Braces vs. Invisalign: What’s best for you?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a family member to straighten your teeth, you’ve probably wondered which one is better? Braces or Invisalign? Both options offer a perfect solution for achieving a straighter, beautiful smile, but they both come with their own advantages and drawbacks. Below you will find my summary of both these options.

What Are Braces?

Traditional metal braces are the gold standard or classic method of orthodontic treatment as they’ve been around for around 100 years! They consist of metal brackets that we bond to each tooth, connected by a wire and a colored rubber band of your choice! If you have braces, your orthodontist typically will see you every 5-7 week for routine orthodontic check-up. Braces can be placed on your teeth the same day as your orthodontic consultation appointment.

Pros of Braces:

  • Effectiveness: Braces are known for their ability to fix some of the most complicated issues that Orthodontists see. From cases with minor crowding issues in your lower teeth to having impacted teeth, braces are a great solution to handle challenging cases!
  • Visibility: Unlike Invisalign which can appear camouflage with your teeth, braces are visible to other people. Many of our patients use this to their advantage as they pick their colors every appointment to show off their uniqueness and individuality!

Cons of Braces

  • Maintenance: Brushing and flossing becomes more challenging, which can lead to oral hygiene issues if not maintained properly. Occasionally, we will have patients who have not brushed well during their treatment which causes cavities in their teeth and has to be addressed by the dentist.

What is Invisalign?

  • Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that are virtually invisible! These aligners are changed every one to two weeks to gradually shift teeth into place. The treatment requires you to wear the aligners for about 20-22 hours per day; removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

Pros of Invisalign:

  • Aesthetics: Being nearly invisible, Invisalign is a popular choice for those who wish to maintain a natural appearance during treatment. This is very popular with our adult patients but now has increasingly become common with our teen patients!
  • Convenience: The aligners can be removed, making eating and cleaning your teeth much easier during all times of the day.
  • Comfort: Without metal wires or brackets, we see less emergency appointments with Invisalign at our practice.

Cons of Invisalign:

  • Discipline: Success of Invisalign relies on the patient. The more you wear your Invisalign aligners as directed, the faster and more effectively they will move your teeth.
  • Complexity: Invisalign might not be suitable for very complex issues where traditional braces could be more effective.
  • Cost: Invisalign can often be more expensive than traditional braces. However, this does vary by complexity of the case and where you live.

Comparing Treatment Time:

The duration of treatment can vary widely based on individual needs:

  • Braces: Typically, braces treatment can last anywhere from 18 to 24 months. Sometimes, even longer for complex cases.
  • Invisalign: Treatment typically takes 12 to 18 months, although minor corrections may require less time. Achieving results in this time frame depends on you consistently wearing the aligners.

Cost:

  • Invisalign: Costs generally range from $3,000 to $8,000, reflecting the customized nature of the aligners and advanced technology involved. Insurance coverage for Invisalign might be less comprehensive than for traditional braces.

Conclusion

Both braces and Invisalign have their place in orthodontic treatment. The decision should be based on your personal needs, lifestyle and the advice of your orthodontist. Please remember, a consultation with a professional is crucial to determine which path will lead you to the smile of your dreams. At Brookfield Orthodontics, we ensure you will end treatment with a beautiful smile to enhance your confidence!

If you’re leaning towards one option, consider scheduling a consultation with Brookfield Orthodontics at this link to explore your options further and get a personalized recommendation based on your dental health, lifestyle and individualized need

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