PATIENT STORY Meghan's Transformation

Invisalign vs Braces for Your Teen

Way back in middle school, now-15-year-old Meghan passionately wanted straight teeth. When deciding between Invisalign and braces, she appreciated how Dr. Joffre included her in the decision-making process, and she was able to choose Invisalign for herself. She had a few worries about the added responsibility but felt up to the challenge. While Meghan faced a few hurdles along the way, like losing aligner trays, she ultimately found the experience to be rewarding, even calling on her to rise to the occasion and be more responsible.

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Invisalign vs Braces: What’s Right for Your Teen?

As a teenager, making the right decision between Invisalign and braces is crucial. Here’s a comparison of the two treatments, with a focus on the teen experience:

Invisalign

Invisalign is the leading clear aligner system, straightening teeth almost invisibly. By changing out aligner trays periodically to gradually move their teeth, your teen gets closer to their optimal smile. As a leader in orthodontics and a Diamond+ (top 1%) provider, Dr. Joffre at Dot Smiles is particularly skilled with employing Invisalign to treat a wide variety of cases, including complex ones. Some qualities that set this system apart from braces are:

Invisalign is virtually invisible, allowing teens to maintain their confidence during treatment.
Removable aligners make daily activities such as eating, playing sports, and oral hygiene maintenance easier.
Fewer appointments are needed than with braces, giving teens more time for school and social activities.
Places more responsibility on the teen to keep up with removable hardware and its upkeep.

Braces

Braces are the tried-and-true! There are still some instances when braces are the best choice. Dr. Joffre and his team will advise you if this is the case for your teen. And, some patients simply prefer braces. We’re here for it all! Braces differ from Invisalign in the following primary ways:

Braces may, in some cases, be able to move teeth in ways that Invisalign can’t.
Traditional metal braces may be more noticeable to peers.
Certain food restrictions apply to avoid damaging brackets and wires.
Oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing around braces require more effort.
Appointments are slightly more frequent than with Invisalign.

While both treatments offer benefits, Invisalign provides additional advantages that are particularly appealing to teens. The choice is for you, your teen, and Dr. Joffre to make together, based on your kiddo’s wishes, personality, and individual case.

Take the Next Step

Meghan’s journey with Invisalign ultimately led her to a beautiful smile and superior oral hygiene habits. If your teen is considering Invisalign or braces, Dot Smiles provides individualized care, empowering patients to achieve brilliant results. Contact Dot Smiles today to discuss the best treatment option for your teenager’s unique needs!

“I remember during my first visit when my family and I were trying to decide if I was going to do Invisalign or braces. While my parents were involved, Dr. J looked at me with the final question, asked me what I wanted to do instead of just asking them what they wanted for me. I appreciated that he was involving me in that conversation.”