Clear Braces or Invisalign – Which Is Better?

Are you planning Langley orthodontics treatment, but are wondering what treatment is best for you? You’ve read all about the incredible benefits of Invisalign, but is it for you? What about clear braces – do they have added benefits Invisalign can’t offer?

First, let’s offer a quick description of each.

Invisalign is a set of custom designed, clear, removable aligners that you wear in your mouth like a retainer. The aligners are exchanged for a new set every two weeks, and you wear them all day, except when eating and brushing and flossing. Treatment is similar to that of standard braces.

Clear braces, also known as ceramic braces, are made to either be transparent or colored to match the shade of your teeth. This ensures the brackets blend in with your teeth. Treatment is identical to that with standard metal braces, using brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connect with an archwire. This then puts pressure on your teeth to guide them to their ideal locations.

The biggest advantages to clear braces and Invisalign are that they offer a lower profile for patients who want to discretely straighten their teeth. This is especially true for adult patients, who often don’t want to look like a teenager with a mouth full of metal. But there are several differences between the two.

Invisalign is almost completely invisible to others. The aligners are transparent, making them hard for others to notice. Clear braces can blend in with your teeth, but the brackets will still be noticeable.

Invisalign aligners are removable. This is perhaps the greatest advantage to the aligners. There is no need to alter your diet or oral care regiment. With ceramic braces, keeping your teeth clean can be harder, and you’ll need to avoid certain foods to avoid harming the brackets.

Invisalign takes discipline – each set of aligners is worn for two weeks for a minimum of 22 hours a day. To have the best results, it is up to the patient to wear them as directed by their orthodontist. Clear braces simply require a visit to your orthodontist every four weeks for an adjustment.

Clear braces can treat more extensive cases than Invisalign. While Invisalign technology has vastly improved and is able to treat more cases than when first introduced, braces are still the best for the most severe cased of crowding, and for instances of gaps, overbites, underbites and open bites.

Clear braces can be susceptible to chipping and breaking because they tend to be a little bit brittle. Additionally, it can take patients a while to get used to the feeling of the brackets and wires in their mouths. They can cause some irritation to the lips and cheeks, especially in the first few days after they’ve been put on.

On the other hand, Invisalign is made of a smooth plastic that fits comfortably in the mouth, and utilizes a gentle pressure to move the teeth to their ideal locations.

Invisalign and clear braces are both wonderful options for straightening the teeth in a more aesthetically pleasing way. If you are interested in perfecting your smile inconspicuously, it’s important to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to determine which type of treatment is best for you.

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