Smile

Blog By:
francescap

Over the past decade, orthodontic treatments for children have been evolving rapidly, and that progress will only continue to grow exponentially in the years to come.

Now, when it comes to what we will be covering in this article, there are two primary options parents and their children have available to them for corrective orthodontics: 

Clear aligners and traditional braces.

As we approach 2025, the preferences for these treatments have been, and continue to shift due to advancements in technology, changing aesthetics, and lifestyle considerations and trends in the community. 

Thanks to this, we decided it pertinent to do a comprehensive dive into both of the treatments, analyzing trends, advantages, disadvantages, and our predictions for the future of pediatric orthodontics.

Understanding Clear Aligners and Traditional Braces

Before we get too far into the discussion of which is becoming increasingly more popular, we first need to take a 10,000-foot view of both options.

First off, clear aligners and traditional braces serve the same purpose: correcting dental misalignments and improving oral health. However, their mechanisms and applications for how exactly they correct differ greatly.

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign and Smile Direct Club, are custom-made plastic trays that gradually shift teeth into their correct positions without being directly attached. They are, again, removable, nearly invisible, and require regular changes every few weeks to progress and move treatment forward. 

These aligners work best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including tooth gaps, crowding, and minor bite problems. According to a study published in the International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences (IJRPS), 92% said they would prefer a clear aligner therapy as an orthodontic treatment due to its aesthetic appeal and convenience.

Traditional braces, on the other hand, consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by wires that apply continuous pressure to shift teeth. They are effective for complex orthodontic cases, such as severe misalignments, overbites, and underbites. 

Unlike aligners, braces remain fixed in place, requiring regular adjustments by an orthodontist. With data continuing to indicate that approximately 60% of all pediatric orthodontic treatments in the U.S. still involve traditional braces, it seems their reliability and effectiveness in treating more severe dental issues continue to put them ahead of aligners for the time being.

Trends in Orthodontic Treatments for Children Leading Up to 2025

Taking a look back at 2024 and the 21st century as a whole, orthodontic trends among children have evolved significantly, with an increasing number of parents opting for clear aligners over traditional braces. 

We took the time to speak with a leading Orthodontist in Branford, Dr. Thomas Dobie, who has extensive experience with pediatric orthodontics and had the following to say regarding corrective orthodontics among children in 2024:

“I think braces are still the biggest winner for children and younger teens. But aligners are king for older teens and young adults.”

This insight leads us to our next topic of discussion being the growing popularity of products like Invisalign among teens. Even so, it appears that braces were still the predominant choice for younger children, as they are what you consider more “kid-proof” or “kid-friendly”

Now, cost also remains a major factor influencing their treatment choices. 

On average, clear aligners cost between $3,000 and $7,000, whereas traditional braces range from $2,500 to $6,000. Despite the slightly higher price, the appeal of aligners continues to grow due to their convenience and discreet appearance, especially, as we said, with teenagers. 

Additionally, insurance coverage for clear aligners has improved, with many providers now offering partial reimbursement for pediatric aligner treatments.

The Rise of Clear Aligners Among Teens

As we hinted at earlier, teenagers play a significant role in driving orthodontic treatment trends, especially clear aligners. 

As more image-conscious individuals, many prefer clear aligners over braces due to their nearly invisible appearance. The "Invisalign Teen" market has exploded as of late, capturing a substantial share of adolescent orthodontic treatments.

Social media has also helped to fuel this growing trend. 

Influencers and celebrities frequently showcase their clear aligner treatments, whether it be a brand endorsement or just genuine content, making them more appealing to younger demographics who are increasingly involved in social media. 

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 68% of teens reported social media as a key factor influencing their consumer choices, including orthodontic treatments. 

Additionally, teens' preferences often influence parental decisions for younger children, increasing the likelihood of aligner adoption in early orthodontic interventions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Clear Aligners for Children

Now getting into the “clear differences between the two, clear aligners offer several benefits for children that braces do not. 

Their removability allows for far better oral hygiene since kids can brush and floss without any sort of obstruction. They also eliminate dietary restrictions commonly associated with braces, enabling children to eat their favorite foods without concern. 

Furthermore, a COVID study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics indicated that clear aligners result in fewer emergency visits since there are no brackets or wires to break.

However, compliance is a major drawback, which is where most of the issues stem when it comes to younger patients. 

Since aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day, younger children may, and oftentimes do struggle with adherence. Losing or forgetting to wear them can extend treatment time and reduce effectiveness, which also adds to over cost. 

Additionally, aligners are not always suitable for severe orthodontic cases, limiting their application for some children. They are best applied to minor to at most medium corrective needs. A clinical review from the British Orthodontic Society highlights that cases involving severe overbites or crossbites often require traditional braces for effective treatment.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional Braces for Children

To this day, traditional braces remain a highly effective solution for complex orthodontic cases. They provide consistent pressure to correct severe misalignments and are often the best choice for significant bite issues. 

Since they are fixed in place, compliance is not a concern, which tends to be a larger issue for younger patients. Braces ensure that the treatment progresses as planned.

However, braces do come with certain drawbacks. Maintaining oral hygiene can be challenging, as food particles often get stuck in brackets and wires. Regular dental checkups and special cleaning tools are also necessary to prevent cavities and gum disease. 

Additionally, dietary restrictions require children to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods to prevent damage to the braces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children with braces are more susceptible to plaque buildup, emphasizing the importance of good oral hygiene habits.

Predicting the Future: Which Treatment Will Dominate in 2025?

Now, based on current trends, clear aligners are expected to gain even more popularity by 2025, particularly as technology improves its effectiveness for more complex cases. 

Advancements in 3D printing, artificial intelligence-driven treatment planning, and teledentistry will likely make clear aligners more accessible and affordable to those who were at some point fenced out.

Researchers at the University of California have also been developing AI-powered orthodontic modeling systems, which could drastically improve treatment accuracy and predictability.

However, traditional braces will still hold their place in orthodontics, particularly for children with severe dental issues. The cost difference will certainly also influence some parents to choose braces over aligners if affordability remains a concern going into 2026.

Data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research also suggests that traditional braces will likely remain highly dominant in lower-income households due to their cost-effectiveness and long-term durability.

Ultimately, the choice between clear aligners and traditional braces will always depend on individual orthodontic needs, lifestyle preferences, and financial considerations, it's just a matter of the patient's needs and wants. 

As innovations continue to emerge, orthodontic treatments for children will become more customized and efficient, shaping the future of pediatric dentistry.