If you walk up to our orthodontists and ask if braces are better than Invisalign®, you are likely not going to get a straight answer. This is because there are a lot of factors that our orthodontists will take into consideration when determining whether braces vs Invisalign® should be used. At the end of the day, our goal is to provide you with the appliance that is going to provide the best results for you.
Both braces and Invisalign® have been designed to accomplish the same goal. Their goal is to straighten your teeth, give you a better smile and give you better overall health. While metal braces with brackets have been around for some time, Invisalign® has been in use since the mid-2000s. So, Invisalign® does not have the same storied history behind it as metal braces.
Braces
Metal braces work in a way that most people are familiar with. They are metal brackets that are glued to your teeth. Wires and clips are used to connect the brackets to each other. A few years ago, the only option for brackets was metal, but now there is a little bit of flexibility. You might be able to choose some brackets that have a color that is closer to the enamel of your teeth. Some people have opted to get wild-colored brackets that really allow them to make a drastic fashion statement with their teeth.
Invisalign
Invisalign® is just the opposite. It is made for discretion. As opposed to being made of metal, the aligners are made from a BPA-free clear plastic. They are designed to be worn over your teeth, and they move your teeth in a very subtle way. The aligners are not permanent. You will change them out every couple of weeks in harmony with the directions from our orthodontists.
When it comes down to braces vs Invisalign®, they will both straighten your teeth. Both metal braces and Invisalign® will require you to use some form of retainer after your teeth have been straightened. Metal braces have the benefit of not requiring self-discipline on the part of the user. Conversely, with Invisalign®, you have the option to take them out whenever you want, and so it could be easy to not be as strict with the treatment program as you should be.
Book a free consultation in Oak Lawn, IL
If you have questions about braces vs Invisalign® and which treatment may be best for you, talk to the team at Petty & Bielik Orthodontics, in Oak Lawn. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more information!