Invisalign® and traditional braces can produce beautiful, even smiles. While their methods differ greatly, ideally, the results are similar.
At Hass Family Orthodontics, we work extensively with teens and their families to help them decide between braces and clear aligners. This blog describes the differences between braces and Invisalign and helps parents determine which method would work best for their teen.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign treatment consists of wearing a series of medical-grade plastic aligners that gradually move each tooth into its proper position, achieving beautiful results.
To create Invisalign designs, our doctors take precise digital measurements of the teeth and oral tissues, ensuring the aligners fit perfectly. They design a full series of aligners that will move the teeth to optimal positions over time.
The doctor transmits your teen's measurements and treatment specifications to Invisalign's dedicated dental laboratory. When the aligners return from the lab, you will schedule an initial fitting. Trimming and adjusting each aligner ensures your teen experiences the best possible fit.
Your teen will change the aligners every 1 to 2 weeks as directed. At the close of treatment, usually within 18 to 24 months, your teen will have a newly aligned smile they can be proud of.
How Braces Work
Traditional metal braces work by creating a system of bands, brackets, and wires that move the teeth over time. Every 6 to 8 weeks, your teen will return to the office for a check-up, archwire change and adjustment. To adjust braces, the doctor changes the archwires connecting the brackets and bands. This process may cause discomfort.
After approximately 18 to 24 months (longer if your teen has complex orthodontic needs), the braces will come off, and your teen will enjoy their newly aligned smile.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Invisalign
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear
- Discreet and nearly invisible
- No food restrictions
- Fewer office check-ups
- No adjustments
Cons:
- If teens are prone to losing their aligners or forgetting to put them back in after a meal, they could set their treatment back
- Less effective for extensive orthodontic corrections
Braces
Pros:
- Can achieve more complex orthodontic corrections than Invisalign, including moderate to severe bite issues like crossbite and open bite
- Stay in place, so teens do not lose them
Cons:
- Braces care can be challenging, involving flossing with threaders and cleaning with interdental brushes
- May draw unwanted attention at school
- The lips, cheeks, and tongue must become accustomed to the new braces, which can cause discomfort at times
- Dietary restrictions include avoiding popcorn, candy, fresh, whole apples, and some meats
What is Best for My Teen?
Our doctor will help you decide between braces and Invisalign, but you know your teen best and can offer highly valuable insights into their personality and habits.
Invisalign holds significant advantages in comfort, discretion, and flexibility. Teens need a high level of determination and attention to detail to achieve successful results. They also need to practice careful oral hygiene to keep their teeth and aligners sparkling clean.
On the other hand, since braces are made of durable materials and cemented in place, they are less prone to damage. Forgetful teens cannot misplace them or neglect to wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. Hygiene tasks with braces may be more onerous, requiring special equipment such as floss threaders and interdental brushes to maintain cleanliness.
Invisalign: A Preferred Option
If your teen is prepared to take responsibility for their orthodontic treatment and their oral health, Invisalign may be the best choice for them. Its comfort, discretion, and convenience outshine traditional braces.
Making the Decision With Your Teen
Encourage your teen to do their own research into orthodontic methods and to ask their doctor questions about their treatment. Working with your teen and our doctors, you can achieve amazing smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Does Invisalign cost more than braces?
In most metro areas across the United States, Invisalign and braces cost about the same for the full course of treatment. Your out-of-pocket cost may vary by region and according to your dental insurance coverage.
Are there any precautions I need to take with my aligners?
Avoid wrapping them in a tissue or napkin at mealtimes. Always put them directly into their carrying case when you remove them from your mouth. Do not use abrasive cleaners on your aligners. Keep your aligners away from warm or hot water to prevent warping.
Hass Family Orthodontics treats family members of all ages. We understand teens well and provide excellent treatment tailored to their age group. To make an appointment for yourself or your teen, get in touch with us today.
Invisalign® and traditional braces can produce beautiful, even smiles. While their methods differ greatly, ideally, the results are similar.
At Hass Family Orthodontics, we work extensively with teens and their families to help them decide between braces and clear aligners. This blog describes the differences between braces and Invisalign and helps parents determine which method would work best for their teen.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign treatment consists of wearing a series of medical-grade plastic aligners that gradually move each tooth into its proper position, achieving beautiful results.
To create Invisalign designs, our doctors take precise digital measurements of the teeth and oral tissues, ensuring the aligners fit perfectly. They design a full series of aligners that will move the teeth to optimal positions over time.
The doctor transmits your teen's measurements and treatment specifications to Invisalign's dedicated dental laboratory. When the aligners return from the lab, you will schedule an initial fitting. Trimming and adjusting each aligner ensures your teen experiences the best possible fit.
Your teen will change the aligners every 1 to 2 weeks as directed. At the close of treatment, usually within 18 to 24 months, your teen will have a newly aligned smile they can be proud of.
How Braces Work
Traditional metal braces work by creating a system of bands, brackets, and wires that move the teeth over time. Every 6 to 8 weeks, your teen will return to the office for a check-up, archwire change and adjustment. To adjust braces, the doctor changes the archwires connecting the brackets and bands. This process may cause discomfort.
After approximately 18 to 24 months (longer if your teen has complex orthodontic needs), the braces will come off, and your teen will enjoy their newly aligned smile.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Invisalign
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear
- Discreet and nearly invisible
- No food restrictions
- Fewer office check-ups
- No adjustments
Cons:
- If teens are prone to losing their aligners or forgetting to put them back in after a meal, they could set their treatment back
- Less effective for extensive orthodontic corrections
Braces
Pros:
- Can achieve more complex orthodontic corrections than Invisalign, including moderate to severe bite issues like crossbite and open bite
- Stay in place, so teens do not lose them
Cons:
- Braces care can be challenging, involving flossing with threaders and cleaning with interdental brushes
- May draw unwanted attention at school
- The lips, cheeks, and tongue must become accustomed to the new braces, which can cause discomfort at times
- Dietary restrictions include avoiding popcorn, candy, fresh, whole apples, and some meats
What is Best for My Teen?
Our doctor will help you decide between braces and Invisalign, but you know your teen best and can offer highly valuable insights into their personality and habits.
Invisalign holds significant advantages in comfort, discretion, and flexibility. Teens need a high level of determination and attention to detail to achieve successful results. They also need to practice careful oral hygiene to keep their teeth and aligners sparkling clean.
On the other hand, since braces are made of durable materials and cemented in place, they are less prone to damage. Forgetful teens cannot misplace them or neglect to wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. Hygiene tasks with braces may be more onerous, requiring special equipment such as floss threaders and interdental brushes to maintain cleanliness.
Invisalign: A Preferred Option
If your teen is prepared to take responsibility for their orthodontic treatment and their oral health, Invisalign may be the best choice for them. Its comfort, discretion, and convenience outshine traditional braces.
Making the Decision With Your Teen
Encourage your teen to do their own research into orthodontic methods and to ask their doctor questions about their treatment. Working with your teen and our doctors, you can achieve amazing smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Does Invisalign cost more than braces?
In most metro areas across the United States, Invisalign and braces cost about the same for the full course of treatment. Your out-of-pocket cost may vary by region and according to your dental insurance coverage.
Are there any precautions I need to take with my aligners?
Avoid wrapping them in a tissue or napkin at mealtimes. Always put them directly into their carrying case when you remove them from your mouth. Do not use abrasive cleaners on your aligners. Keep your aligners away from warm or hot water to prevent warping.
Hass Family Orthodontics treats family members of all ages. We understand teens well and provide excellent treatment tailored to their age group. To make an appointment for yourself or your teen, get in touch with us today.