“Brace face” may be a term your kid never has to hear.

Metal braces are no longer the first line of treatment when it comes to straightening kids’ teeth. In fact, 4.3 million patients 17 or younger were treated with Invisalign in 2016 alone.

Most parents had traditional metal braces when they were younger so it’s natural to be skeptical about this revolutionary orthodontic treatment.

If you are wondering, “should I get Invisalign?” for your kids or teens, keep reading for 8 things you should know.

1. Invisalign is Convenient

Invisalign aligners are completely removable.

In fact, your kids will take them out to eat and brush their teeth. The goal is to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day.

That leaves some wiggle room, which is great for kids. They can have their aligners out for several hours each day.

If your kid is into band or sports, they can continue their normal routine. Regular braces that can’t be removed do not offer this level of convenience.

Your kid will not have to go their entire youth without eating popcorn.

A factor that is especially important to your kid? Pain level. Invisalign is nowhere near as painful as braces can be.

2. It’s Just as Effective as Braces

Invisalign is just as effective as regular braces when used properly.

It can treat all of the common orthodontic issues. This include underbites, overbites, overcrowding, and gaps between your teeth. It can treat cases ranging from mild to severe.

Most teens are great candidates for this treatment. The average length of treatment is about the same as braces and the cost is about the same as well.

3. Less Time at the Dentist

Kids and teens live busier lives than ever before.

It’s not uncommon for them to be involved in multiple sports as well as additional extra curricular activities. They might even have a job.

It can be hard to squeeze in time for homework and relaxing, let alone going to the dentist. Invisalign is a great option for straitening your kids’ teeth because it requires them to spend less time in the dentist’s chair.

Traditional braces require frequent trips to the dentist because they only move your teeth when wires are changed or adjusted. This has to be done regularly, often once or twice a month.

This means time off work for you and time out of school for your kids. With Invisalign, these frequent appointments aren’t needed. You’ll still come in every month or two to make sure your treatment is working, but your kid can change aligners at home.

4. Aligners Can Get Lost

It’s important for your kids to be responsible with their Invisalign treatment.

A common concern parents have about Invisalign is that their kids might lose their aligners. This is a possibility, but most dentists offices offer reduced rates on replacement aligners when this happens.

Dentists understand that even responsible kids and teens might lose an aligner from time to time. If that happens, your dentist will work with you to get an affordable replacement for the missing aligner.

5. Cleaning Aligners is Simple

Parents should be relieved to know that cleaning Invisalign aligners is a breeze.

Your kids will remove their aligners while they brush and floss their teeth. Then, they simply brush the aligners with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water.

They shouldn’t use toothpaste because it’s too abrasive and could leave visible scratch marks or make existing ones stand out. If your kids aren’t getting their aligners clean enough with this routine, Invisalign has its own cleaning system, which can be purchased.

6. Invisalign Decreases the Risk of Cavities

One of the biggest selling points of Invisalign for parents is that it offers less risk of developing cavities than traditional braces.

As a parent, you do the best you can to help your kids develop a strong oral hygiene routine. With braces, kids often have to use new tools and spend more time focusing on oral hygiene than they would like.

Braces present a risk of cavities because they allow food to become trapped and there are areas where plaque can build up where it’s hard to brush.

With Invisalign, your kids will remove their aligners when they eat and brush their teeth. Other than cleaning their aligners, they do not need to change their oral hygiene routine. This relieves stress on them and you.

7. Invisalign is Great for Athletes

If your child plays sports, you might be concerned about the risk of mouth injuries, especially with braces.

Many spots that kids and teens participate in can be intense and can easily lead to mouth injuries. These risks are amplified for kids with braces due to the metal brackets.

Even if a kid’s mouth is gently touched, the metal or wire may cause a cut and a bloody lip.

Not only does Invisalign remove this risk, but it also allows players to remove their aligners in exchange for mouth guards.

8. Invisalign Boosts Confidence

Parents sometimes forget how embarrassing crooked teeth can be for a kid.

Unfortunately, metal braces come with their own social concerns. Remember what it was like worrying that your braces might get caught during your first kiss?

Invisalign eliminates the social stigma of having braces. Your kid or teen can remove them at any time, even during that first kiss you are probably dreading.

Your kids won’t have to worry if food is stuck in their braces. Instead they can get a straight smile that will boost their confidence without making things worse.