Invisalign vs. Braces

If you’re considering improving your smile, one of the things you may be thinking about is whether braces or Invisalign are a better option. The truth is, every patient is different.

Invisalign are clear braces that move your teeth with removable plastic aligners. The Invisalign aligners are great for simple to moderate cases, and with improving technology the possibilities continue expanding. The benefit of wearing them is that they are more esthetic and can be removed. Removing them allows you to eat anything you want and brush and floss normally. We use tooth colored bumps, also called attachments, to help the plastic “grab” onto your tooth and improve the movement of it. Often times these bumps are on the front teeth as well. They require excellent compliance as they must be worn at least 22 hours per day to be effective.

Braces are still the most commonly used appliance for orthodontic treatment, and are usually the best option for more complex cases. Because they cannot be removed, we advise patients not to eat foods that are hard or sticky to prevent breakage of the braces off the teeth. The braces also require more care in brushing and flossing as they have more surface area for food and plaque to stick. We review brushing and flossing with our patients at the initial appointment and we carefully evaluate hygiene at each appointment. The braces, being attached to each individual tooth, give us the best control over tooth movement. In our office we use the Damon system braces and we offer both metal and clear braces options.

With either traditional braces or Invisalign it is important to see your orthodontist regularly to monitor your tooth movement and overall oral health. If you are interested in knowing which treatment option is best for you, we would love to see you in our office for a consultation.