Braces or aligners for your teen? An honest comparison

Teen orthodontics is no longer a one-option decision. Traditional braces and clear aligners each solve most common cases — but they're not equivalent for every teen.

What braces do best - Handle the widest range of cases including severe crowding, rotations and jaw misalignment - Don't depend on the teen wearing them — they're glued on - Cost less on average ($3,000–$6,000) - Better predictability for complex cases

What aligners do best - Nearly invisible — a real self-esteem win for many teens - Removable for eating, brushing and sports - No wire-poking emergencies - 3D scan and treatment simulation upfront - Usually $4,000–$8,000

The compliance question Aligners need 20–22 hours of daily wear. Teens who lose them or "forget" to wear them extend treatment by months. Ask your teen honestly: will they actually wear them?

Case complexity matters Simple crowding: either option works. Rotated canines, severe overbite, missing teeth, jaw discrepancy: braces are usually the better bet.

What to ask the orthodontist - How many cases like ours have you treated? - What's the estimated total time and cost? - What happens if the first phase doesn't track? - What's included in the retainer/post-treatment phase?

The retainer truth Whichever you choose, retainers are forever. Teeth move throughout life — nightly retainer wear keeps the result.