Last Updated on September 30, 2026 by Mountain View Orthodontics
Braces or Invisalign®? It’s one of the most common questions parents ask us, and one of the most understandable.
Both can create a beautiful, healthy smile. Both can be highly effective. But the better question isn’t necessarily, “Which treatment is best?” It’s, “Which treatment is best for my child?”
At Mountain View Orthodontics, that answer starts with understanding the person behind the smile.
Dr. Sebastian has spent his career advancing the science of orthodontics through research, teaching, and clinical practice. He has published more than 25 articles, co-edited two orthodontic textbooks, taught on six continents, and serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University.
Today, he brings that world-class expertise home to families in Longmont and Berthoud. Every treatment recommendation is thoughtfully tailored to the individual patient, considering not only how their smile will look, but their bite, function, oral health, growth and long-term well-being.
So, when it comes to braces versus Invisalign, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s what parents should know.
Traditional Braces: Reliable, Effective and Always Working
Traditional braces remain one of the most trusted orthodontic treatments available, and for good reason. Because the brackets and wires stay in place throughout treatment, they’re continuously working to guide the teeth into their planned positions.
That can make braces an especially good fit for younger patients who may not be ready for the responsibility of removable aligners. There’s no need to remember to put anything back in after lunch or keep track of how many hours they’ve been worn.
The tradeoff? Patients do need to be a little more careful about what they eat, and brushing around brackets and wires requires some extra attention.
Regular visits allow Dr. Sebastian to monitor progress and make adjustments as your child’s smile develops. And for kids who want to have a little fun with treatment, colored bands can make braces feel much more personal.
Invisalign: Flexibility With a Little More Responsibility
For the right patient, Invisalign clear aligners can offer another highly effective way to straighten teeth without brackets and wires.
Because the aligners are removable, kids and teens can continue enjoying most of their favorite foods. Brushing and flossing are also easier because the aligners simply come out for meals and oral hygiene.
That flexibility does come with responsibility.
For Invisalign treatment to work as planned, aligners need to be worn consistently, generally around 20 to 22 hours each day. If you already know your child is likely to leave their aligners on the lunch table, in a backpack, or anywhere except their mouth, braces may actually be the easier path.
And that’s completely okay.
The goal isn’t to choose the trendiest treatment. It’s to choose the treatment your child can succeed with.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Sometimes, either braces or Invisalign can produce an excellent result. In other cases, Dr. Sebastian may recommend one option based on your child’s specific orthodontic needs.
That recommendation is never made in a vacuum.
At Mountain View Orthodontics, we take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your child’s lifestyle and evaluate the complete picture of their smile, bite and development. If there’s a reason Dr. Sebastian believes one treatment would be a better fit, he can explain why and walk you through the options so you can feel confident in the decision.
Because orthodontic treatment isn’t simply about straightening teeth. It’s about creating a healthy, functional smile designed to serve your child well for years to come.
World-Class Expertise. Hometown Care.
Dr. Sebastian’s experience has taken him around the world as an orthodontic educator, researcher and clinician. But the care he provides at Mountain View Orthodontics is personal.
Families in Longmont and Berthoud receive thoughtful recommendations, individualized treatment planning and the benefit of decades of orthodontic experience, right in their back yard.
Ready to find out whether braces or Invisalign is the right fit for your child?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Mountain View Orthodontic. Together we’ll create a treatment plan built around their smile, their needs and their future.