What’s the Difference Between Clear Braces and Invisalign?

Your smile is a big part of your appearance, so even the slightest blemish can be a confidence killer. Having a straight and healthy smile is probably on your wish list, but how do you get it? You could consider clear braces to straighten your teeth or clear aligners, such as Invisalign. But which is better?

At Duval Orthodontics, our team specializes in getting you the smile you’ve been dreaming of. Dr. J.A. Duval is our skilled orthodontist who offers many types of treatment for your less-than-perfect smile. Whether you’re considering clear braces or aligners, he can guide you towards the perfect choice for you.

What are clear braces?

When you think of braces, you might think of different colored brackets and headgear. However, braces have come a long way in the last few years. Straight teeth are important, not only for your appearance but also for speech and digestion. 

When you’re an adult and faced with needing orthodontic treatment, you might shy away because of the embarrassment of traditional braces. But here’s where you’re in luck. Dr. Duval offers several different types of orthodontic treatments, including clear braces and Invisalign. 

Clear braces are great because they offer you the same quality of treatment that traditional metal braces do but are much more discreet. The brackets used with clear braces are made from a clear ceramic material, which helps them blend into your teeth better than the metal brackets in regular braces.

The care involved in clear braces is very similar to that of traditional braces — you’ll need to have regular appointments to tighten the wire in your brackets, and you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene. But if you really want a nearly invisible orthodontic treatment, you might want to consider Invisalign.

Clear braces vs. Invisalign — What’s the difference?

Clear aligners are the most unnoticeable form of orthodontic treatment. Invisalign offers this type of aligner, which differs from clear braces because there are no brackets or wires involved.

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays that fit over your teeth. These trays are changed out every few weeks, slowly realigning the teeth. The aligners stay in all the time, except when you eat or brush your teeth. They are best at treating mild to moderate alignment issues, whereas clear braces can treat even the worst orthodontic problems.

The aligners used with Invisalign are made of a plastic material that’s free of BPA. Clear braces, on the other hand, are made of ceramic and metal. That makes Invisalign a more versatile option because you’re able to take the aligners out when needed.

Clear braces still take about the same treatment time as traditional braces do. Alternatively, clear aligners usually are a quicker fix for some alignment problems.

If you decide on clear braces, you’ll need to be careful of what you eat, as sticky foods can damage the wires in the brackets. Invisalign, however, does not have any food restrictions, except that you don’t drink anything super sugary while they’re on. That could cause a buildup of plaque under the aligners, leading to tooth decay.

Which option is best for you?

Determining the best option depends on the severity of your misalignment and how invisible you want your treatment to be. Although both will do the same job, there are pros and cons to each form of treatment.

Another factor to consider is appointments. With clear braces, you’ll need regular dental appointments to tighten the wires and pull your teeth into alignment. With Invisalign, all you need to do is get your next aligner, and you’re good to go for a few weeks.

Ultimately, your choice comes down to preference. Both forms of treatment will straighten your teeth over time, and both are less noticeable in your mouth than traditional metal braces.

If you’re contemplating straightening your teeth with either braces or Invisalign, call our office at one of our two convenient locations in Albany and Warner Robins, Georgia, to schedule a consultation. You can also book an appointment using our online booking tool.