For adults and teens in Meriden, Connecticut, choosing an orthodontic treatment often comes down to two options: traditional braces or clear aligners. Feldman Orthodontics, which serves Meriden patients from its nearby Cheshire office, offers both treatments. The practice is staffed by four board-certified orthodontists—Dr. Jonny Feldman, Dr. David Feldman, Dr. Kelly Morrison, and Dr. Preeti Chandhoke—who practice across three Connecticut locations.
The primary difference between the two approaches lies in their mechanics. Braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and an archwire that applies continuous pressure. Because the appliance is fixed, it works without relying on patient compliance, and it can handle a wide range of movements, including complex rotations and bite correction. In contrast, clear aligners are a sequence of custom trays, each worn for a set period before moving to the next. They are removable for eating and cleaning and are far less visible, making them a popular choice for adults seeking clear aligners in Meriden. However, the trade-off is compliance: the trays only move teeth while they are worn.
Teens often prefer aligners when playing sports or musical instruments, as they are less intrusive. Yet braces remain the better option for many adolescent cases. At Feldman Orthodontics, each patient is assessed individually rather than steered toward a default treatment. The practice uses digital scanning and 3D imaging for treatment planning, which captures precise measurements of tooth and jaw position. This technology provides a detailed view of alignment issues and supports a more accurate plan from the start. For patients traveling from Meriden, remote monitoring is available in qualifying cases, potentially reducing the number of in-office visits during active treatment.
Younger patients are encouraged to have an early orthodontic evaluation 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. Retention is the part of treatment that patients often underestimate. Once teeth are moved into position, retainers hold them there. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth can drift back toward their original positions, undoing the result over time. 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 can book a complimentary consultation at the Cheshire, Wallingford, or North Haven office. Surgical orthodontics is also available for cases involving skeletal discrepancies. More information is available at Feldman Orthodontics.
