Invisalign®, ceramic braces, and metal braces are all options for patients who want to improve the appearance of their smiles. But each of these options from our Grand Rapids, MI, orthodontists has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here are 4 key so you can feel more informed during your first consultation.
1. Removable vs. Immovable
One guarantee of orthodontic treatment is that you will experience some temporary dental discomfort. No matter if you choose to go the traditional route or prefer clear aligners, there will be pressure put on your teeth to ensure they move into optimal alignment. It’s this pressure and movement that can cause soreness for patients.
Since metal braces involve components being glued to your teeth, there’s nothing you can do to eliminate the pain but to take over-the-counter pain medication. However, Invisalign aligners are removable. It may be tempting to simply remove your Invisalign aligners when they become painful.
Keep in mind that clear aligners are only effective when they’re worn. Otherwise, you will pay the cost of Invisalign without reaping any of the benefits. Invisalign is often a better choice for teen and adult orthodontic patients because they possess the self-discipline that children often lack. You will need to wear your Invisalign clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.
2. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Metal brackets and wires interfere with brushing and flossing your teeth. Unfortunately, this makes it easier for patients to neglect their oral health during treatment. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of , you may want to consider Invisalign.
Related Post → How to Care for Invisalign Clear Aligners
With Invisalign, you have two translucent aligners that you can take out to eat and brush your teeth. Flossing is also made easier with Invisalign because you don’t have to thread the floss between each individual bracket.
3. Smile with Confidence
Many of our adult patients appreciate the subtlety of Invisalign. Like the name suggests, Invisalign is a nearly invisible aligner designed to slowly straighten your teeth.
We understand that not everyone would feel comfortable having their bosses or coworkers know they were wearing braces. If you know that you would feel self-conscious wearing metal braces, you may want to consider the benefits of Invisalign.
are another option. Braces of this type are less noticeable than metal braces because the brackets match your natural tooth enamel. The brackets we use for ceramic braces are made from pure grown sapphire crystals. If Invisalign doesn’t work for your situation, ceramic braces may offer similar benefits.
4. Time Commitment
In general, braces work faster to close gaps and align teeth than Invisalign. For this reason, many patients choose to wear braces even though there are other available options.
Our orthodontists can provide you with estimates for how long you can expect to wear braces or Invisalign to correct teeth issues. Some patients may be willing to wear traditional or ceramic braces if they’ll have a straight smile sooner.
Take Steps Toward a Straighter, Healthier Smile
Our orthodontists serving Grand Rapids, MI, can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile, no matter if you choose braces or Invisalign. Call Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics today at (616) 455-4800, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.