Invisalign® vs. Braces
Invisalign vs. braces: which one is right for you? This is a difficult question to answer without an appointment because every patient’s case is different.
If you have severe orthodontic issues, braces may be the better option. However, both braces and Invisalign can treat crowded teeth, large gaps or spaces between the teeth, underbites, and overbites. No matter which option you choose, you can get that beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. To help you decide, here are some pros and cons.
Possibly the biggest difference between the two options is subtly. Thanks to Invisalign’s clear aligners, most people can’t tell that you’re wearing them. If you’re a teenager or adult looking for invisible braces, this is most likely the better option for you.
Another difference is convenience. With Invisalign, you can remove your aligners to eat and clean your teeth. That means you can continue eating whatever foods you want and brush and floss your teeth as you always do. With braces, eating chewy, sticky, or hard foods can damage your appliances and lead to more costs and longer treatment. You will also need to learn how to properly clean around your brackets and wires to keep teeth clean.
Comfort is another factor. At the beginning of treatment, braces can cause some discomfort as your mouth gets used to the appliances. This only lasts a few days, but you can avoid this entirely with Invisalign’s comfortable plastic aligners.
Lastly, Invisalign offers more freedom throughout treatment. As an Invisalign patient, you only need to come in to our office every four to six weeks. With traditional braces, we will need to see you more often to make adjustments. If you have a hectic schedule or are out of town often, this may be inconvenient for you.
If you’re still unsure which treatment is best, contact our office for a free consultation! We can assess your smile and determine the best treatment for you.