Aug 16, 2025

Can My Child Have Clear Aligners Instead of Braces?

Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic care for both adults and younger patients, offering an alternative to traditional braces that is both discreet and easy to manage.

If you're a parent wondering if your child can benefit from clear aligners instead of fixed braces, you're not alone. Knowing all your options can help you make a confident choice for your child's smile and comfort. At Specialist Orthodontic Practice (SOP), we support families with cutting-edge technology, warm, personalised care, and Dublin-made aligners designed just for kids and teens. Here's what you should know as you weigh up clear aligners and fixed braces.

The Basics: How Do Clear Aligners Differ from Braces?

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, transparent trays that gradually shift teeth into better alignment. Unlike metal or ceramic braces, these trays are removable, slim, and nearly invisible in the mouth. Your child wears their aligners for 20-22 hours a day, taking them out only for meals and brushing. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are fixed in place and use brackets, wires, and elastics to guide teeth into position.

At SOP, both options are available so that parents and children can select what best fits their needs and lifestyle. But while both braces and aligners deliver excellent results for a broad range of orthodontic challenges, there are some important differences to consider for growing children.

Can My Child Have Clear Aligners Instead of Braces?

Many children and teens are suitable for clear aligners, especially if they are old enough to manage wearing and caring for removable trays responsibly. Clear aligners work very well for mild to moderate crowding, gaps, or tilted teeth. For highly complex cases, such as significant bite problems or teeth that need large movements, fixed braces still provide the most precise control and may be recommended by your Specialist Orthodontist.

Your child's readiness is equally important as their dental needs. Aligners need consistent daily wear and proper hygiene. If your child is motivated and can follow instructions, aligners can be a reliable, comfortable solution. If there's a risk your child will forget to wear them, you might prefer the peace of mind that comes with fixed braces.

The best way to determine suitability is with a personal assessment. Our Specialist Orthodontist in Dublin can advise you from the earliest age (often around 7-8 years old), so you always know the full range of treatment options available.

The Pros and Cons of Clear Aligners for Children

Advantages:

• Virtually Invisible: Clear aligners are almost undetectable, so your child can smile confidently at school or during activities without visible brackets or wires.
• Removable for Eating and Brushing: No banned foods and easier cleaning mean less stress about mealtimes or oral hygiene.
• Comfortable to Wear: No wires or brackets poking cheeks, so aligners tend to be gentler for kids who might struggle with irritation from fixed braces.
• Fewer Practice Visits: With remote dental monitoring, progress is checked using smartphone photos, reducing the number of in-person check-ups (a big plus for busy families).

Considerations:

• Discipline Required: Aligners only work if your child wears them as directed. Forgetting or losing trays can slow down progress.
• Not Suitable for Every Case: More complex problems, such as severe crowding or major bite correction, are better addressed with traditional braces or other appliances.
• Risk of Loss: Because aligners come out for eating, they can be misplaced, requiring replacements.

Talking with a trusted orthodontist can help you honestly evaluate whether your child is a good match for aligners. At SOP, we take the time to ensure families feel supported and confident about their choice.

How Do SOP's In-House Aligners Work for Kids and Teens?

At SOP, our clear aligners are designed and made right here in Dublin, using state-of-the-art digital scanning and 3D printing technology. This means every aligner is tailored perfectly for your child, ensuring an excellent fit and rapid turnaround if replacements or adjustments are ever needed.

Your child's journey begins with a comfortable digital scan (no messy impressions), followed by a custom treatment plan developed by our Specialist Orthodontist. Our in-house laboratory creates a series of aligner trays that will move teeth step by step into their new positions. We use the Dental Monitoring app to keep track of progress remotely: you simply upload photos from home, and our clinical team provides regular feedback and support.

Local manufacturing means you get faster results, immediate access to your clinical team, and the reassurance that your child's aligners are made to the highest standards. Should any adjustments be needed along the way, your treatment can be tweaked quickly to keep things moving smoothly.

What Should You Expect During Treatment?

Starting aligner treatment at SOP means you have a friendly team with you every step. We provide practical education to you and your child, ensuring they understand how to care for their aligners and keep their teeth healthy. Families love the reduced number of in-person appointments, thanks to our digital monitoring, and appreciate knowing help is only a phone call or photo away.

Treatment times for aligners and braces are often similar, usually ranging from 12 to 24 months depending on the complexity. After treatment, your child will wear retainers to keep their new smile in perfect alignment.

If you'd like to explore all your options, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you compare aligners, braces, and other treatments to find what works best for your child and your family's lifestyle.

Choosing the Best Path for Your Child's Smile

Clear aligners offer children and teens in Dublin a clear, comfortable, and flexible way to straighten their smiles, provided they are motivated and their orthodontic needs are suitable. With custom-fit, locally made trays, convenient remote check-ins, and expert support from our welcoming team, your child will feel confident and cared for from day one.

If you are considering clear aligners for your child, schedule a consultation at SOP. Our in-house team will guide you through every step, helping you make the right decision for your child's health, confidence, and comfort. Discover more, or find out about our braces for kids, by reaching out to our Dublin or Glenageary locations. We look forward to being part of your child's smile journey!