Ever wonder if Invisalign® works better than traditional braces? Is there a big difference in the cost or amount of time it takes to straighten your smile? And how do you finally determine which treatment option is right for you or your child? Cherry Orthodontics is here to break it all down and show you what to keep in mind to choose between the two.
How Invisalign® and Braces Move Your Teeth
The main difference between Invisalign® and traditional metal braces is how they move your teeth, and in so doing, correct your smile. With Invisalign®, you wear a series of computer-generated, clear removable alliances that gradually move your teeth into place as you wear each set. In contrast, traditional braces consist of fixed brackets, wires, and bonding material that our team will adjust over time.
Reasons to Choose Invisalign®
To help you decide whether to invest in Invisalign® or traditional braces, here are a few situations where Invisalign® may make sense for your case:
If You’re Concerned About Appearance
If You Play Contact Sports - But Under 2 Hours Per Day
Because of the brackets and wires, getting hit in the face while wearing traditional braces can result in damage to the cheeks, tongue, or lips. Moreover, blunt trauma can lead to broken brackets and repeated trips to the orthodontist. A custom-fitted mouthguard will help prevent many of these injuries. But if you play contact sports for under two hours a day, Invisalign® is a better choice. This is because you can take the removable aligners out before you play.
If You Have a Mild or Moderate Case
Invisalign® is usually recommended for mild to moderate cases (although it can also be used to treat some more serious cases). This means that Invisalign® can work for you for more common problems such as underbites, overbites, gaps, or crowded teeth. To check whether or not you are a good candidate, check out our new Invisalign® Smile Assessment Tool! And as always, the team at Cherry Orthodontics is always here to answer any questions you might have and guide you in the right direction.
If You Have Existing Dental Problems
Studies have found that traditional orthodontic treatment can exacerbate existing dental problems like gum disease or gingivitis. According to researchers, this is often due to how traditional braces impact some patients’ oral hygiene habits. The brackets and wires that cover part of your teeth can make it more difficult to floss requiring more dedication to the task. Invisalign® makes it easier to adhere to proper oral hygiene via removable trays. There’s no excuse for not properly flossing or brushing your teeth!
Reasons to Choose Traditional Braces
We laid out some reasons you may want to consider Invisalign® but here are a few situations where traditional braces might make more sense.
Is It All About The Benjamins?
This is the one we hear most often at Cherry Orthodontics. The cost of clear aligners has come down to the point where the cost of Invisalign® is comparable to traditional braces. If fact, at our practice, treatment with either or Insivalign® or traditional braces will cost your family the same amount! So if it’s not about the Benjamins anymore, what are some reasons to stick with traditional braces?
You’re Worried About Compliance
Any orthodontic treatment only works when used correctly. Insivalign® aligners require that they be worn 20-22 hours every day for optimal results. If you think your child will take the Invisalign® aligners out and leave them out for an extended period of time so that the hour mark goes regularly unmet, then traditional braces are the way to go. Traditional braces are not removable – so they’re always working! And while they also require upkeep the compliance factors are easier to maintain for younger patients.
If You Have a Severe Case or You Have Impacted Canine Teeth
If you’re one of the millions of Americans with impacted canine teeth then you already know that your teeth may be growing out far above your gum line. While Invisalign® can adjust upper canines that grow higher, more severe cases may require traditional braces treatment. This is just one example of many where the type, degree, and the number of tooth adjustments required will dictate a proper course for correction.
If You Don’t Want To Hang Out With Us Twice A Month
We find it hard to believe, but some people really don’t like taking time out of their day to visit the dentist or orthodontist. Invisalign® patients need to see their treatment provider once or even twice a month to get their new clear aligners. Contrast that with traditional braces where we often meet with patients every 6-8 weeks to adjust brackets and wires. But note: if your bracket becomes unglued or you experience a broken wire you still may need to visit us more often than you’d otherwise like.
Take the First Step On Your Journey
Regardless of which orthodontic treatment you choose, the professionals at Cherry Orthodontics have the experience and expertise to help you select the option that’s right for you. We are specialists at straightening teeth for both children and adults and take pride in our ability to create beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime. Begin your journey by calling call our office in Bethlehem or Schnecksville, or schedule an appointment online today! We’ll help you select the treatment option that’s best for you or your loved one.
