One thing is for certain - a smile is an important part of an appearance. It doesn’t matter whether you are 8 years old or 88 years old, having a smile you can feel confident to show freely can make a huge difference in one’s level of confidence and overall quality of life.
Wearing braces is the best way to align teeth, close gaps, and fix any other issues. However, there is more than one option to get this done. Traditional braces have been around for years and are highly effective, but they aren’t very aesthetically pleasing. Invisalign, on the other hand, is a discreet option that tends to be more comfortable, but a little more pricey.
Both are highly effective. But which is better for your child?
The Aesthetics
While the idea behind having braces is to create a beautiful smile when the treatment is done, some people may feel a certain way about having to wear traditional metal braces during the transformation process. Depending on your child, this could lead to some temporary self-esteem issues. However, this is not something that often sticks around after the initial shock. Invisalign offers a clear, nearly invisible alternative that can go completely unnoticeable.
Effectiveness
When it comes to traditional braces, you are wearing them non-stop which means they are always working. In order to keep your teeth in line and moving through the orthodontic treatment process, you need to wear the braces for a certain amount of time.
Invisalign aligners are not attached to the teeth so they can be removed when you want to remove them. Although this can be very convenient, it also means that those who leave their aligners out too long or forget to wear them are potentially prolonging their treatment.
It is recommended that the Invisalign aligners be worn for 20 - 22 hours at a minimum. And, if worn appropriately, both traditional braces and Invisalign are effective at straightening teeth.
Convenience
Traditional braces cannot be removed - and this is not always the most convenient thing. When it comes to eating hard or sticky foods, those with braces need to avoid them. Invisalign wearers can remove their aligners to eat and are therefore able to eat without restriction. Though keep in mind that if your child is forgetful, Invisalign aligners can easily be lost or tossed, and replacing them could get expensive.
Cleaning is another thing to consider, as traditional braces seem to be a bit tricky to keep up good oral hygiene. But, it is possible and people have successfully done it for years. Invisalign is a much more convenient option when it comes to caring for and cleaning.
So, Which is Better?
Both traditional braces and Invisalign can treat your child’s teeth and end up with the same result. Traditional braces are considered the gold standard in the orthodontic world. And there are some serious and complex orthodontic issues that only traditional braces can handle. However, due to all of the conveniences that Invisalign brings to the table, it seems to be quite the contender.
It is best to speak with your child’s orthodontic team to determine the best options, as well as limitations.
Braces or Invisalign? Tender Smiles 4 Kids Can Help You Decide
Taking the step toward transforming your child’s smile can be both scary and exciting. And you will find that there are so many choices to be made. At Tender Smiles 4 Kids, we want to give you the tools and resources necessary to help you make the right decision.
Contact Tender Smiles 4 Kids at any one of our convenient locations:
North Brunswick Office: 732-249-1010
Schedule your consultation today!