Today’s braces bear little resemblance to the “mouthful of metal” the word “orthodontics” often conjures. Patients have more options nowadays with clear braces and clear aligners.
There are pros and cons of braces and Invisalign. Which one is best for you? That’s where Smith & Davis Orthodontics comes in!
It’s our job to help you decide which treatment is best for you. We do that by providing you with a thorough, no-obligation evaluation and laying out the best options for your orthodontic needs.
It never hurts to know more about your options beforehand. Let’s look at some pros and cons of braces vs. Invisalign.
Pros and Cons of Braces
When you think of braces, you automatically think of a mouth full of metal, right? Well, the braces offered at Smith & Davis are different. They’re clear braces!
We use 3M Clarity Advanced braces for our patients because we know you may feel a bit self-conscious with metal braces. Our ceramic braces are closer to your natural tooth color, so they’re harder to see from a distance. The archwire that goes through the clear brackets is thinner than older wires, adding to the low profile of the Clarity Advanced braces.
What if you want to show off your braces? Smith & Davis Orthodontics lets you show off your style and personality with our wide array of colored elastics that fit around your braces brackets. You can pick your favorite color or colors, show off your school spirit, or make a smile perfect for the next holiday!
That’s just one of many advantages of our 3M Clarity Advanced braces. Here are a few others.
Pros of Braces
Braces have a lot of advantages when it comes to orthodontic treatment. They’re a tried-and-true method of orthodontic care dating back to ancient Egypt! Today’s braces are far more advanced, thankfully, and our clear braces have even more advantages.
Suitable for All Cases
Braces can be used to correct even the most severe orthodontic issues, from deep bites to severe overcrowding to rotated teeth. We can also fix several problems at once with braces.
Braces can be used to treat:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Deep bites
- Rotated teeth
- High canines and other teeth above or below the gum line
Constant and Consistent Treatment
Because braces aren’t removable, they’re working on straightening your teeth 24 hours a day. You don’t have to worry about whether you’re wearing them long enough or whether not wearing them long enough each day means you’ve prolonged your treatment time.
Suitable for All Ages
Braces can be worn by all patients, from adults to teenagers to children. Clear aligners come with a lot of responsibility. While Invisalign First is made for younger children, clear aligners may not be suitable for all young patients.
Clear Braces Available
Clear braces offer the same efficiency but with less visibility than metal brackets. The clear ceramic braces we offer have the same reliability as metal braces but with ceramic brackets that blend better with the teeth. Clear braces are less visible but just as effective as metal ones.
The Disadvantages of Braces
Braces are a great option, but there are some minor disadvantages with them, which is why we offer Invisalign and Invisalign Teen as well. Let’s look at a few cons when it comes to braces.
Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing and flossing can be a bit more challenging with braces. You must use a soft-bristled brush, or you can damage the wires and brackets. You’ll also need a special threader to get around the archwires and floss correctly.
Visibility of Braces
Clear braces reduce the visibility of your braces, but in the case of clear braces vs. Invisalign, clear aligners are still less visible. Some people prefer not to have braces on their teeth, which is OK. We can work with you to get the best treatment for you.
Food Restrictions and Preparation
The biggest disadvantage of braces is the food restrictions. You can’t remove braces like you can clear aligners, so you have to watch what you eat to avoid damaging your braces. The foods to avoid include:
- Popcorn
- Gum
- Hard candy
- Chewy candy such as toffee
- Crunchy raw vegetables, such as carrots
- Hard foods such as hard taco shells and tortilla chips
- Chewy foods such as bagels and pizza crust
- Pretzels
- Hard bread and crackers such as melba toast
These restrictions are only while you are in your braces. Once the braces are off, you can enjoy these foods again.
Braces are a great way to solve your orthodontic issues despite these minor disadvantages. You’ll end up with the smile you’ve always wanted!
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Smith & Davis Orthodontics offers Invisalign and Invisalign Teen for those who prefer an alternative to braces. Invisalign has come a long way and can treat a vast array of dental issues nowadays. But they do have some disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Invisalign treatment.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are popular alternatives for those hesitant to wear braces. They are capable of correcting your dental issues while being nearly invisible. Invisalign has some great advantages over braces.
But is Invisalign better than braces? In some cases, yes, but in others, no. We’ll explain what we mean.
Benefits of Invisalign
So what are the benefits of Invisalign? There are quite a few, which is why they have become more popular in the last several years. Here are some of the pros of Invisalign.
Invisalign Is Nearly Invisible
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen use clear acrylic aligners customized to your mouth. The clear acrylic means they are nearly invisible while in your mouth. That means you can flash your beautiful smile anytime!
Suitable For Many Cases
Invisalign clear aligners treat many orthodontic issues:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
They are becoming more advanced over time, which means they can treat more dental issues than ever before! So if you weren’t a good candidate for clear aligners in the past, you might be a good candidate now!
No Food Restrictions!
That big disadvantage for braces — food restrictions — doesn’t exist for Invisalign! When you get ready to eat, you simply remove your clear aligners and store them away, then brush and floss your teeth and rinse off your aligners before putting them back in your mouth. Easy peasy!
It’s Easier to Brush and Floss
Because Invisalign is removable, brushing and flossing are just as easy as before. There’s no need to worry about special flossing tools or whether you might accidentally break a wire or loosen a bracket by brushing or flossing!
Faster Treatment Times
This is a common question with clear aligners: Is Invisalign faster than braces? Invisalign, on average, has shorter treatment times than braces. Braces generally take 12-24 months for treatment, whereas Invisalign treatment lasts only about 9-15 months on average.
You can start to see the difference in your smile in a matter of weeks. In some cases, treatment can take as little as six months.
On the other hand, Invisalign isn’t best to treat the more severe cases, which take longer to treat. So while Invisalign is faster, it’s not the best option for everyone.
Invisalign Cons
Invisalign has a lot to brag about, but there are a few disadvantages of Invisalign to keep in mind when choosing between clear aligners and braces.
Invisalign vs. Braces
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen have advanced greatly over the last few years. They can solve more dental issues than ever, but some of the more severe cases still require braces for proper treatment. There are a few other cons of clear aligners.
Invisalign Must Be Worn 22 Hours a Day
Clear aligners are less effective if they’re not worn 22 hours a day as prescribed by your orthodontist. They only work when they’re in your mouth, so if you leave them out for longer than you should, you could prolong your treatment time. Otherwise, you may not get the perfect smile you want.
It’s Possible to Damage or Lose Invisalign
When out of your mouth, it’s possible to lose or damage your clear aligners. You might wrap them in a napkin at a restaurant and accidentally toss the napkin. Your new puppy may think they’re a great chew toy. Your baby sister may enjoy how well they bend and twist.
Once they’re damaged or lost, they have to be replaced. If it happens too many times, it can cost a lot of time and money.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Is Best for You?
We’ve seen the pros and cons for both braces and Invisalign, which brings us back to the original question: Which one is better, braces or Invisalign?
You still may not know which is better for you right now, but that’s OK. Smith & Davis Orthodontics is here to help you decide. If you’re looking for braces or Invisalign in Rogers, AR, area, we can provide a thorough consultation and recommend the best treatment for you. We will walk you through all of your options and help you make an informed, solid decision.
So if you’re still trying to decide between braces and Invisalign, give us a call and let us help! We will guide you on the path to the smile of your dreams!