Ask the Dentist: Orthodontic Solutions

Q: How do I decide whether Invisalign or braces is a better option for my child who is a teenager? 

 A: Both Invisalign (clear aligners) and traditional braces have its advantages and here are two main considerations that should help you decide. 

1) Discipline

Invisalign works most effectively when the aligners are being worn diligently for at least 20 hours a day. A new set of aligners needs to be changed every 2 weeks. If there are any reduced hours of daily wear, one is advised to compensate it by wearing the current aligners for an extra 1 to 2 days before switching to the next set. 

As aligners are removable, there will not be any prescribed dental movements if the aligners are not worn. If this happens for an extended period of time, any teeth movements achieved till then may even regress. Therefore, if your child finds it hard to commit to wearing them as prescribed, traditional braces would be a better option. 

2) Lifestyle

The fees of Invisalign treatment is generally 30 to 50% higher than traditional metal braces (with the exception of lingual braces). Therefore, for most teenagers who are schooling, braces is the more common, cost efficient option. While more working adults opt for Invisalign or ceramic braces due to aesthetic reasons. 

However, if your child plays contact sports or musical instruments such as the flute, clarinet or trumpets, they may find Invisalign a safer and better fit respectively.

You are recommended to share your concerns with your child’s orthodontist so that he/she can advise accordingly.

Dr Eugene Chan is a Dental Specialist in Orthodontics with Specialist Dental Group^®. He received his specialist training in orthodontics from the University of Sydney, Australia, and his Doctorate of Medical Science from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. Dr Chan is a Clinical Consultant with Invisalign and he trains dentists and orthodontists in Singapore and Asia. www.specialistdentalgroup.com | 6733 7883