Are you weighing Invisalign vs. clear braces and trying to decide which one is right for you? You’re not alone! Many people struggle to choose between the two. Why is this? Well, both options are great for fixing misalignments, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, spacing, and crowding. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but none of their features clearly fall into the pros or cons category. It all depends on your specific wants or needs! To help you pick, the Hawley Orthodontics team has put together this list of things you should know when considering Invisalign and clear braces for treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment with the invisibility modification unlocked. These custom-made, transparent aligners fit snugly over the teeth for a discreet smile transformation.
What Are Clear Braces?
Unlike Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces rely on the ol’ brackets and wires, but they’re not like regular metal braces. They’re cool braces. They work the same as traditional braces, except instead of shiny metal brackets, these braces have brackets made of translucent, stain-resistant ceramic, which is why they’re also called ceramic braces. This material making them far less noticeable!
The clear braces offered at Hawley Orthodontics are self-ligating braces, which means they don’t have any bands to hold the wires in place. These bands, known as ligatures, are what give traditional metal braces colors. Clear braces usually have clear ligatures, which can sometimes stain or become discolored between appointments. With self-ligating brackets, you don’t have to worry about that!
Braces vs. Invisalign
Now that you have a brief summary of both treatment methods, let’s break down their most commonly asked-about features.
Comfort
All modern orthodontic options are pretty dang comfortable, especially compared to their ancestors. That being said because we are moving your teeth and your mouth has a new roommate, some discomfort is expected, no matter the treatment method. (Please note that pain is not the same as discomfort and should be addressed immediately.)
Because Invisalign aligners are custom-made with smooth plastic, many patients find them more comfortable than the brackets and wires of clear braces, which are known for pinching the cheeking and causing irritation. On the other hand, clear aligners can also cause pinching and irritation. However, this is less likely if you follow wear and care instructions.
Effectiveness
Both Invisalign and clear braces are like hardworking dogs, each with their own set of skills. Invisalign is like a smart border collie, perfect for rounding up mild to moderate alignment issues. It’s excellent at subtly guiding your teeth into place, usually within 6 to 18 months.
Clear braces are more like the sturdy German shepherds. They can handle the more challenging jobs, like significant misalignments and tricky bite issues. With their clear ceramic brackets and silver archwires, they provide the strength and durability needed for more complex tasks, often over a similar time frame as traditional braces.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, Invisalign and clear braces are like two different kinds of pet care. Invisalign is your low-maintenance goldfish. Just pop out your aligners and give them a quick rinse, maybe even a brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented, antibacterial soap, a few times a day. Give them a soak with the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals solution every so often, and you’re good to go!
Clear braces, meanwhile, are more like taking care of a playful puppy—they require a little extra work. You must brush and floss around the brackets and wires carefully and thoroughly at least twice daily to keep them clean and your teeth healthy. You also have to be a bit more mindful of what you eat—hard, chewy, or sticky foods are a no-no because they can break your braces!
Who can get them?
Invisalign and Invisalign Teens are fantastic options for adults and teens who want a discreet way to straighten their teeth. Teens love Invisalign Teens because they can remove the aligners for sports, playing instruments, or special events. Adults have the same flexibility, allowing them to enjoy all the brunches, special events, and work presentations without feeling like their orthodontic appliance is stopping them from living.
We typically recommend clear braces for only adults. They provide the same powerful teeth-straightening capabilities as traditional metal braces but with a more discreet appearance, thanks to the clear ceramic brackets. Adults who don’t qualify for clear aligners or don’t want to remember to wear or keep up with them will find clear braces an excellent choice.
Cost
Unlike other practices, we don’t upcharge for Invisalign or clear braces. We don’t believe that cost should stop you from achieving the happy, healthy smile you deserve with the treatment of your choice. So, no matter your chosen treatment method, you won’t have to overpay.
Things to Consider
- Are you likely to lose the removable clear aligners?
- Are you willing to temporarily change your diet for clear braces?
- Are you committed to properly cleaning your clear aligners?
- Will it be too challenging for you to clean your fixed braces thoroughly?
- Does your insurance cover either option?
Get A Custom Treatment Plan From Hawley Orthodontics Today!
Deciding between Invisalign and clear braces can be a big step toward your dream smile, and Hawley Orthodontics is here to make it easier than you ever thought possible. Our friendly team in Papillion, NE, is dedicated to finding the perfect treatment for your unique needs. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Hawley or Dr. Brace now, and you’ll be showing off your new and improved smile before you know it.
