If your teeth are misaligned, you may feel uneasy about the appearance of your smile. Fortunately, we at Hass Family Orthodontics offer multiple ways to straighten your teeth and bring you the attractive, symmetrical smile you’ve always wanted.
Among our valued patients, two of the most popular orthodontic options are Invisalign® and braces. While both methods provide effective smile correction, there are significant differences between them.
Many teen patients are excited about the prospect of getting Invisalign instead of braces, since most people will not notice the aligners, and any unwanted comments are kept to a minimum. Adults often want Invisalign for the same reasons.
Which option is truly the optimal choice for teens versus adult patients? In this blog, we share how each method works, its pros and cons, and how both braces and Invisalign fit into teen and adult lifestyles.
All About Invisalign
Invisalign is a discreet, comfortable choice for orthodontic correction. Invisalign treatment consists of wearing a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners. Each aligner is slightly different, gently shifting teeth into their best positions. You will change your aligners approximately every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Pros:
- Comfortable in the mouth with no sharp edges, wires, or brackets.
- Discretion to undergo your orthodontic treatment in private.
- The convenience of having fewer orthodontic appointments during treatment, which can take time out of an adult’s busy schedule.
- Can correct most minor to moderate alignment issues, including gaps, crowding, crooked teeth, and bite issues (overbite, underbite).
- Easier to keep clean than braces
- No food restrictions
- Better oral health outcomes compared to people who wear braces
Cons:
- Invisalign cannot yet treat some orthodontic issues, like severe malocclusion, correction before jaw surgery, or high-level bite problems.
- Invisalign requires a lifestyle adjustment, and patients must be committed to the treatment. The aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day without being lost, damaged, or forgotten.
Learning About Braces
While you may come into our practice with Invisalign in mind, braces have a number of advantages that may sway your decision, especially for a teenage patient. The permanence of braces provides constant, gentle pressure that efficiently moves teeth and corrects bite issues. Here are the pros and cons of this classic treatment:
Pros and Cons of Braces
Pros:
- Busy teens and adults may struggle to meet the daily requirements of Invisalign, whereas braces provide constant, reliable treatment.
- Braces are the most versatile orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages.
- We offer multiple types of braces to fit varying needs, including Damon (self-ligating) braces and titanium braces.
Cons:
- The brackets and wires require an adjustment period as the mouth’s soft tissues become accustomed to them. Some patients with sensitive oral tissues may find them bothersome for a short time. You can use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges while you get used to your braces.
- You must avoid certain foods while wearing braces: the most common are whole apples, steak, corn on the cob, popcorn, other crunchy treats, and sticky candies. These foods can become trapped between your braces and the gums; in some situations, they can break a wire or dislodge a bracket. It’s best to steer clear of sugary beverages as well.
- If braces break while you are wearing them, you will need an emergency repair to avoid injury. If you damage or lose an aligner, your dentist can simply replace it.
- Adjustment appointments can cause discomfort afterward, but are usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and a temporary soft diet.
How Each Method Fits into Teen and Adult Lifestyles
Both teen and adult patients need to be honest with themselves and their providers about how well they can follow treatment protocols. If you tend to be forgetful, you may have a better outcome with braces. If you struggle to care for your teeth before getting braces, Invisalign may be the healthiest option for you. If you work in a public-facing profession or have some other reason you don’t want visible braces, Invisalign might be your top choice.
We Can Help You Choose for Yourself or Your Teen
Choosing between braces and Invisalign can be confusing. We will gladly sit down with you and explain your options in detail during a consultation. Our years of matching teen and adult patients to the right choice will help you experience the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Should I see a dentist or an orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?
Today, many dentists receive extensive training in prescribing Invisalign and other clear aligners and can provide adequate treatment. However, an orthodontist is a specialist who attends multiple years of dental school beyond the standard training period. They study tooth movement in detail and have the skills and experience to bring you optimal results.
Which costs more, Invisalign or braces?
Patients and their parents may be happy to discover that Invisalign and braces cost approximately the same. The price of each treatment varies widely by your region. When you come in for your consultation, we will be able to create a treatment plan with your individual costs.
How long does Invisalign take?
Invisalign takes about 18 to 24 months for the majority of our patients. Your issues may be more or less complex than average, leading to different treatment times.
Will I need a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes, you will need to wear a retainer to preserve your results and protect your investment. If you skip a retainer, your teeth will drift back to their original positions.
At Hass Family Orthodontics, our team is excited to meet you and help you explore your orthodontic options. We serve Conover, NC, and the surrounding community with a personal touch. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment today!