Disclosure: This is a paid post on behalf of Schulhof of NJ.

If your child needs braces, you’ll be glad to hear that he has more and better options than the “train track” braces you may have sported as a child. It’s not just that there are invisible and near-invisible braces available; the general stigma of braces has mostly faded away. Not only are braces more attractive and easier to wear now, but also they’re becoming almost cool. Tooth-colored ceramic braces have replaced the glaring look of traditional metal braces. Clear plastic aligners are available that can be removed during meals. The most advanced option isn’t even visible: hidden braces such as Incognito Invisible Braces are bonded to the back of the teeth, rather than the front, and cannot be seen at all under normal circumstances.

Traditional braces have the advantage of being more modestly priced than most other alternatives, and celebrities with grills have made the “metal mouth” look almost popular. Your child can choose brightly colored bands and fun brackets shaped like stars or footballs. But traditional braces still have some drawbacks, and if you compare traditional vs. Incognito Hidden Braces, they become clear. At this sensitive time of life, a child whose braces are completely unseen has an easier time socially than one with a mouth full of braces. Unseen braces may also give your child the confidence to participate more fully in class and extracurricular activities than he might with conspicuous traditional braces.

If your child’s dental issues are mild, you may have heard about clear plastic aligners that he can wear during the day. These aligners are much less noticeable than traditional or even ceramic braces, though they are shiny plastic and still reflect light. But keep in mind that they must be taken out during meals, and children are notoriously forgetful, especially of appliances they might prefer to “lose.” They must also be worn at least 22 hours a day to have the best effect. For these reasons, Invisalign may not be the best option for children and young teens. A better alternative for mild dental issues might be Incognito Lite. Incognito Lite Braces are a smaller version of Incognito Hidden Braces. They are bonded to the backs of the six most visible front teeth, and like all other braces, cannot be removed except by a dentist. Treatment time with Incognito Lite can be as little as six months.

Incognito and Incognito Lite Hidden Braces can be more of a financial investment than most of the other options, but they also provide the most benefits. Aside from the advantage of complete privacy, they also deliver a more precise and individually tailored result, because unlike traditional braces, they are custom-fitted to your child’s teeth. This customized treatment moves the teeth more efficiently than the other alternatives and often results in a shorter overall treatment time.

There are more alternatives now than ever before when it comes to braces for kids. When you make that decision, consider giving your child the most advanced braces option possible: Incognito or Incognito Lite Hidden Braces.