When it comes to orthodontic treatment, there’s no shortage of opinions, especially when you start weighing the cost of clear aligners. Our team at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics will work closely with your family in our St. Anne’s Road and Portage Avenue offices to help them understand what makes the most sense based on age, habits, and long-term goals.
Dr. Alvaro Salles, our board-certified orthodontist at Topsmiles, has worked with both Invisalign and traditional metal braces for years. Alongside pediatric dentists Dr. Adriana Salles and Dr. Saffana, the team isn’t here to sell you on one approach. They’re here to help you feel confident about whichever path you take. When you’re questioning, “Are aligners worth it?” we want to make sure we help you fully decide.
What You Should Know About Clear Aligners
Clear aligners like Invisalign move teeth a little at a time using custom trays. Every couple of weeks, your child switches to the next set. It’s a gradual process, and there are no brackets or wires involved.
That makes things simpler in some ways. They can eat what they want without worrying about breaking hardware. Brushing and flossing are easier, too. However, none of that matters if the trays aren’t worn consistently.
They need to stay in for about 20 to 22 hours a day. That means putting them back in after every meal or snack. If they’re out too much, the teeth stop shifting, and the whole process drags out.
Who Benefits Most from Clear Aligners
Not every patient is a good fit for clear aligners. That’s not a bad thing. However, it is something to think about when you’re asking yourself, Are aligners worth it? Here’s who they tend to work best for:
- Teens who are responsible with routines: If your child can keep track of things like water bottles, phone chargers, and sports gear, they’ll probably do fine with aligners.
- Mild to moderate alignment issues: Invisalign can fix a wide range of orthodontic concerns, but there are limits. Major jaw shifts or complex rotations might be better suited for braces.
- Kids who play sports or instruments: No brackets means fewer injuries during sports and less interference when playing instruments like the trumpet or clarinet.
- Patients who want something discreet: Some teens (and adults) feel more confident wearing clear trays than metal brackets.
That said, not everyone needs to be a “perfect patient.” The more committed they are, the smoother the process will be.
How Clear Aligners Compare to Metal Braces
There’s no one option that will fit each person the same, especially when it comes to orthodontics. Both metal braces and clear aligners have strengths and drawbacks.
Appearance and Lifestyle
Clear aligners are nearly invisible, which makes them popular with image-conscious teens. They can also be taken out for meals, so there’s no need to skip sticky or crunchy foods.
Braces, on the other hand, are fixed in place. That might sound limiting, but it also means there’s no forgetting to wear them. Everything stays on schedule, whether your child remembers or not.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Invisalign trays need to be cleaned regularly to avoid buildup and odor. That’s on top of brushing and flossing teeth as usual.
Braces come with a learning curve, especially when it comes to flossing around wires, but once kids get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.
Treatment Time
Treatment timelines vary depending on the case, but they’re generally pretty comparable. In some cases, braces might be slightly faster for complex issues.
Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offers both options, and Dr. Alvaro Salles will walk you through which one is more realistic based on your child’s needs, age, and how involved you want to be in the daily process.
What to Think About Before You Decide
Orthodontic treatment takes commitment, both in time and money. If you’re leaning toward clear aligners, it helps to zoom out and look at what that involves day to day.
Aligners can work well, but only if they’re worn as directed. If your child tends to misplace things or forgets routines, you might run into setbacks. Braces don’t come off. Once they’re on, they’re doing the job 24/7 without anyone having to think about it.
Some kids are naturally consistent. Others need more reminders. That doesn’t mean Invisalign won’t work; it just means you’ll want to be realistic about what kind of follow-through is needed.
Cost is another factor. Aligners and braces are usually in the same ballpark, but insurance coverage can vary. The team at Topsmiles can help you break it down so you know what to expect before moving forward.
Don’t forget your schedule. If your child needs a little extra help keeping things on track, are you in a place to manage that? Or would a fixed option take some of that off your plate?
How to Choose the Right Fit
There’s no wrong answer here. The right decision is the one that fits your child’s needs, your lifestyle, and your comfort level with the process. At this stage, it’s less about the trend and more about long-term success.
If you’re still on the fence, a consultation with Dr. Alvaro Salles at Topsmiles is a smart place to start. He’ll take a look at your child’s bite, talk through what to expect with both Invisalign and braces, and give you real feedback, not just what sounds good.
You’ll also get a sense of what support looks like from Dr. Adriana Salles and Dr. Saffana, especially if your child is younger or already sees them for pediatric care.
No matter which route you choose, what matters most is finding an office that sees your child as a whole person, not just a case to treat. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.
Talk With a Team That Helps You Make the Right Call
Orthodontic care can feel like a lot at first, but it doesn’t have to. If you’re near St. Anne’s Road and Portage Avenue, the team at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics makes things feel a whole lot easier. Dr. Alvaro Salles, our orthodontist, works alongside pediatric dentists Dr. Adriana Salles and Dr. Saffana to help you figure out what makes sense for your child
We look forward to helping you clear up any questions regarding the question, “Are aligners worth it?” Reach out to our team to get started with an appointment.