Clear Aligners vs. Braces for Teens — Which is Right for Your Child?

Motto® clear aligners straighten teen smiles in 6 months or less³ for $2,999² — a fast and affordable alternative to traditional metal braces and Invisalign® while fitting seamlessly into a teenager's daily life.

_{²Price for mild to moderate cases. Advanced cases may require additional charges. ³Average Motto patient treatment plan lasts 5.4 months. Results may vary. Data on file.}
 

Why Choose Clear Aligners for Teens?

Teen orthodontic treatment impacts daily confidence, oral hygiene and family budgets. Choosing the right method ensures your teen will wear their aligners according to their treatment plan, so you can focus on everything else!

Before treatment, many teens hide their teeth in photos and avoid smiling in social situations. Traditional metal braces often amplify this self-consciousness. Clear aligners are virtually invisible — and removable for sports, photos and meals.

Research confirms adolescents using clear aligners report significantly higher satisfaction than those with fixed braces.
 

Clear Aligners vs. Braces: Which Is Better for Teens?

Parents evaluating orthodontic options for their teen typically compare two paths: traditional metal braces and clear aligners. Each work differently — and the right choice depends on your teen's case complexity, lifestyle, and your family's budget.

Traditional braces use metal brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by wires that are monitored and adjusted during each visit. They are fixed — meaning your teen cannot remove them. Clear aligners use removable plastic trays that shift teeth gradually with constant, gentle pressure. Motto clear aligners are laser-cut for smooth, scalloped edges and made from BPA-free, antimicrobial, stain-resistant material. They’re virtually invisible and many feel they are more comfortable than metal brackets.
 

How Much Do Motto Clear Aligners for Teens Cost Compared to Invisalign® or Braces?

Motto® clear aligners have one low price of $2,999²— half the price¹ of Invisalign®. This price covers everything including scans, trays, doctor check-ins, a retainer ($594 value) and a professional whitening kit ($198 value). Why pay double¹ for Invisalign®?
  

Motto’s price is lower than most, but also offers easy & convenient ways to pay:

• Flexible payments: Pay as low as $81 per month⁵ through 60-month third-party financing via CareCredit®. [2]

• Insurance: Many dental insurance plans cover Motto the same as traditional braces. FSA and HSA funds can also be applied.
  
  

_{¹Based on a 2025 survey of average Invisalign® vs. Motto cost. ²Price for mild to moderate cases. Advanced cases may require additional charges. ³Average Motto patient treatment plan lasts 5.4 months. Results may vary. Data on file. 5Subject to credit approval.}
 

Are Clear Aligners Effective for Teenage Orthodontic Treatment?

Yes — clinical research confirms clear aligners are effective for mild to moderate teenage cases while making it easier to brush your teeth and maintain proper oral health, compared with traditional braces during treatment. Motto aligners deliver doctor-directed care with 3–4 check-ins to monitor your teen's progress.

Key lifestyle advantages for teens:


• Sports and activities: Teens can easily play contact sports or musical instruments while wearing clear aligners. For mouthguard wearers, simply remove trays and return after your game or practice — no broken brackets or emergency dental visits that may come with braces.

• Oral hygiene: Brush and floss normally. No specialized tools, no food restrictions, no plaque traps around metal brackets.

• Confidence: Virtually invisible trays mean most classmates will never notice that your teen is in treatment.

• Comfort: Laser-cut, scalloped edges hug teeth naturally without irritating gums or cheeks.

When Are Traditional Braces Better Than Clear Aligners for Teens?

Clear aligners work exceptionally well for mild to moderate cases. Severe crowding, significant bite corrections, or complex teeth rotation may require traditional braces for full clinical resolution. Clear aligners also require a strict schedule and commitment — trays must be worn at least 22 hours per day.

If your teen has a history of losing retainers or is unlikely to wear the trays consistently, traditional braces may be the more reliable option. Your Aspen Dental care team will review your teen's 3D scan and discuss the best option for them.



How to Know If Your Teen Is a Candidate for Clear Aligners

A certified Aspen Dental clinician evaluates your teen's bite, takes a precision 3D scan, and confirms whether clear aligner therapy is clinically appropriate — all at the first appointment. Same-day visits are available at over 1,100 Aspen Dental locations nationwide. [4]

The four-step process:


1. Consultation: A doctor assesses your teen's bite and crowding using precision 3D imaging.

2. Diagnosis: The care team maps the exact tooth movements needed for a straight result.

3. Treatment: Your teen wears custom trays daily, with 3–4 doctor check-ins to monitor progress.

4. Aftercare: The included retainer maintains the new smile long-term.

Book a FREE same-day appointment⁴ at your nearest Aspen Dental to find out if Motto is right for your teen. [4]

⁴_{Free offer applies to new & existing patients seeking clear aligner evaluation. Free exam & x-rays have a min value of $80; value will vary based on doctor recommendation. Offer ends 12/31/26.}

Invisalign® for Teens vs. Motto Clear Aligners: Which Should You Choose?

For most families, Motto® clear aligners deliver the same doctor-directed experience as Invisalign® — with more included value, for half the price.¹ [1] For mild to moderate cases, Motto is the stronger clinical and financial choice. Motto isn't just the alternative. It's the upgrade.

_{¹Based on a 2025 survey of average Invisalign® vs. Motto cost.}
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Motto® clear aligners cost for teens?  



Motto® clear aligners cost $2,999². This all-inclusive price covers aligner trays, doctor-directed care, one retainer ($594 value), and a professional whitening kit ($198 value). Advanced cases may require additional charges.

Are Motto clear aligners cheaper than Invisalign® for teens?

Yes. Motto is $2,999, on average half the price¹ of Invisalign®. Motto also includes a retainer and whitening kit at no extra charge.

How long does Motto clear aligner treatment take for teens?

Most patients complete Motto treatment in 6 months or less³ with the average Motto patient treatment plan lasting 5.4 months.

Can my teen eat with clear aligners in?

No — trays must be removed before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. This keeps the trays clean and prevents food from getting trapped against the teeth.

How often does my teen see the doctor during Motto treatment?

Your teen will have 3–4 doctor check-ins during treatment. Doctors monitor progress and make on-the-spot adjustments to keep the treatment on track.

How should teens clean their clear aligner trays?

Clean trays with cool water and gentle soap once a day. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic. Motto's antimicrobial material provides built-in germ protection to keep trays fresh between cleanings.

_{Disclaimers: ¹Based on a 2025 survey of average Invisalign® vs. Motto cost. ²Price for mild to moderate cases. Advanced cases may require additional charges. ³Average Motto patient treatment plan lasts 5.4 months. Results may vary. Data on file. ⁴Free offer applies to new & existing patients seeking a clear aligner evaluation. Free exam & x-rays have a minimum value of $80; value varies based on doctor recommendation. Offer ends 12/31/26. Not offered in the state of Illinois. 5Subject to credit approval.}

Sources
[1] Motto® Clear Aligners — https://www.aspendental.com/mottoaligners/ 
[2] Motto® Clear Aligners Pricing — https://www.aspendental.com/mottoaligners/pricing/
[3] How Much Do Dental Braces Cost? CareCredit (July 2025) — https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/dental-braces-cost-dental-braces-financing/ 
[4] Book a Motto® Appointment — https://www.aspendental.com/schedule-an-appointment/mottoaligners/ [E1] Clear Aligner Satisfaction in Adolescents, National Library of Medicine — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8549557/ 
[E2] Clear Aligners and Periodontal Health, National Library of Medicine — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12470377/