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Invisalign vs. Braces – What's Right for You?
At Karl Orthodontics, we're proud to offer both braces and Invisalign options for patients looking to straighten their teeth and craft healthier smiles. But which option is best? What should you choose?
The truth is that the right answer to these questions comes down to you – your orthodontic needs, your lifestyle, and even your personality.
Both braces and Invisalign are highly effective orthodontic treatment options. Neither is fundamentally better than the other, and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
At our Grand Rapids orthodontic clinic, Dr. Karl provides detailed information about the various treatment options and works closely with patients to help determine the best treatment option for each unique case.
To help prepare you to make an informed choice, read below to find out what braces and Invisalign have to offer you.
Flexible Payment Plans
We believe that finances should never be a barrier to a healthier smile. To help our patients manage the cost of orthodontic treatment, we offer flexible payment plans.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign straightens teeth by applying gentle, consistent pressure to them over a period of time.
Treatment consists of a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner plays a unique role, targeting specific tooth movement, and is then switched out for the next one in the series. This process continues until the desired results are achieved.
Virtually Invisible
Invisalign clear aligners are made of a lightweight, transparent material, making them virtually invisible when worn. This makes them a great choice for people who dislike the look of braces.
Braces definitely have a distinctive look, and not everyone is excited about the idea of wearing them. And while we offer lower-profile alternatives to traditional braces, like clear ceramic and self-ligating options, we find that Invisalign is definitely the most subtle orthodontic treatment option.
Convenient & Removable
Another clear benefit of Invisalign is the convenience of being able to remove the aligners. Oral hygiene with braces can be time-consuming and challenging, but Invisalign clear aligners are easily removed for brushing and flossing. This means that with Invisalign you can go on brushing and flossing your teeth just like you always do.
You will also remove your aligners to eat and drink anything but cool water, so you won't need to miss out on any of your favorite foods during your orthodontic treatment. You can also take them out for pictures, for date night, and more.
Comfortable
Some discomfort is inevitable during orthodontic treatment as your teeth shift into their new positions. This is true regardless of whether you choose Invisalign or braces.
With Invisalign's smooth construction, though, you don't get all the friction that metal wires and brackets can cause. This can help make treatment with Invisalign more comfortable.
Invisalign & Braces Treatment in Grand Rapids
At Karl Orthodontics, we offer treatment with traditional braces for children, adults and teens and Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Karl will help you choose which treatment option is right for you.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces use brackets, wires, and, in some cases, elastic bands to gently shift and straighten teeth over time.
But the braces of today aren't the clunky, uncomfortable face-full-of-metal that you might be picturing from decades ago. Modern braces are more streamlined and comfortable than ever before.
Versatility
Braces are an effective option for resolving virtually any misalignment, no matter how complex. This is because of their ability to apply strong, consistent pressure to the teeth.
It is more difficult for Invisalign's aligners to create the force required for certain complex tooth movements, like rotating teeth, lengthening them, or paralleling roots in extraction cases. When these types of movements are necessary, braces are often the best mode of treatment.
Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness
Because braces can apply greater force than clear aligners, they are able to produce more efficient tooth movements, meaning treatment with braces may be shorter in certain moderate or complex cases.
In addition, the more complex the movement required, the more Invisalign aligners will be required to accomplish it. This can significantly increase the cost of Invisalign for patients with complex orthodontic issues. If this is the case for you, braces may be the more affordable option.
Ease of Compliance
Removable aligners offer many lifestyle benefits, but it's important to consider the likelihood that you'll always wear them as prescribed. It's surprisingly easy to forget to put them back in or to give yourself more 'breaks' than might be wise when you're feeling sore.
If you think you may have trouble sticking with your treatment plan, fixed dental braces may be the better choice. They'll keep you honest and get you through treatment on time.