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May 20, 2025

Braces vs clear aligners for teens

Braces vs clear aligners for teens

 

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for your teen isn’t just about straightening teeth - it’s also about confidence, comfort, and how it fits into their day-to-day life. As a parent, you're probably weighing up two main options: traditional braces or clear aligners.

At BeClear Orthodontics, we work with families every day who want the best of both worlds: effective, expert-led treatment that doesn’t disrupt school, sports, or social life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of both options - so you and your teen can feel confident in your decision.

Appearance – What Will Their Friends See?

For many teens, how the treatment looks is a big deal. Traditional braces, particularly metal ones, are visible - but modern designs are much smaller, neater, and more comfortable than they used to be.

That said, if your teen is self-conscious or involved in things like drama, public speaking, or sports, they may prefer clear aligners like Invisalign® for Teens or Angel Aligners. These are virtually invisible and sit flush against the teeth - most classmates won’t even notice them.

Teenagers are often pleasantly surprised by how discreet today’s clear aligners are, says Dr. Dima Mobarak, Specialist Orthodontist at BeClear.

We always encourage teens to be part of the decision-making process - it helps them take ownership of their treatment.

Comfort - How Will It Feel Day to Day?

Both options involve gently moving teeth into place, which means some pressure and discomfort is normal - especially in the first few days.

Braces can cause irritation where brackets rub against the lips or cheeks. We provide wax and tips to manage this, and most teens adapt quickly.

Clear aligners, on the other hand, have smooth edges and don’t involve wires or brackets. Many teens find them more comfortable overall, especially when it comes to eating and speaking.

Flexibility - Can They Eat What They Want?

With braces, your teen will need to avoid certain foods - especially hard or sticky things that could damage the brackets.

Clear aligners can be removed at mealtimes, so there’s no need to change their diet. Just take them out to eat, rinse, brush, and pop them back in. This makes them especially popular with active teens and those juggling busy school days and extracurriculars.

However, aligners need to be worn for 20–22 hours a day, so your teen needs to be responsible about putting them back in after eating or brushing.

School Life - Will It Get in the Way?

Orthodontic treatment should never get in the way of your teen’s education, sports, or social life - and with the right support, it won’t.

We offer before-school appointments from 8am and late consultations on Tuesdays until 6:30pm, making it easier to fit treatment around their timetable.

What really makes things easier, though, is Dental Monitoring. With this tool, many of our clear aligner patients can send us weekly progress scans from home via a simple app - cutting down on in-person appointments and missed school time.

Dental monitoring

Effectiveness - Do Both Options Deliver the Same Results?

Yes - with the right compliance. Braces are fixed, which means they’re always working and ideal for teens who may struggle to remember aligners.

Clear aligners are just as effective, but only if worn as instructed. If your teen is committed, they can achieve incredible results - and we’ll be monitoring their progress every step of the way.

Cost - Is One More Expensive Than the Other?

Costs vary depending on your teen’s case. At BeClear, we offer flexible, interest-free payment plans for all options, including Invisalign® and Angel Aligners. We’ll walk you through every detail at your free consultation so you can make the right decision for your family.

So... Which Is Better for School Life?

Both braces and clear aligners have their strengths. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

Feature Braces Clear Aligners
Visibility Visible (but neater than ever) Nearly invisible
Comfort Brackets may rub at first Smooth, removable trays
Food restrictions Yes No – remove to eat
School-time flexibility Some adjustments needed Minimal disruption (with remote monitoring)
Effectiveness Very high Equally high with compliance

Still unsure? That’s what we’re here for.

Book a Free Consultation

We’ll talk you and your teen through every option, show you digital scans of their smile, and help you choose what’s best - whether it’s braces, Invisalign®, or Angel Aligners.

Book your free consultation today