Aligners or braces for your teenager
| Aligners (such as Invisalign Teen) | Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks | Nearly invisible | Visible (metal) or less visible (ceramic) |
| Food | Anything, as aligners come out | Avoid hard, sticky and chewy food |
| Cleaning | Brush normally | Takes extra care around brackets |
| Sports and music | Take them out | Mouthguard for contact sports |
| Needs discipline | Yes, 20–22 hours a day | No |
| Complex cases | Many | All |
Some aligner systems for teens include wear indicators that fade with use, so you and the orthodontist can see whether they’re being worn enough.
Early treatment for younger children
Between about six and ten, some children benefit from a first phase of treatment to make room for adult teeth, widen a narrow upper jaw or correct a crossbite. This can be done with appliances, or for some children with aligners designed for this age, such as Invisalign First. Many children don’t need early treatment at all; an assessment around seven tells you.
Signs your child may need an orthodontist
- crowded, overlapping or very gappy teeth
- front teeth that stick out, or don’t meet
- upper teeth that bite inside the lower teeth
- baby teeth lost very early or very late
- thumb-sucking beyond about age seven
- mouth breathing or difficulty chewing
Making it work
- Agree the rules at the start: aligners out only to eat and brush, case always with them.
- Set phone reminders to put aligners back in after meals.
- Keep check-ups with the orthodontist and with our paediatric dentist.
- Wear retainers afterwards, as teeth keep moving through the teenage years.
Book an assessment
We’re open 10am to 8pm every day, so appointments can fit around school. You’ll get a written plan and estimate for each suitable option, aligners or braces. Read more about Invisalign and clear aligners and braces.
Questions patients ask us
What age can a child get Invisalign?
Teenagers can usually have aligners once most adult teeth are through. Invisalign First is designed for some children aged about six to ten, for early treatment while baby and adult teeth are mixed.
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
An assessment around age seven is a good idea. Most children don't need treatment then, but it shows whether anything needs watching or early correction.
Are aligners or braces better for teenagers?
Aligners suit teens who will wear them 20–22 hours a day and want something discreet. Braces suit complex cases and teens who might leave aligners out. Many teens do very well with either.
What if my teenager loses their aligners?
It happens. Tell us straight away; usually they move to the next or previous set while a replacement is made. Keeping the case with them helps.
Can my child play sports with aligners?
Yes. Aligners can come out for contact sports and a mouthguard can be worn instead. With braces, a mouthguard is recommended for contact sports.
Sources
NHS: braces and aligners ↗Invisalign India (manufacturer) ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.