Braces vs Invisalign: Which Is Right for Your Child?

As a parent, you want your child to feel confident about their smile, but crooked or misaligned teeth can often lead to insecurity. Fortunately, modern orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign offer effective solutions to help your child achieve a smile they can be proud of. But which option is best for them?

At Shakespeare Orthodontics in Epsom, we understand how important this decision is for your family. We’re here to help you explore the differences between braces and Invisalign, so you can choose the right path for your child’s smile transformation.

“No one should feel held back by their smile. Book your free consultation and start your child’s journey towards confidence today.”

Understanding Braces

Braces have been a trusted orthodontic solution for many years and remain a popular choice for children and teens. Made from metal or ceramic brackets and wires, braces gradually shift teeth into the correct position. While they are a more traditional option, their effectiveness for treating a range of orthodontic issues remains unmatched.

Why Choose Braces for Your Child?

  • Effective for Complex Cases: Braces can correct severe misalignment, overcrowding, or bite issues. If your child’s dental issues are more complex, braces may provide the precise adjustments needed.
  • No Compliance Worries: Since braces are fixed to your child’s teeth, there’s no need to worry about them forgetting to wear their aligners. Braces work around the clock to straighten teeth.
  • Variety of Styles: While traditional metal braces are the most common, you can opt for ceramic braces, which blend in with the natural tooth colour, offering a more subtle appearance.

Understanding Invisalign

Invisalign offers a modern, discreet alternative to traditional braces. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to move teeth into alignment. This option is particularly popular with older children and teens who may feel self-conscious about their appearance during treatment.

Why Choose Invisalign for Your Child?

  • Discreet Appearance: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a great option if your child is concerned about how they’ll look with braces. They can smile confidently even during treatment.
  • Comfort: With smooth, custom-fit aligners, Invisalign is known for being more comfortable than braces, which can sometimes cause irritation to the cheeks and gums.
  • Removability: Invisalign aligners are removable, so your child can take them out when eating or brushing, making dental hygiene easier. However, it also means they need to be disciplined about wearing them for the required 22 hours a day.

Choosing Between Braces and Invisalign

The decision between braces and Invisalign depends on a number of factors, including your child’s age, the complexity of their orthodontic needs, and their lifestyle. For simpler orthodontic issues, Invisalign can be a great, subtle solution. But for more complex cases, braces might offer a more reliable path to a perfect smile.

It’s also important to consider your child’s ability to commit to the treatment. While Invisalign offers flexibility, it requires responsibility. If your child may forget to wear their aligners, braces may be the better choice.

The Emotional Impact of Orthodontic Treatment

We know that crooked teeth can impact your child’s confidence, especially during the formative years of adolescence. Whether it’s through braces or Invisalign, the goal is to give your child a smile they’ll love to show off, helping them build self-esteem that lasts a lifetime.

“Your smile shouldn’t be something you hide. Our expert team in Epsom is here to help your child transform their confidence with modern orthodontic care.”

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters

Early intervention can significantly reduce the need for more intensive treatment later on. By addressing orthodontic concerns in childhood, plates can guide the development of your child’s teeth and jaws, potentially avoiding the need for braces or other treatments down the line. Our goal is to give your child the most effective, least invasive solution whenever possible.

Transforming Your Child’s Confidence

Your child deserves to feel confident when they smile. Whether you choose plates or braces, orthodontic treatment can have a lasting impact on their self-esteem. At Shakespeare Orthodontics, we make sure everyone has the chance to achieve that confidence, whether through early intervention with plates or the comprehensive results that braces offer.

We’re Here for You

We understand that every child’s orthodontic journey is unique. That’s why, at Shakespeare Orthodontics, we take the time to understand your child’s individual needs and offer guidance that is best suited to them. Whether it’s braces or Invisalign, we are dedicated to helping your child feel confident, happy, and ready to face the world with a beautiful smile.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re unsure about which option is right for your child, we’re here to help. Book a free consultation with us in Epsom, and we’ll assess their orthodontic needs, explain the process, and help you make the best decision. Your child’s journey to a confident smile is just a consultation away.

“You deserve to feel confident when you smile. At Shakespeare Orthodontics, we make sure everyone has the chance to achieve that.”

Shakespeare Orthodontics: Creating a Smile You Love​

4 Auckland Locations: Takapuna (North Shore), Epsom, Warkworth, Howick​

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Ph: 09 2166 888

Dr. Adriana Perez

BDS (Ven/Esp) | MDS-Orth (Arg)
 
Dr. Adriana Perez grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. She is one of the registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland.

 

In 2008, Adriana graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduation, she worked in Venezuela in private practice, at the Orthopaedic Children’s Hospital (Dentistry/Orthodontics unit), and as a lecturer in the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces.

In the year 2011, Adriana moved to Argentina to specialise, gaining the Specialist Orthodontist degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 2013. While in Argentina, she worked as a part-time lecturer at the Orthodontics Department in the University of Buenos Aires, private practice, and at the Craniofacial Unit in the Paediatric Hospital Garrahan, looking after cleft lip new-born, children, and adolescent patients.

Adriana is a Spanish speaker. On her spare time she likes going to the beach, travelling, socialising with friends, playing video games, cooking, and going to the gym.

Orthodontist Adriana Perez

Dr. Azza Al-Ani

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

Dr Azza Al-Ani, grew up in Christchurch, is a registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland. You can find her at one of the clinics in the city, or at their Takapuna clinic on the North Shore. 

In 2009, Azza graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Credit from the University of Otago.

She worked as a dental house surgeon at Auckland, Greenlane and Middlemore Hospitals; and as a dental officer at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.

In 2012, she completed the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) primary examinations.

Before commencing her specialist training, she held a part-time Professional Practice Fellow position at the Faculty of Dentistry, while working as a dentist in private practice.

In 2016, Azza graduated from the University of Otago with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. She passed examinations to gain memberships into the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

She is also certified with the Australasian Orthodontic Board, and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, and the New Zealand Dental Association.

Azza’s area of research interest is hypodontia.
She has presented about this topic at the European Orthodontic Society Congress, and at the International Association Dental Research ANZ Scientific Meeting, and has been involved in the publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Outside of work, Azza loves spending time with her son and Mo (her husband), socialising with family and friends, overseas travel, and tries to keep up with Mo mountain biking.

Dr. Mo Al-Dujaili

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

 

Mo is a Specialist Orthodontist. He grew up in both New Zealand and Australia.

After completing a year in Health Sciences, and later physiotherapy, he qualified as a dentist in New Zealand. He spent the next four years working alongside his father in Sydney where he practised general dentistry. Mo then returned to Dunedin to specialise, gaining his specialist degree – Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics from the University of Otago.

During the three years of specialist training, Mo had the privilege of learning from the best. The combined clinical and academic acumen of professors, doctors and staff provided an invaluable experience.

Meanwhile, Mo published and presented significant research and clinical cases at both national and international forums, including the International Association of Dental Research, the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontics, the European Orthodontic Society and the New Zealand Dental Association conference.

A firm believer in maintaining high clinical standards, Mo successfully completed further examinations to become affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Sydney).

Mo is currently a part time senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists and also holds professional memberships with the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists.

He has also been involved in the supervising and lecturing of students at the Auckland University of Technology.

Outside of work, Mo enjoys the precious time with his young family and the outdoors. He especially loves mountain biking, running, fishing, diving and, in winter, snowboarding.

Traveling along with his best friend and wife (Azza) around the world has also been a big part of Mo’s life. Mo is primarily based in Shakespeare Orthodontic’s city clinics and on the North Shore.