For adults and teens in Meriden, Connecticut, the decision between braces and clear aligners often comes down to lifestyle, treatment needs, and personal preference. Feldman Orthodontics, which serves Meriden patients from its Cheshire office, offers both options and stresses that the choice should be individualized.
Braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and an archwire to apply continuous pressure. Because they are fixed, they do not rely on patient compliance and can handle 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 and are removable for eating and cleaning. Their near-invisibility makes them popular among adults searching for clear aligners in Meriden, CT. However, the trade-off is that aligners only work when worn, so discipline is essential.
Teens often prefer aligners for sports or playing instruments, but braces may be more suitable for certain adolescent cases. At Feldman Orthodontics, each patient is assessed individually rather than being steered toward a default option. The practice's four board-certified orthodontists—Dr. Jonny Feldman, Dr. David Feldman, Dr. Kelly Morrison, and Dr. Preeti Chandhoke—work across three Connecticut locations, including the Cheshire office that serves Meriden.
Treatment planning at Feldman Orthodontics utilizes digital scanning and 3D imaging instead of traditional impressions. This technology captures precise measurements of tooth and jaw position, allowing for 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 an early orthodontic evaluation by age 7, following the American Association of Orthodontists' guidance. Early assessment can identify developing issues and address them before they become more complex.
One aspect that patients often overlook is the importance of retainers. After braces or aligners move teeth into position, retainers hold them there. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth can drift back to their original positions, undoing the results over time. Feldman Orthodontics includes retainer fitting and follow-up appointments in its treatment approach, with monitoring visits to ensure the correction is holding.
"The retainer is not an afterthought—it is what makes the result permanent," said the Feldman Orthodontics team.
For those seeking an orthodontist in Meriden, CT, Feldman Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations at its Cheshire, Wallingford, or North Haven offices. Surgical orthodontics is also available for cases involving skeletal discrepancies.
More information can be found at Feldman Orthodontics.
