Invisalign or Braces? Weighing Your Smile Options
As orthodontists in Naperville, Shorewood and beyond, we know first hand that there truly has never been a better time to start orthodontic treatment. Thanks to decades of technological development, there are now more options for straightening your teeth than ever before. If you have been thinking about improving your smile with orthodontics, you no longer have to settle for metal braces. You can choose between many different types of braces, including clear or lingual braces, as well as the many different brands of clear aligners on the market today, like Invisalign. Of course, there are pros and cons to all the different types of orthodontic treatment available, and the kind of device you choose will depend on a number of factors, from your specific diagnosis to your personal preferences and lifestyle.
At Sensational Smiles, we’re in the clear aligner business so there’s no secret about which type of orthodontic treatment we think is best. But we want to make sure you have all the facts so you can make the most informed decision for your smile goals. So if you’re trying to decide between Invisalign or braces, or are unsure about the difference between other clear aligners vs Invisalign, this post is for you.
In this post, we will share:
- The different types of orthodontic treatment
- The benefits of Invisalign vs clear aligners
- The Sensational Smiles difference
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Making the decision to get orthodontic treatment is a big one. For one thing, you are making an important investment in your oral (and overall) health, but at the same time, you’re also finally taking a major step on the journey to the smile you’ve always wanted. You should be able to choose an orthodontic treatment option that not only gives you the beautiful results you deserve, but also gives you the freedom to enjoy your daily life without interruption.
To help you choose between braces or Invisalign, let’s take a deeper look at the different types of braces and clear aligners available today.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you picture an orthodontic appliance. Let’s start with the pros: metal braces are a tried-and-tested method for straightening your teeth and they are incredibly effective. On top of that, since the brackets are fixed in place on your teeth, you don’t have to worry about remembering to wear them. That said, though, braces do have some significant drawbacks, especially for patients who aren’t all that excited to have their orthodontic device sitting front and center on their teeth. That’s where the cons come in: metal braces are very visible, require frequent visits to your orthodontist for adjustments and tightening appointments, and can also interfere with your normal routine. That’s because there are certain foods you cannot eat with braces, and it’s also much tricker to brush and floss your teeth effectively. So depending on your lifestyle choices and preferences, braces may be the perfect choice for straightening your teeth or they may be an unnecessary inconvenience.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear braces are a great alternative to traditional braces that are less visible and just as effective as their metal counterparts. Made from a clear ceramic material that blends in with the color of your teeth, this type of braces can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues. Since they’re less noticeable than traditional metal braces, they may make patients feel less self-conscious about undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, ceramic braces are far from invisible and still come with the same rules for eating, brushing and flossing with braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are indeed nearly undetectable which makes them a great choice for those who want a more discreet way to straighten their teeth. Instead of having brackets and wires fixed to the front of your teeth, lingual braces are fixed to the back (or tongue) side of your teeth, so there is a good chance that no one will even know you’re wearing them. Lingual braces often, however, take longer than traditional braces or Invisalign, can cause considerable discomfort at first, and may give you a temporary lisp. This type of braces are also typically much more expensive than traditional braces.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
There are many different clear aligner brands available nowadays, but Invisalign is the best-in-show for good reason. Thanks to its state-of-the-art technology and proven results, Invisalign has easily become the top choice for clear aligners for orthodontists and patients alike. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear, plastic aligners to gradually guide your teeth into their ideal positions, as mapped out by your Naperville or Shorewood orthodontist. The aligners are virtually invisible and you can even take them out to brush, floss, eat or play sports, so there’s minimal interruption to your usual activities. That said, for Invisalign to be truly effective, you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. So if you think you’ll be tempted to leave your aligners out or if you might forget to wear them, Invisalign is probably not the best orthodontic treatment option for you.
DIY Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign
DIY Clear Aligners vs. InvisalignAs we mentioned, Invisalign is not the only option for clear aligners. And if you’ve been researching all of the different types of orthodontic treatment options, you’ve likely come across the many DIY or at-home orthodontic systems on the market today. We urge you to take caution and remember the old saying that when something seems too good to be true, it usually means that it is. These mail-order orthodontic programs may promise fast results for less money, but they are not backed by orthodontists or Invisalign experts of any kind. In fact, because of this lack of specialist oversight, at-home clear aligners may do more harm to your teeth than good.
But it’s not all doom and gloom in the at-home clear aligner world. What if we told you that there really is a way to get all the benefits of Invisalign — including the supervision of a certified orthodontist and Diamond+ Invisalign provider — from the comfort of home? That’s where Sensational Smiles comes in. We’re proud to be able to offer the best of all worlds to our patients in Shorewood, Naperville and beyond.
Why Choose Sensational Smiles
So how does the Sensational Smiles process work? We don’t use just any clear aligner system. As Diamond+ Invisalign providers in Naperville and Shorewood, we use real Invisalign technology to customize our patients’ treatment plans and provide our patients with real Invisalign aligners. No cutting corners here. With us, you can trust you’re getting the very best orthodontic treatment possible.
But here’s the best part: thanks to our cutting-edge program and flexible financing options, you can complete your certified Invisalign treatment from home 60% faster and for 60% less than traditional orthodontic treatment. After your complimentary consultation, a certified orthodontist and Diamond+ Invisalign provider will assess your mouth and create your personalized treatment plan. Then you’ll pick up your aligners and be free to move through your treatment on your own (while following your orthodontist’s prescription, of course). Once you complete your final set of aligners, we’ll want to see you one last time to make sure your smile looks its absolute best. And that’s it! You can choose to be done with orthodontic treatment right then and there.
So, if you’re wondering whether to get braces or Invisalign, the decision comes down to your unique case and what you want from your orthodontic treatment. If you want a proven appliance that you don’t have to remember to wear or to worry about losing, then braces might be the right choice for you. If you want a more discreet, convenient and affordable option, then we think it might be time to book a consultation with Sensational Smiles. Contact us today to talk to one of our smile experts about how to get beautiful results with at-home Invisalign orthodontic treatment.
