Your child probably isn't looking forward to having braces, and you may not be too thrilled about it either. From the cost to the pain to limits on food intake, braces are no picnic for your child or for you. Fortunately, there are some alternatives, though each has its limits and your child may not be a candidate for all options. Ask your orthodontist about alternatives to braces, and get a second opinion if necessary.
Invisalign
One of the most popular alternatives to braces is Invisalign. The system consists of clear "aligners" that are changed every few weeks, gradually straightening teeth without the appearance of metal braces. The aligners are removed before eating or drinking, making food restrictions a non-issue. Not everyone will be able to use Invisalign; if your child has severe dental problems, he may not qualify. Invisalign may also be more expensive than traditional braces.
Self-Ligating Braces
Traditional braces are held together by small rubber bands. Self-ligating braces use a clip to hold the wire to the braces, resulting in less maintenance and cleaner teeth. This brace type is also available in a model called Clarity, made of translucent ceramic for a more invisible look. Self-ligating braces may cost a bit more than traditional braces, and orthodontists must be specially accredited to install them. Except for the Clarity brand, these braces still have a traditional "metal mouth" look, which may be a drawback for some children.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are mounted behind the teeth, making it difficult to tell just by looking that your child is wearing braces. As with Invisalign, they may be more expensive than traditional braces and are not an option for everyone--people with very small teeth or certain types of bites may be unable to get lingual braces. They also have some of the same drawbacks as regular braces, such as limits on food intake, pain caused by brackets cutting the tongue and speech problems.
