Braces and Invisalign are the most common and popular orthodontic treatment options. Having to choose between braces and Invisalign, however, can be a challenge. Do you prefer something more discreet? Do you have mild or severe orthodontic problems? There are plenty of factors to consider.
If you’re overwhelmed with the amount of information online, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Ryan Gardiner, Dr. Stephen Kellam, Dr. Jason Klinger, and Dr. Devan Vest of Rio Grande Orthodontics created this guide to help you make a more informed decision about your treatment.
4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Braces and Invisalign
Braces come in two types: Metal and ceramic. While ceramic braces are more discreet than their metal counterparts, both brace types help align your teeth and give you a bright smile at the end of your treatment.
Invisalign, on the other hand, is a well-known clear aligner brand from Align Technology. The company uses SmartTrack, a medical-grade plastic that hastens the movement of teeth during treatment. Our team rounded up four factors to take note of when choosing between braces and Invisalign.
Case Severity
Braces: Braces stand the test of time as a go-to treatment option for many orthodontists. As such, these dental appliances greatly benefit patients with complex teeth and jaw misalignment, overcrowding, and unevenness. This is because braces exert greater force and provide better control of aligning your teeth to perfection.
Braces also work best if you’ll undergo tooth extraction or jaw surgery, or if our orthodontists at Rio Grande Orthodontics deem it appropriate to implant a temporary anchorage device (TAD). These complementary treatments — along with braces — help achieve your dream smile.
Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are ideal for mild to moderate bite problems, teeth crowding, and spaced teeth. For example, if the space between your teeth is less than six millimeters, Invisalign may work best in your case. However, our orthodontists may offer you an alternative treatment if you have peg-shaped or undersized teeth, as the aligners may not fit snugly on your teeth.
Comfort
Braces: It’s important to understand the parts of braces and how they work together to treat orthodontic problems. To begin, braces are composed of metal or ceramic brackets connected with a durable wire called an archwire. The elastic bands around the brackets are called elastic ligatures, which stabilize and support the archwire.
Because of the archwire and elastics, you’ll feel a little pressure on your teeth every time we adjust your braces. Don’t worry, this slight discomfort is temporary and will subside after a few days.
Invisalign: Invisalign is generally more comfortable than braces, and it’s all thanks to the SmartTrack plastic. Hypoallergenic, durable, and flexible, this material exerts a gentle yet consistent force on your teeth, allowing them to move and align in place in the next two weeks — just in time for your next Invisalign replacement at Rio Grande Orthodontics.
Aesthetics
Braces: The best part about braces is the myriad of colors you can choose from. Whether the colors represent your favorite sports teams or complement your hair and eye colors, there’s always that hint of excitement when dropping by our clinic for an adjustment.
There are clear braces, as well. Because they camouflage well into your teeth due to their transparent appearance, clear braces appeal more to adults and older teens than younger children.
Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are like clear braces, but without all the brackets, elastics, and archwire. While Invisalign doesn’t come with multiple colorways, it makes up for its discreetness. Because it’s manufactured from clear plastic, you can freely smile at the camera or your friends.
Dietary Restrictions
Braces: To ensure the longevity of braces, our patients in Albuquerque, Edgewood, Espanola, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Taos, and Socorro avoid consuming hard and sticky foods, including chips, gum, nuts, and candy. These food products cause the brackets to come loose or the wires to bend and break. To prevent damage during treatment, our team recommends the following braces-friendly foods:
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Bananas and other soft fruits
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
If you’re craving a burger or pizza, you can eat them provided they are cut into smaller pieces. For beverages, we recommend avoiding sugary drinks. Aside from being unhealthy for your teeth, these beverages also deteriorate your braces.
Invisalign: When putting an Invisalign for the first time, the appliance delivers a little pressure on your teeth. This should subside within a week of treatment. During this period, Drs. Gardiner, Kellam, Klinger, and Vest recommend consuming the following:
- Eggs
- Soft or cut-up fruits and vegetables
- Soft-cooked chicken
- Fish
- Tofu
- Cooked beans
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever your heart (in this case, your stomach) desires — that is after you get used to your clear aligner trays.
Be careful when drinking with Invisalign. Cold or lukewarm water is okay, but coffee, tea, and sparkling water are a no-go since they stain your Invisalign’s surface. Like braces, consumption of sugary drinks should be kept to a minimum, as they cause cavities and tooth enamel erosion.
Brace or Invisalign, Which One Is the Best?
Braces and Invisalign have their respective pros and cons. For instance, you have more freedom over your diet with Invisalign than with braces. The severity of your orthodontic problem is also a deciding factor.
That’s why Dr. Ryan Gardiner, Dr. Stephen Kellam, Dr. Jason Klinger, and Dr. Devan Vest assess your jaw, teeth, and bite and take into account your goals and needs, so they can provide you with the best treatment option — whether that’s Invisalign or braces. Regardless of your preference, always remember that orthodontic treatment is always worth the investment.
If you’re up for a consultation with our smile team, complete our online form and our orthodontists will answer all your queries about braces and Invisalign.