Invisalign vs Braces
Deciding to straighten your teeth is simple, but choosing an orthodontic option is more difficult.
If you are trying to decide between Invisalign® and braces, there are several similarities and differences to consider.
Dr. Bill Stofer can help patients at Dental Solutions in Warsaw, IN, determine which option is best suited to their needs and preferences.
Which Type of Orthodontics Is Right for You?
Although Invisalign is the more discreet and comfortable choice, some teens and adults are better-suited for traditional braces. By assessing your case at our Warsaw, IN, office, we can determine whether Invisalign is right for you. When deciding between the two treatments, you should also account for personal preferences, such as:
Are you worried about misplacing your aligners?
Do you care about people noticing your braces?
Would removable aligners be more appropriate for your lifestyle?
Do you want to continue enjoying all your favorite hard and crunchy foods?
Considering these factors can help you feel confident and excited about orthodontics. Our team at Dental Solutions is always available to talk with you about your options.
How Does Each Option Work?
Noteworthy Differences
While both braces and aligners can help you achieve similar results, there are many important differences to consider. Here are some of the most notable:
Invisalign has helped millions of patients achieve straighter smiles and can effectively treat mild to moderate orthodontic issues. However, if you have severe crowding or large spacing issues, braces may be a better option for you. Because of their design, braces allow for more effective manipulation to correct misalignment and other concerns.
Invisalign aligners are made with SmartTrack™, a BPA-free plastic material. The plastic is cut with lasers for a smooth edge to prevent gum irritation. Alternatively, braces are made up of stainless steel wires, brackets, and bands. These components can irritate the insides of your cheeks and cause sores and irritation.
Most patients need to wear their Invisalign aligners over the course of 12 to 18 months. In contrast, traditional orthodontic treatment typically lasts at least two years. As with any treatment, this timeline can vary depending on the specific needs of the patient. Mild cases may take only a few months, while more complex cases can take more than two years.
If you choose Invisalign, you will visit our Warsaw, IN, office about every six weeks for checkups. On the other hand, patients with braces must visit their orthodontist on a monthly basis to get their brackets adjusted. Braces patients can also expect to make frequent emergency visits to their orthodontist to correct broken wires or brackets.
One of the most appealing aspects of clear aligners is that they can be removed for eating or brushing your teeth. This is not the case with traditional braces, where crunchy foods are often restricted and patients must purchase special floss and tools to access the areas between their brackets. For this reason, many find Invisalign to be more convenient.
Clear aligners are virtually invisible, so others will hardly notice you are wearing them. This makes Invisalign a great orthodontic option for teens and adults who feel self-conscious about smiling in photos or speaking with braces. Thanks to clear aligners, you can undergo orthodontic treatment without affecting your self-esteem.
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