Your smile is an important part of who you are, and choosing the right orthodontic treatment is equally as important. In today’s world we enjoy seemingly endless options with everything from cars and food selections to hobbies and TV channels. The world of orthodontics is no
different. For patients, options for orthodontic treatment range from different types of braces to a variety of Invisalign products. So, should you get braces or Invisalign? Let us help you come to a decision!
How Braces Work vs How Invisalign Works
Most patients know in general how braces work. They consist of brackets attached to the teeth and wires attached to the brackets with tiny rubber bands. Together, these pieces gradually and gently move the teeth to the right positions within the mouth, over a period of months, depending on the severity of the orthodontic issues being corrected.
The Invisalign system consists of clear, plastic aligners that are removable. They are custom-fitted to your teeth and are switched out every couple of weeks. Each aligner is shaped slightly differently than the previous one, which encourages the teeth to move to their desired positions.
Braces Pros and Cons
If you’re looking for a product that is permanently attached to your teeth, eliminating the need to worry about wearing it properly or often enough, braces may be for you. You may also be pleased to know there are a variety of different types of braces available.
These include:
As with any product, there will be limitations. Braces are not removable, which is a con for some patients because it can make brushing and flossing a bit more challenging. There will also be some food restrictions to avoid damaging your brackets or wires.
Invisalign Pros and Cons
Invisalign is a popular treatment option for many patients today because of its invisibility. The ability to remove the aligners is also attractive to some because there are no food restrictions and there is no need to change the way you brush and floss.
Invisalign is also available in a variety of options, depending on your orthodontic needs.
Invisalign products include:
- Invisalign Full
- Invisalign Lite
- Invisalign Express
- Invisalign Teen
- Invisalign First
Invisalign may not be for you if you’re worried about adhering to the rules set forth by your orthodontist. For Invisalign to be effective, the aligners must be worn 20-22 hours every day and must only be removed to eat, drink, brush and floss.
In some cases, you can remove them for a short period of time (like for a wedding, school photos, or to put in a mouthguard when playing a contact sport), but for maximum effectiveness, you’ll need to wear your aligners the vast majority of the time.
Should Athletes Use Invisalign Or Braces?
For many people, picking out the right orthodontic treatment solution often boils down to their personal preferences or how crooked their teeth are. But athletes who participate in contact sports have another factor to consider. If you participate in athletics, you’re probably wondering if it’s better to play sports with braces or Invisalign.
Playing Sports with Braces
When you start orthodontic treatment, one of the most important goals you should make is to keep your orthodontic appliances in good condition. And if you play a sport like football, basketball, or anything else where contact is likely to occur, it’s understandable if you’re a bit apprehensive about getting braces.
After all, taking a blow to the face could result in serious damage to the brackets and wires, meaning you may need to schedule an emergency appointment to get them fixed. The metal braces can also cause additional damage to the gums, cheeks, or tongue during an impact as well.
Thankfully, preparing for playing sports with braces is pretty simple. You’ll want to get an orthodontic mouthguard from your orthodontist to create an effective bumper over your braces. This way, if an impact does occur, you’ll be less likely to experience damage to your mouth or braces.
Invisalign and Sports
Because Invisalign aligners are removable and made of soft plastic, the chances of your treatment being damaged or you suffering additional injuries are slim. Not to mention when you smile after your win or in team photos, the victory shot will include your uncluttered smile.
But there are some trade-offs to having removable aligners. One of the main concerns is keeping your aligners safe. You’ll want to be sure to store them safely in their case during a practice or competition so you don’t lose them. Make sure they’re kept away from heat in a place you won’t forget about them, and that they don’t get mixed up with any of your teammates’ stuff.
How Braces Or Invisalign Improve Oral Health
Patients considering orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign often think of the decision from a purely cosmetic standpoint. While this is important for a person’s confidence and self-esteem, there’s far more to gain from straightening teeth than just a better-looking smile.
Lower the Risk of Tooth Decay
Straightening your teeth is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of getting cavities. When teeth are crowded and crooked, it’s much easier for food particles to get stuck in places where toothbrushes can’t reach or thoroughly clean.
Getting orthodontic treatment evens out the spacing between each tooth, which gets rid of those areas where food can easily get trapped. At the same time, those little nooks and crannies that were harder to reach are suddenly gone.
Traditional braces or Invisalign will give you straight teeth, which makes both options great for getting a healthier smile.
Reduce Uneven Wear on Teeth
Having crooked or misaligned teeth doesn’t just increase your risk of tooth decay, it also increases the chances of your teeth wearing down unevenly.
In a healthy bite, pressure is evenly distributed among your teeth when biting down. If a few teeth stick out more than they should, they will be subjected to more pressure than what they are designed to handle. This can lead to cracked teeth, worn down enamel, and tooth sensitivity.
Orthodontic treatment evens out your bite and eliminates unnecessary pressure on your teeth.
Improve Comfort
Many patients don’t realize how much more comfortable their bite could be with straighter teeth. Braces or Invisalign help people have fewer headaches and experience improved daily comfort.
Fixing problems like crossbites, underbites, and overbites involves moving the jaw, which can also be accomplished with braces or Invisalign along with rubber bands. In addition to making the bite more comfortable, addressing issues with jaw alignment also often improves speaking and eating for many patients, enhancing the overall quality of life.
Should College Students Get Braces Or Invisalign?
College is a great time to get braces or Invisalign. Students are usually still covered under their parents’ health insurance, which may cover part of the cost of orthodontic treatment. These young adults are also often more responsible than teens when it comes to dental hygiene and taking care of their treatment. 
Braces for College Students
One of the best things about deciding to get braces in college is by the time patients are done with treatment, they’ll have a brand new smile to give them more confidence as they navigate the professional world and advance their careers.
Patients who may be a bit self-conscious about having braces during college should consider ceramic braces, which are made from clear or tooth-colored brackets that reduce their visibility.
However, even traditional metal braces these days are much sleeker compared to what they were a couple decades ago, so there isn’t as much to worry about in terms of appearance. There are some fun options for college students who want to show their school spirit. Mascot Braces are available for a wide range of schools and mascots, and they offer the same quality of treatment as braces with rectangular brackets.
Getting Invisalign in College
Many college students find Invisalign is a great option for them. It offers some notable benefits for college life, including not having any food restrictions due to being able to remove the trays.
College athletes will also appreciate the convenience of having removable aligners since they won’t need to worry about breaking their trays during competitions or practice.
Students who are toward the end of their college careers may also find Invisalign to be a good option for them since they may not want to have visible braces as they look for work.
Ultimately, both options are great for college students to explore. Whether a patient chooses Invisalign or traditional braces, they will have some adjustments to make, including keeping up with cleaning and maintaining your orthodontic appliances. But they will get used to it fairly quickly.
Invisalign vs Ceramic Braces for Invisible Treatment
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, patients want a product that’s going to blend in with everyday life, both figuratively, and literally. That’s why more and more patients are choosing invisible options for their orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign or ceramic braces.
Since these products are less noticeable, they can help reduce self-confidence issues, leading to a more positive orthodontic experience. Let’s compare Invisalign and ceramic braces for invisible treatment to see which product may be right for you.
About Invisalign
The benefits of Invisalign include:
- Fewer food restrictions
- Shorter duration of treatment in some cases
- Easier to maintain proper oral hygiene
- Comfortable and convenient
The biggest negative of Invisalign for some people is they must be diligent about adhering to the rules set forth by the orthodontist. Because the aligners are removable, it is up to you to ensure you’re getting the most out of your treatment.
For Invisalign treatment to stay on track and be effective, aligners must be worn 20-22 hours every day. It is also important to keep the aligners safe and clean when they aren’t being worn.
The Invisalign system is available in various levels, ranging from the treatment of mild issues to severe, and treatment time will depend on the issues to be corrected.
About Ceramic Braces
With the functionality of traditional metal braces and a less noticeable appearance, ceramic braces are a top pick for many patients who don’t want to have to worry about their orthodontic treatment. Some patients know remembering to wear their aligners just wouldn’t happen for them, so Invisalign isn’t the best choice.
Ceramic braces consist of clear or tooth-colored brackets, which blend in with the teeth, and lightly colored wires, making the entire system much less visible. However, patients with ceramic braces do need to be careful about eating or drinking dark-colored food or drinks to avoid staining the brackets. They will also have the same food restrictions as those with traditional metal braces.
Should My Teen Get Invisalign Or Braces In Ripley WV?
If you have a teenager who is ready to start orthodontic treatment, you have some great options available. While braces are more advanced than ever, it’s understandable that they might want an invisible option like Invisalign.
Braces for Teens
Braces are still the most common option for the widest range of cases for tweens and teens.
Braces work for even the most severe cases of crookedness, and they’re great for fixing issues like underbites and overbites with the use of interarch elastic bands. You also don’t have to worry about your teen losing their braces or forgetting to wear them since they’re permanent.
If your teen is worried about the appearance of braces, tell them braces are smaller and less noticeable than ever. Plus, your teen can choose from a variety of options, including ceramic braces for lower visibility or unique gold braces.
Invisalign for Teens
The Invisalign Clear Aligner System is hands down the best option for teens who are worried about appearances while they straighten their teeth. It also works well for kids who play a wind instrument since there isn’t as much adjustment needed as there is for braces. Teens don’t have to give up their favorite foods either.
Just like the other types of aligner treatment, Invisalign Teen will only work if the aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours every day. Fortunately, every Invisalign Teen aligner comes with a compliance indicator to help keep the patient’s treatment on track. The company also provides a few free replacement aligners in case one gets lost or damaged.
Should I Get Braces or Invisalign?
Before you get your heart set on one type of treatment or the other, it’s best to go see an orthodontist who has extensive experience using both types of treatment. They can do a thorough exam and determine if one type would be better than the other for you.
If both treatments will work for you, the decision comes down to what fits best with your personality and lifestyle. If you’re apprehensive about having a removable option for treatment, then braces may be the right product for you; however, if you want a product that doesn’t get in the way of your appearance, Invisalign may be the perfect solution. The choice is yours!
