While getting a better smile is exciting, choosing the right solution can get confusing. This is why, at Glass Orthodontics, we’ll walk you through the orthodontic treatments available. One common crossroads among our patients is choosing between braces and Invisalign clear aligners.
Braces (metal and ceramic) and Invisalign aligners have unique strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different scenarios. In this article, we’ll walk you through their differences to help you make an informed decision.
How Braces and Aligners Straighten Your Teeth?
Braces and Invisalign clear aligner trays serve the same purpose of straightening your teeth. While they move your teeth into the right place, it’s important to understand how each treatment works.
Braces: Using Brackets and Wires for a Better Smile
With braces, Dr. Glass will attach a bracket to each of your teeth. This is done using a composite resin cured by UV light, ensuring that each bracket is attached securely. Then, the assistant will thread an archwire to guide the teeth. The assistants will then install elastic bands to apply force. Together, these components will gradually move your teeth into the targeted position.
There are different types of braces you can also consider:
- Metal Braces (Gold, Silver or Champagne)
When people talk about traditional braces, they usually refer to this one. Metal braces have brackets made of medical-grade stainless steel, in addition to the archwire. Durable and generally more affordable, its metallic component is prone to irritating your cheeks, gums, and tongue during use.
- Clear Braces
It is also known as ceramic braces because of the material used for the brackets. Their color closely matches the natural color of your teeth, making them more discreet. Additionally, the brackets are rounded, so they’re more comfortable to wear. However, they are less durable and more prone to staining compared to their metallic counterparts.
Going for a braces treatment will require regular visits to any of our offices in Alabama — Daphne, Bay Minette, Atmore, and Brewton — so our team can adjust your braces. This way, we ensure that your orthodontic appliance continues to apply the proper force when shifting your teeth.
Invisalign Aligners: Near-Invisible Solution for Straighter Teeth
Meanwhile, Invisalign aligner trays are quite different. They are not fixed to your teeth, unlike braces. You can remove clear aligners when you’re eating or traveling. Additionally, they are made from clear thermoplastic polymers that are virtually invisible when you put them on.
With Invisalign, Glass Orthodontics starts with an initial consultation where we discuss your smile goals. After taking a dental scan using cutting-edge technology, Dr. Glass will use this scan to fabricate the clear aligner trays. Each aligner should precisely fit your teeth, similar to a mouth guard. Each of these aligners applies force to move your teeth into a targeted position, before moving to the next set of aligners.
You will wear each aligner for a set time, with a daily average wear time of 22 hours. After completing your total wear time for an aligner tray, you will change to the next one until you complete your treatment.
Choosing the Orthodontic Treatment For You
If you’re wondering which is better, braces or Invisalign aligners, the answer is simple: it depends. Each orthodontic treatment is designed to meet specific needs. At Glass Orthodontics, your initial consultation and medical history will help Dr. Glass make sound recommendations. Beyond aesthetics, here are a few factors to help you decide:
- Cost
If you’re factoring budget into your upcoming orthodontic treatment, note that braces are the same compared to Invisalign aligners. Additionally, traditional metal braces are also the same as ceramic versions.
Still, the cost of your treatment depends on other factors, such as the severity of your condition and the length of the projected treatment plan.
- Comfort
People have different tolerances for discomfort, and Dr. Glass discusses it with you during your initial consultation. While both treatments will cause discomfort, Invisalign delivers less force than braces. It is made from smooth plastic that fits your teeth without any parts that protrude and scrape the inside of your mouth.
- Durability
Among braces, metal ones remain the best option in terms of durability. They are less likely to crack and break compared to ceramic brackets. The reduced risks of breakage also means fewer visits for replacements and repairs.
On the other hand, Invisalign is made using SmartTrak, a specially engineered material that gives the branded aligners their superior alignment and transparent look. It is considerably more durable than other aligners, although it comes at an added cost.
- Maintenance
In terms of maintenance, clear aligner trays like Invisalign take the lead. You can take them off when eating, so you won’t have to worry about food material getting stuck in between or your dental appliance staining.
If you’re looking at braces with maintenance as a major factor, you’re better off with metal braces. The stainless steel brackets are more resistant to stains and discoloration compared to ceramic ones, although both braces have the risk of getting food materials stuck in between crevices.
By weighing all these options, you can determine what orthodontic solution will better fit your lifestyle. There’s no need to worry, though, since our team at Glass Orthodontics is ready to help you decide.
Find the Right Treatment for You
With a reliable orthodontic clinic behind you, feel free to choose between braces and Invisalign clear aligners. By carefully assessing your goals and targets, you can find the orthodontic treatment that will help you achieve your dream smile in the best way possible.
Whether you’ve already decided or you’re still weighing your options, you can schedule your free consultation, and Dr. Glass will help you get started on your smile journey.