Which Is Best Orthodontics for Teens: Braces or Invisalign?
Orthodontics for teens is a great way to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile for young patients that will last a lifetime. It’s the perfect age to start orthodontic treatment as the teeth and jawbone are still in a developmental stage. Orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign in Princeton are both excellent orthodontic options for teens and adolescents.
So, which one do you choose? Braces or Invisalign? Both orthodontic treatments have unique benefits and work well in achieving the desired orthodontic goals. There are a few key factors that should be considered when deciding which orthodontic treatment is best for teens.
What are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic devices that use wires and brackets to apply pressure on the teeth over time to move them into their desired position. Braces are a more traditional orthodontic treatment and have been around for decades. At each appointment, the orthodontist will adjust the wires to ensure the teeth are moving in the desired direction.
Braces come in various types. Traditional metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment and can be customized with colored bands or elastics. Ceramic braces are made of a clear material and blend in more with the teeth. Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth, making them nearly invisible from the front.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontics for teens that uses clear plastic trays that are customized to fit over the teeth. Each tray is designed to move the teeth into their desired position and is changed out periodically by the orthodontist until the orthodontic goal is achieved. Aligner trays are much less visible than traditional braces and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Orthodontics for Teens: Braces Vs Invisalign
When deciding between orthodontic braces and Invisalign for teens, there are a few key factors to consider.
Visibility
Braces use brackets that are attached directly to the front of the teeth, making them visible to others. Ceramic braces use clear brackets that blend in with the teeth more but are still visible. Invisalign uses clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth, making them nearly invisible to others.
If you are concerned about how orthodontics for teens affects your appearance, Invisalign may be the best orthodontic option for you. If it’s not a major concern, either orthodontic treatment can work well.
Removability
Braces are attached to the teeth, so they cannot be removed. This means that they come with food restrictions and oral hygiene requirements. Invisalign trays can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing, allowing you to eat what you want and brush and floss as you normally would.
Now, it all boils down to preference. Some patients don’t like the hassle of removing plastic trays every now and then to eat and brush so braces work best for them. With braces, you just need to be more mindful of what you eat and how often you brush.
But, if you want to eat and take care of your teeth without restrictions, Invisalign may be right for you. Despite this, you need to keep your aligners clean and brush or rinse your mouth before putting them back in.
Severity of Misalignment
Braces are ideal for more severe orthodontic cases, while Invisalign is better suited for mild to moderate misalignment of the teeth. Invisalign trays are designed to move the teeth into their desired position slowly, which may not be effective for more severe orthodontic issues.
For this factor, you will need to consult with an orthodontist to determine which orthodontic treatment is best for you. They will assess your case and be able to recommend the best orthodontic option for you.
Treatment Time
Braces take longer to achieve desired orthodontic results, typically anywhere from 18 to 24 months. Invisalign, on the other hand, can take 6-18 months to complete orthodontic treatment. Treatment time depends on the severity of misalignment, but it is typically shorter with Invisalign than with braces.
Plus, you can be able to see the result with Invisalign’s digital technology. However, compliance is a huge factor to make sure your Invisalign treatment goes as planned. You need to wear your aligners as prescribed and see your orthodontist regularly.
Orthodontic Appointments
Braces require orthodontic appointments every 4-8 weeks. During these orthodontic visits, the orthodontist will make adjustments to the braces and check the progress of orthodontic treatment. You may also experience some level of discomfort each time the orthodontist makes an adjustment.
Invisalign users only need to see the orthodontist every 6-8 weeks for orthodontic appointments. They will also need to switch out their aligners every 1-2 weeks until orthodontic treatment is complete. Orthodontic appointments with Invisalign do not involve adjusting the aligners, making the visits more comfortable than with braces.
Cost
The cost of orthodontic treatment for teens depends on the orthodontist, location, and treatment plan. Invisalign is usually more expensive than braces but can be cheaper if you qualify for a discount orthodontic plan.
If you have an insurance plan that covers orthodontics for teens, the cost can be significantly lower. Be sure to check with your orthodontist and insurance provider so you can decide which orthodontic treatment is best for you.
Consult an Orthodontist
While it’s great to know the factors that are involved in choosing orthodontics for teens, it’s best to consult with an orthodontist. They can provide you with an accurate assessment of your case, an exact treatment plan for either braces or Invisalign, and how much orthodontic treatment will cost.
This way, you can get a clearer idea of what orthodontic treatment is best for you, and if necessary, have the orthodontist adjust their plan to meet your needs. For this reason, it’s best to choose a trusted and excellent orthodontist to work with.
Best Orthodontics for Teens Doctor in Princeton, NJ
If you want to receive optimal treatment regardless of your choice, Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis is the best orthodontics for teens provider in Princeton, NJ. At Princeton Orthodontics, Dr. Nicozisis offers both braces and Invisalign for teens.
He uses advanced orthodontic technology to create an individualized orthodontic treatment plan for each of his patients. He can also help you maximize your orthodontic insurance benefits and find a payment option that works for you.
As a matter of fact, Dr. Nicozisis is a nationally renowned Invisalign expert and teacher. He is hailed as a part of the Top 1% Diamond Plus Invisalign Providers in the country. Dr. Nicozisis is a member of the Invisalign® National Speaker’s Bureau and Clinical Research Network where he helps conduct research and development of new technologies and improvements to the Invisalign technique.
At Princeton Orthodontics, we understand the needs of young patients when it comes to providing optimal orthodontics for teens. Parents and patients can rest assured that they will be in the expert care of Dr. Nicozisis and receive treatment tailored to their unique needs.
Book a consultation to discover the best orthodontic treatment option for your teen. Visit us online or call (609) 262-0024 for inquiries. Our office is located at 601 Ewing St., B-12 Princeton, NJ. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy orthodontic smile!
