Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for your child is a big decision. As a parent, you might be wondering: What age do kids usually get braces? How much do braces cost for kids? Can kids get Invisalign® instead of braces?
We’re here to help! At Russell Orthodontics, we specialize in orthodontics for kids, helping families in Athens, Grayson and Watkinsville navigate treatment options with confidence.
Whether you’re considering braces or Invisalign for your kiddo, this guide answers the most common questions parents have about their child’s orthodontic care!
What Age Do You Get Braces?
You don’t have to wait until your child is a teenager to visit an orthodontist in Athens, Watkinsville or Grayson. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, a child’s jaw is still growing, and their mix of baby and permanent teeth allows our orthodontists to spot early alignment issues. The best way to determine when to start treatment is by bringing your kiddo into one of our orthodontic offices for a complimentary consultation at age 6 or 7.
Our orthodontist, Doc Russell, has achieved the highest level of Invisalign expertise, as a Top 1% Diamond Plus Invisalign provider! We’re here to provide a professional opinion, a full orthodontic exam, and a personal consultation to answer all of your questions about your little one’s smile — at no cost!
Can Kids Get Invisalign Instead of Braces?
Yes! Invisalign isn’t just for adults—kids can benefit from the same treatment their siblings and parents use. Invisalign First is designed specifically for growing smiles, working alongside the natural development of their teeth and jaws.
That said, Invisalign treatment requires a level of responsibility. Since aligners are removable, kids must commit to wearing them for 20–22 hours a day for their treatment to be effective. However, braces come with their own challenges! They require careful attention to diet—avoiding sticky, hard, or chewy foods—and an even stronger commitment to brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup around the brackets.
Here’s the key: at Russell Orthodontics, we’ve specialized in Invisalign for over 20 years and have successfully treated thousands of cases, including some of the most complex orthodontic conditions. Our expertise allows us to treat virtually any case with Invisalign that traditional braces can handle, making the differences between the two options practically negligible. In fact, because we’ve dedicated ourselves to the subspecialty of clear aligners, we’re uniquely positioned to offer a comprehensive range of Invisalign solutions that meet any orthodontic need—from early intervention for young children to advanced bite corrections for teens and adults.
So, is Invisalign better than braces? The real question is: what suits your child’s lifestyle and preferences? Since Russell Orthodontics can offer the same broad scope of treatment options with Invisalign as with braces, your choice comes down to the level of responsibility your child can handle and their preference for a removable, nearly invisible solution. We’re here to partner with you and help you make the best choice for a beautiful, healthy smile!
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Invisalign?
There’s no exact age requirement for Invisalign, but children can start treatment around age 6 if needed!
Here’s how it works:
- For younger kids (Ages 6–10) – We can intervene in problematic conditions before they progress, and address jaw development and spacing issues while baby teeth are still present. Invisalign First is designed to hold space for permanent teeth to erupt, and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into these gaps.
- For preteens & teens (Ages 11–17) – Once all adult teeth have erupted, Invisalign can correct alignment issues just like braces!
How Much Do Braces Cost for Kids?
The cost of orthodontics for kids depends on their personalized treatment plan, based on the complexity of their case. On your first visit, we’ll discuss the cost of your kiddo’s treatment, and create a custom financing plan that meets your needs.
Kids’ orthodontic treatment with Russell Orthodontics is more affordable than you may think! Choose from OrthoFi financing and Care Credit financing. We’re proud to offer both Invisalign and braces at the same price too!
Your dental insurance plans may offer coverage for orthodontic treatment too! We accept most insurance, and we can help you understand your insurance benefits. We’ll do all of the paperwork for you to help you receive the maximum benefit from your plan.
Investing in early orthodontic treatment can prevent costly dental issues down the road, prevent the need for more complex treatment routes (like jaw surgery) to correct progressed conditions, and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?
One of the most common questions parents ask is “Is Invisalign better than braces?” The truth is, neither is universally “better”—but at Russell Orthodontics, we’ve taken Invisalign to the next level, making it possible to achieve the same incredible results you’d expect with braces.
Advantages of Braces
Braces are a tried-and-true method for straightening teeth and correcting complex bite issues. They work around the clock since they’re fixed to the teeth, meaning there’s no risk of forgetting to wear them. However, braces come with important lifestyle adjustments.
- Effective for all cases – Braces can correct all conditions—from mild crowding to severe misalignment and bite issues.
- No need to remember – Since braces stay in place 24/7, there’s no risk of your child removing them or forgetting to wear them.
- Diet restrictions and brushing – Braces require avoiding foods like popcorn, caramel, and crunchy snacks, and they demand more precise brushing and flossing to prevent staining and cavities around brackets.
- Customizable – Kids can personalize their braces with colorful bands, making treatment a little more fun!
Advantages of Invisalign
Thanks to our two decades of specialized experience with clear aligners, Invisalign can achieve everything braces can—without the hassle of dietary restrictions or complex cleaning routines.
- Removable for eating & cleaning – Kids can eat all their favorite foods without worrying about breaking a bracket. Their brushing and flossing routine won’t require learning new techniques for cleaning around hardware.
- Virtually invisible – Clear aligners are nearly undetectable, making them a popular choice for kids and teens who may not love the look of braces.
- Fewer office visits – Aligners are switched out at home every 1-2 weeks, and don’t require ‘tightening’ or adjustments. That means fewer office visits and more time spent with friends!
Thanks to Russell Orthodontics’ expertise in both treatment options, your decision isn’t about which treatment can achieve better results—it’s about which method makes your child feel more confident and sets them up for success!
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Every smile is unique and every orthodontic journey is different, but most treatments fall within these timeframes:
- Braces: 18–24 months
- Invisalign: 12–18 months (depending on aligner wear compliance)
Some children require two-phase orthodontic treatment, where an early phase (ages 7–10) addresses jaw development, followed by a second phase (ages 11–14) for fine-tune alignment.
Which one should your kiddo choose?
If you’re unsure which treatment is best for your little one, a visit to one of our modern, family-friendly orthodontic offices in Athens, Watkinsville or Grayson can help you decide! We’ll help you weigh the advantages of all of our treatment options, so you and your child can make the right decision for their smile.
Debunking Myths About Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
Let’s debunk some common misconceptions:
- Myth 1: Kids don’t need to see an orthodontist until all their adult teeth come in.
- Fact: Early orthodontic evaluations are recommended by age 7. This allows us to detect and prevent major alignment issues, even with a mixed dentition of baby teeth and adult teeth!
- Myth 2: Invisalign isn’t as effective as braces.
- Fact: Invisalign can correct many of the same alignment issues as braces when worn properly.
- Myth 3: Braces and Invisalign are only needed for cosmetic reasons.
- Fact: While a beautiful smile is a major benefit of orthodontic treatment, it isn’t the only one! Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of oral health issues, like gum disease, cavities and uneven wear.
Book your child’s complimentary consultation today!
Whether you’re considering braces or Invisalign, the key is starting the conversation early. Early orthodontic evaluations help us determine the least invasive treatment route for your child, minimizing discomfort from treatment and reducing treatment time.
At Russell Orthodontics in Athens, Grayson or Watkinsville, we’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through every step of your child’s orthodontic journey.
