For adults and teens in Meriden, Connecticut, the decision between braces and clear aligners is a common crossroads in orthodontic care. Feldman Orthodontics, a practice with offices in Cheshire, Wallingford, and North Haven, offers both treatment options and emphasizes that the choice depends on individual needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Braces, which use brackets bonded to the teeth and an archwire to apply continuous pressure, are fixed appliances that work without relying on patient compliance. They are effective for a wide range of movements, including complex rotations and bite corrections. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are a sequence of custom trays that are worn for set periods before moving to the next. They are removable, making eating and cleaning easier, and are far less visible—a key reason why adults often start their search with clear aligners in Meriden, CT. However, the trade-off is compliance: aligners only move teeth when worn.
Teens often prefer aligners when sports or playing musical instruments make fixed appliances cumbersome, though braces remain the better fit for many adolescent cases. The practice's four board-certified orthodontists—Dr. Jonny Feldman, Dr. David Feldman, Dr. Kelly Morrison, and Dr. Preeti Chandhoke—assess each patient individually rather than steering them toward a default option.
Treatment planning at Feldman Orthodontics uses digital scanning and 3D imaging instead of relying solely on traditional impressions. This technology captures precise measurements of tooth and jaw position, providing a detailed view of alignment issues and supporting a more accurate plan from the start. For patients traveling from Meriden, remote monitoring is available in qualifying cases, which can reduce the number of in-office visits during active treatment.
Younger patients are encouraged to have early orthodontic evaluations around age 7, consistent with American Association of Orthodontists guidance. Early assessment allows developing issues to be identified and, where useful, addressed before they become more complex.
A critical aspect that patients often underestimate is retention. Once braces or aligners have moved teeth into position, retainers are essential to hold them there. Teeth naturally tend to drift back toward their previous positions, and without consistent retainer wear, that drift can undo the result over months or years. Retainer fitting and follow-up appointments are included in the practice's treatment approach, with monitoring visits scheduled to confirm the correction is holding.
"The retainer is not an afterthought—it is what makes the result permanent," said the Feldman Orthodontics team.
Patients looking for an orthodontist in Meriden, CT can book a complimentary consultation at the Cheshire, Wallingford, or North Haven office. Surgical orthodontics is also available for cases involving skeletal discrepancies.
This guide matters because choosing the right orthodontic treatment is a significant decision that affects not only appearance but also long-term oral health. By clarifying the differences between braces and clear aligners, and emphasizing the importance of retention, Feldman Orthodontics helps patients make informed choices that lead to lasting results. For more information, visit Feldman Orthodontics.
