Orthodontics
Braces vs clear aligners for teenagers: which is right for your child?
Published 9 March 2026
Most parents arrive with the same question: are clear aligners as good as braces? For a lot of cases the answer is yes — but only if they're worn.
Braces
Fixed to the teeth, so they work continuously whether or not your teenager is organised.
- Handles a wider range of movements, including significant bite corrections
- Nothing to lose or forget
- Visible, though ceramic brackets are far less obvious than metal
- Adjustment visits roughly every 6–8 weeks
- Hard, sticky and chewy foods need avoiding
Clear aligners
Removable and near-invisible — and only effective while they're actually in the mouth.
- Must be worn 20–22 hours a day, every day
- Removed for eating and cleaning, so no food restrictions
- Easier to brush and floss properly
- Best suited to mild and moderate crowding or spacing
- Can be lost, which delays treatment
Questions to ask at the assessment
Take these with you, whichever practice you see:
- What's the expected treatment time for each option in my child's case?
- What's the total cost of each, including retainers at the end?
- What happens if we start aligners and compliance isn't good enough?
- How often will we need to attend, and are evening or Saturday appointments available?
- What does my health fund's orthodontic limit cover?
At Endeavour Smiles Group we quote both options at the assessment so families can compare with real numbers. Call (03) 8771 5805.
Have a question about your own situation?
Call the practice and we'll find you an appointment that fits — open Wednesday late nights and Saturday mornings.
QIP accredited · Caring for Endeavour Hills families since 2008 · Written costs before anything starts