If your teen needs straighter teeth, you have choices. The two big ones are traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Both can work well. When you weigh Invisalign vs braces, the best fit depends on your teen’s teeth and habits.
A quick note up front: at Family First Dental, we offer Invisalign for teens and adults. We don’t place braces. If braces are the better fit, we’ll refer you to a trusted local orthodontist. So this is an honest look at both.
How Braces Work
Braces use small brackets glued to the teeth, with a wire that connects them. The wire gets adjusted over time to move the teeth.
Braces stay on all the time. Your teen can’t take them out, so they keep working whether your teen remembers or not.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom trays. Each set moves the teeth a little, and your teen switches to a new set on a schedule.
The trays come out to eat, brush, and floss. To work, they need to be worn most of the day and all night.
Side by Side
- Look: braces are easy to see, while aligners are clear and hard to spot
- Food: braces come with a list of foods to avoid, while aligners come out to eat
- Cleaning: brushing around braces takes extra work, while aligners come out
- Effort: braces work on their own, while aligners only work if they’re worn
Questions to Ask About Your Teen
Will your teen wear them? This is the big one. Aligners sitting in a backpack don’t move teeth. Be honest about your teen’s habits.
How complex is the case? Some bite problems are a better fit for braces. Dr. Craig Stout will look at your teen’s teeth, X-rays, and digital scan, and he’ll tell you plainly.
Does your teen play sports or an instrument? Aligners come out, which some teens like for games and band practice. They just need to go right back in.
Early Checks for Younger Kids
Not sure if your child will need straightening later? We offer early orthodontic checks as part of our pediatric dental care. Dr. Stout watches how the bite and adult teeth are coming in.
After Treatment: Retainers
Straight teeth like to drift back. That’s why every teen needs a retainer after braces or aligners. We offer Vivera retainers, which are custom-made to fit.
Leaving for school or a mission soon? Our post on Invisalign before a mission covers timing.
Cost
Some dental plans include orthodontic coverage. We’ll check your benefits before you start. Payment plans are available through Cherry and WellCredit.
Thinking about Invisalign for your teen? Call Family First Dental at (208) 400-9946 to book a visit with Dr. Stout.
