Braces & Aligners: what’s best for your kid?

When considering braces for their kid, we are often asked by parents about the benefits of Invisalign aligners vs. Braces. Both are great options – but which one is right for your kid?

Fixed braces: the options

Fixed braces are still the primary means for straightening teeth and correcting misaligned bites in children. In more complex cases, braces can provide more predictable results. Braces work by using brackets and wires that apply continuous gentle pressure to slowly move the teeth into the desired position – improving the appearance and function of crooked or poorly arranged teeth.

Fixed braces are not the shiny mouthful of metal of years past. Many more options are now available, including the choice of metal or ceramic.

Metal Braces

They are also the ideal choice for younger teens because they are the most flexible and can change with your kid’s needs. The downside is that they aren’t at discreet as ceramic braces or clear aligners.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but have the advantage of being made from a clear ceramic material that blends in better with your kid’s teeth.

Invisalign – Clear Aligners

If your kid has a malocclusion but is concerned by the look of traditional braces, Invisalign can be a great choice. This method uses custom-made, clear, removable trays that put pressure on the teeth, moving them gradually into their correct position. Removable appliances, such as Invisalign, are typically worn for a fixed period per day, and may be easily taken off as needed.

If you’re thinking about clear aligners for your kid, you’ve most likely heard of the very popular Invisalign Clear Aligners.

Invisalign clear aligners are…

Discreet. Invisalign are clear, making for a discreet orthodontic treatment.
Removable. When it comes time to eat a meal or clean the teeth, the aligner can be removed without the need for help from mum or dad.
Convenient. There are no adjustments. Your kid will simply remove their current set of aligners and replace them as needed.

Invisalign right for my kid?

Deciding between braces and Invisalign is about much more than aesthetics. Invisalign can be effective in treating mild to moderate pre-orthodontic problems. For anything more complex, fixed braces are generally needed for more comprehensive treatment. Invisalign is usually not suitable for young children as their design is such that they can only move teeth efficiently in a fully developed adult position. We are also very proud to be Platinium Invisalign Provider.

Retain your kid’s beautiful new smile

Once the teeth are straight, and the smile is flawless, it would be great if the story ended there but removal of braces or Invisalign isn’t the end of your kid’s pre-orthodontic treatment.

If you want your beautiful new smile to last a lifetime – without undoing all the time, effort, and money you’ve invested – it’s essential a retainer is worn indefinitely. Teeth tend to shift, so a retainer can help keep them where they are supposed to be until they are settled in.

Retainers are an important phase of the post-treatment process once a misaligned bite has been corrected with braces. We are very proud to be a Platinium Invisalign Provider.

At KIDS, we can help your kid enjoy straight teeth by carefully advising you on the treatment that’s perfect for their needs. Discover what braces or aligners Invisalign can do for your kid booking an online consultation.