Invisalign vs. Braces: What's Right for My Child?

Helping your child get a healthy, confident smile is one of those parenting decisions that feels both exciting and overwhelming. For many parents, the big question is whether to go with traditional metal braces or the newer option: clear aligners for kids, like Invisalign. Both have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your child’s age, needs, and habits. Cavities are the most common dental problem for kids, teens, and adults, and since orthodontics is proven to have a positive effect on oral hygiene, orthodontic planning couldn’t be more important.

Read on to learn key differences, benefits, and trade-offs between clear aligners and braces, and where to find the best orthodontist in Sheboygan and Manitowoc, so that you can make the best choice for your child’s smile and lifestyle.

What’s the Difference Between Invisalign and Braces? 

Traditional braces and Invisalign both straighten teeth effectively, but they work and feel very differently. Here’s how they compare:

• Braces use metal brackets and wires that are fixed to the teeth and adjusted regularly. They stay on 24/7, which means there’s no risk of forgetting or losing them, and they’re often the better option for complex dental issues that require precise control. However, they’re more noticeable and can cause irritation to the cheeks and lips, and they come with food restrictions.
• Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made to gradually move the teeth. They’re nearly invisible, more comfortable, and easier to clean around, but they must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to be effective. Because they’re removable, they require responsibility and consistency from your child to get the best results.

Which Is More Effective for My Child’s Dental Needs? 

The best orthodontic treatment for your child depends on the complexity of their dental needs. Because braces are fixed in place and offer precise control over how each tooth moves, they’re often the go-to option for more advanced cases, like: 

• Severe misalignments of the bite, like overbites or underbites
• Teeth that are rotated or significantly out of place
• Those with dental issues from a cleft lip and palate
• Jaw issues, especially temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

Invisalign is a good choice for children with mild to moderate issues, such as: 

• Teeth crowding
• Gaps between teeth
• Minor alignment problems

How Much Do Braces and Invisalign Cost for Kids?

Braces are typically more affordable upfront, making them a practical choice for families focused on value. However, Invisalign offers the benefit of being nearly invisible and more comfortable, which some parents and kids feel is worth the additional investment. Fortunately, many dental insurance plans help cover a portion of either treatment, depending on your provider and policy. In addition, there are payment plans to help make the process more manageable over time. 

What’s Easier to Maintain: Braces or Invisalign? 

Maintaining braces and Invisalign requires different routines, each with its own set of challenges:

• Braces stay on the teeth at all times, which means your child will need to brush and floss carefully around the brackets and wires. Tools like floss threaders or a water flosser can help clean around brackets, but they’ll also need to avoid certain foods, like sticky candy, gum, and hard snacks, that can damage the braces or get stuck in them. 
• Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are removable, so brushing and flossing are much easier without anything on the teeth. However, the aligners must be taken out every time your child eats or drinks anything besides water, and they need to be cleaned daily to stay clear and odor-free. 

The most important consideration is compliance: Invisalign only works if your child wears the aligners properly. If they’re likely to forget or take them out too often, braces might be the more reliable option. 

At What Age Can a Child Get Invisalign or Braces?

The right age for your child to get braces or Invisalign depends on their dental development. Most children start treatment with braces between the ages of nine and 14, after most of their adult teeth have erupted. At this stage, the best orthodontist in Sheboygan can clearly see how the teeth are aligning and how the jaws are growing. Invisalign is also an option for some younger children. It's FDA-approved for kids as young as seven, and there's even a version called Invisalign First that's specially designed for growing mouths. 

However, not every child is ready for treatment at the same age, which is why orthodontists recommend having an initial evaluation around age seven. This early checkup helps spot potential issues and gives parents a better idea of when to start braces or clear aligners for the best long-term results.

Where to Find the Best Orthodontist in Sheboygan and Manitowoc for Both Invisalign and Traditional Braces

At Just Orthodontics, we understand that your teenager’s smile is directly linked to the confidence that will follow them for a lifetime. That’s why we offer personalized, high-quality orthodontic care backed by more than a century of experience serving families in Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and across Northeastern Wisconsin. 

Whether your teen needs help with spacing, crowding, bite correction, or overall alignment, we are dedicated to creating a custom treatment plan that fits both their needs and your schedule. In addition to Invisalign, our board-certified orthodontist uses Empower® braces from American Orthodontics, manufactured right here in Sheboygan, and we never charge extra for clear or metal options, so you and your teen can choose what feels right. 

With early morning and after-school appointments, on-time visits, and a team that’s seen generations of families through their smile journeys, we’re here to make orthodontic care easy, effective, and encouraging every step of the way.