often vary in price to the orthodontist (or dentist) based on volume purchase benchmarks, incentivizing a high concentration of one product to conserve costs.

Awards are even given out to the highest volume buyers and users. It’s borderline unseemly…

…and it introduces temptation into the overprescribing or overdiagnosing.

The number-one question when considering Invisalign vs braces is: what is absolutely best for the patient?

If your child needs orthodontic treatment, that is what we will discuss and what will ultimately determine our decision when choosing between Invisalign vs braces.

Now that you understand more about your treatment options, let’s talk about other orthodontic appliances your child may need.

Click below to continue reading in Chapter 7.