What's the difference between fixed and removable appliances?

Fixtures

Fixed appliances, such as braces, are designed to be bonded to children's teeth. Alignment work is therefore continuous and does not require too much follow-up in terms of appliance activation. However, hygiene becomes crucial as the oral anatomy undergoes changes, and insufficient care can lead to serious damage such as cavities or discoloration.

Removable appliances

In the case of removable braces, as their name suggests, they can be put on and taken off, for example during meals. Nowadays, thanks to technical advances, some models like Invisalign are remarkably effective. However, if the patient doesn't put them on, they don't work. In the case of an adult, this shouldn't be a problem. If it's a child, it's always a good idea to discuss with the parents whether the child will remember to put the appliance on by himself. If the child always forgets to brush his or her teeth, and has to be constantly reminded to do so by the parents, it is to be feared that the same will happen with the appliance. Removable braces require the child to take care of himself, to mature, etc...

Is a fixed appliance preferable for children?

Not necessarily. In fact, it all depends on the type of problem: widening the palate is easier and quicker with a fixed appliance, but re-establishing the distance between the jaws can be done with either type of appliance. Ultimately, it all depends on the child's level of responsibility.

In adolescence, when children are more sensitive to criticism, especially of their appearance, they may refuse to wear rings or other conspicuous items.

Of course, orthodontics can be concealed with Invisalign or internal braces. But with removable braces, you still need to be rigorous.