As a parent, you want the best for your child’s smile. If their teeth are misaligned, crowded, or causing bite issues, orthodontic treatment can make a world of difference. Straight teeth aren’t just about looks—they contribute to better oral health, easier cleaning, and even improved speech. But once you decide on treatment, the big question arises: should your child get traditional braces or Invisalign aligners?
At Palmetto Kids Dentistry, we understand that choosing the right orthodontic solution can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re breaking down the pros, cons, and expectations of both braces and Invisalign, so you can make the best decision for your child.
Why Orthodontic Treatment is Important
Crooked or misaligned teeth can lead to several problems beyond appearance. Bite issues, such as overbites or underbites, can cause difficulty chewing and speaking. Crowded teeth can trap food and plaque, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and promote long-term dental health.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an initial evaluation by age 7 to check for potential issues. Listen to Dr. Caylin explain why it’s important to visit the orthodontist by age 7 and how it can make a big difference for your child.
Some kids won’t need treatment right away, but early detection can prevent bigger problems later. Learn more about Early Phase Treatment here.
If your child needs orthodontic treatment, your next step is choosing the right method which is generally between traditional braces and Invisalign.
Braces: The Tried-and-True Method
Traditional braces have been around for decades and are highly effective for straightening teeth. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by wires and rubber bands. Adjustments are made periodically to shift the teeth into place.
Pros of Braces
✔ Great for All Cases – Braces work for mild, moderate, and severe orthodontic problems, including complex bite corrections. Bracket braces have more control in shifting teeth to correct issues from severe crowding, spacing problems, and bite misalignments. They can help rotate teeth into better positions to make space for other teeth or to create a better bite which then improves comfort when chewing and provides a more aligned smile for photos and self-confidence.
✔ No Need to Remember to Wear Them – Since they’re fixed onto the teeth, they work continuously without the need for patient compliance. This eliminates the risk of treatment delays due to forgotten use or misplaced aligners.
✔ Durable – Metal braces are strong and less likely to break compared to removable options. More durable than aligners, braces can withstand the rigors of daily life, making them suitable for active children and teenagers.
✔ Variety of Options – Part of the fun of braces for kids is getting to choose different colorful rubber bands at each appointment to personalize their look. Team colors, neon, or rainbow colored, kids can switch the colors of their bands to complement their unique style.
Pros of Braces
✖ More Noticeable – Metal braces are visible, which some kids might feel self-conscious about. While many kids in middle school and high school are going through their own braces journeys, having noticeable braces may cause kids to waver in confidence.
✖ Dietary Restrictions – With traditional braces, certain foods like hard candies, popcorn, and sticky gum, must be avoided to prevent damage to the brackets and wires. Sticky, chewy, or hard foods can break brackets or get stuck.
✖ Oral Hygiene Challenges – Maintaining good oral hygiene with braces requires extra effort and diligence. Food particles can easily become trapped around the brackets and wires, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities. Brushing and flossing around brackets requires extra care and to keep teeth clean and healthy. Special brushes and floss tools are available to help with this learning curve, and Dr. Caylin will help your child know how to take care of their teeth and braces so they can excel in this area.
Watch Dr. Caylin’s quick video with tips on how to properly brush with braces.
Invisalign: A Modern Alternative
Invisalign is a newer orthodontist treatment that utilizes a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your child’s teeth. Small clear “buttons” are glued to specific teeth that fit into matching notches on the aligners so they fit snugly over the teeth and gradually shift them into their desired positions. Aligner trays are replaced every 1-2 weeks to continually adjust teeth to their final positioning.
Pros of Invisalign
✔ Aesthetics – Clear trays mean your child’s smile isn’t covered by metal brackets. Virtually invisible, Invisalign aligners offer a discreet orthodontic solution that appeals to many image-conscious children and teenagers.
✔ Removability – The aligners can be removed giving the teeth a rest from constant tension and allowing for normal dietary habits and easier oral hygiene. Since they’re removable, your child can eat anything without worry. And since aligners come out, brushing and flossing remains simple and doesn’t require extra tools or time.
✔ More Comfortable – Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic and are generally less likely to irritate the cheeks and gums compared to traditional braces. No metal wires or brackets means no pokey parts to cause irritation.
Drawbacks of Invisalign
✖ Compliance Dependent – The success of Invisalign treatment hinges on the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Inconsistent wear can significantly prolong treatment or compromise results. If your child forgets, misplaces their aligners, or just gets lazy, progress slows.
✖ Not Suitable for All Cases – Invisalign works best for mild to moderate issues. They may not be the most effective option for severe orthodontic problems requiring more complex tooth movements. These more involved cases may still require braces.
✖ Easily Misplaced – Since the aligners are removable, there is a risk of them being lost or damaged, which can incur additional costs and treatment delays. Storing aligners properly while your child is eating and brushing their teeth is an important habit they have to commit to with Invisalign.
The Process: What to Expect
At Palmetto Kids Dentistry, we start with an orthodontic consultation to determine the best course of treatment for your child.
Whether they will get traditional braces or invisalign aligners, we’ll do a comprehensive scan of their teeth using our state-of-the-art iTero Scanner. This digital scanner takes a full, accurate 3D model of your child’s teeth and gums – no messy, gag-inducing impression goo required!
If your child gets braces, brackets will be bonded to their teeth, and they’ll come in for adjustments every 4-6 weeks.
For Invisalign, your child will receive a series of aligners and must switch to a new set every 1-2 weeks. They’ll have check-ups every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress.
Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of the orthodontic issue and the chosen treatment modality. Traditional braces typically take 1-3 years, while Invisalign treatment times vary based on individual needs and compliance.
Regardless of the method, retainers will be needed after treatment to keep their smile in place!
Why are retainers important?
Which One is Best for Your Child?
The best orthodontic treatment for your child depends on various factors, including their age, specific orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and commitment to treatment. Your initial consultation will be the first step in determining the most suitable option.
The right choice depends on several factors:
- Age & Maturity: Younger kids may struggle with Invisalign since it requires discipline to wear.
- Orthodontic Needs: Braces are better for severe misalignments, while Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate cases.
- Lifestyle & Preferences: If your child is active in sports or prefers a discreet option, Invisalign might be more appealing.
- Parental Involvement: If you’re worried about compliance or aligners going missing, braces may be the easier choice.
Our in-house orthodontist, Dr. Caylin, is here to guide you every step of the way. She’ll evaluate your child’s teeth, discuss your child’s goals and concerns, and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Remember, a healthy and confident smile is an investment in your child’s future. By working closely with your orthodontic team at PKD and choosing the right treatment, you can help your child achieve a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
Whether your child needs braces or Invisalign, early intervention leads to the best results. A straight smile boosts confidence and promotes long-term oral health. At Palmetto Kids Dentistry, we make the process as smooth and fun as possible.
If you’re ready to explore orthodontic options, schedule a consultation with us today! We’ll help you decide what works best for your child’s smile.
Call us at 843-284-6497 or book an appointment online.
