Clear Braces vs. Invisalign®: Which Is Right for Me?

The word orthodontist may conjure up images of waiting rooms packed with adolescents. However, getting the smile you’ve dreamed about doesn’t always happen in childhood. About 33% of all Americans receiving orthodontic treatment are adults.

Regardless of your age, the dilemma of what type of orthodontic treatment option to pursue typically comes up early on. A common conundrum is deciding between clear braces or Invisalign®. In this blog, J. A. Duval, DDS, shares his insights on these two common orthodontic treatment options to help you choose what’s best for you.

Complexity, convenience, and discretion

In the past, orthodontic patients had only the choice of getting traditional metal braces. While having only one choice certainly streamlined the process, it offered no privacy for patients who don't want to scream to the world that they are in orthodontic treatment. For most patients, choosing between clear braces and Invisalign comes down to complexity, convenience, and discretion.

Clear braces: More complex issues + discretion

One of the key factors in choosing between orthodontic treatment options is addressing the complexity of the teeth alignment or bite issue. While Invisalign does a great job of addressing most malocclusions, your orthodontist may recommend clear braces for more severe or complex cases, such as rotating a tooth in its socket or widening an arch.

Another great advantage of clear braces is that, unlike metal braces, patients get a less noticeable treatment option. Clear braces consist of ceramic material. Some clear braces feature tooth-colored wire, making them even less noticeable. The ability to tackle complex issues while providing discretion makes clear braces a popular choice for teens and adults.

Invisalign:  Next-level discretion + convenience

For patients who don’t want a permanently fixed orthodontic appliance, clear aligner trays such as Invisalign may be a good option. At Duval Orthodontics, your Invisalign journey begins with a consultation.

During this appointment, your orthodontist takes a digital impression of your mouth and bite using an intraoral scanner. Dr. Duval sends the impression and data to a dental lab that plans out all of the necessary “steps” to get your teeth from their current alignment to your new epic smile. Each step translates into a series of custom-made aligner trays composed of clear, BPA-free plastic. They are so clear and virtually undetectable that family and friends may not even know you’re wearing them.

Invisalign trays fit snugly over your teeth and apply gentle pressure that gradually shifts your teeth into optimal alignment. Unlike braces, you have the convenience of removing your aligners when eating or drinking. If you or a loved one had braces as a child, you are aware of how difficult it can be to remove food debris from all those nooks and crannies that braces create.

With Invisalign, you also don’t have to deal with battling food debris or gooey dental wax to protect your mouth and gums from those pesky wires used in braces. Make sure you brush your teeth before placing your Invisalign trays back in your mouth after eating. Wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours daily, and in about 12 to 18 months, you'll have the smile you’ve always wanted.

If you have teeth alignment issues and want to learn more about clear braces and Invisalign, schedule a consultation with Duval Orthodontics today. Dr. Duval and our professional staff are committed to helping you capture your best smile. Get started today by calling our office in Warner Robins or Albany, Georgia, or requesting an appointment online.