Invisalign® Clear Aligners vs. Metal Braces
Aren’t sure if Invisalign® clear aligners are right for you? Our Invisalign dentists in Cascade, Coopersville and Wayland can help you explore your treatment options so you can make an informed decision for your smile. Our dental practices offer both clear aligners and metal braces. That way, you’ll be able to achieve the smile of your dreams as soon as possible.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about Invisalign clear aligners and traditional metal braces.
How They Work
The Invisalign treatment process consists of wearing a series of clear aligners over the course of several months. As you wear the aligners, they exert constant but gentle pressure on your teeth. This moves your teeth into their optimal positions so you can start smiling with confidence in no time. In general, you can expect to advance to the next set of aligners in your treatment plan every 1 to 2 weeks.
For your to work, you’ll need to wear them 20 to 22 hours per day. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move according to the timeline of your original treatment plan. We recommend only removing your clear orthodontic aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. While you can drink plain water while wearing your clear aligners, you’ll need to remove your aligners to drink anything else, such as pop or coffee.
With traditional metal braces, the wires and brackets are placed on the fronts of your teeth. Over time, they exert constant gentle pressure on the teeth which moves them little by little into their optimal positions.
Appearance
One of the main advantages of Invisalign aligners is that they’re nearly invisible. They’re made out of a clear, comfortable plastic that fits snugly around your teeth. As such, most people won’t even realize you’re wearing Invisalign clear aligners unless you’re standing close.
Traditional metal braces may not be subtle like clear aligners, but they remain a safe and effective method for straightening teeth. It’s also worth mentioning that not all orthodontic issues can be corrected with Invisalign clear aligners. For these cases, our dentists may recommend traditional metal braces so a patient can enjoy a smile with improved appearance and function.
It’s also worth mentioning that many people with metal braces enjoy picking out the colors for their new elastic ties during their appointments. There are a lot of options to customize, whether you want to choose your favorite colors, celebrate upcoming holidays, or support your favorite sports team.
Oral Hygiene Routines
Since are removable, you’ll have an easier time practicing good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Simply brush and floss like you normally would to maintain a healthy smile.
Unlike Invisalign, traditional metal braces are not removable. This is perfect for children who may not have the self-discipline to wear removable aligners. However, it also requires that you take extra care to maintain a healthy smile during orthodontic treatment.
Our dentists and their team would be more than happy to show you how to brush and floss around metal braces. For example, you may find it helpful to use a floss threader to get floss under the archwire and between each individual bracket in your smile.
Dietary Restrictions
The good news is that you won’t have any dietary restrictions if you choose Invisalign aligners. However, people with traditional metal braces will have to avoid foods that are sticky and/or hard to chew. Otherwise, they risk damaging their metal wires and brackets.
Request an Appointment with Us
Our Invisalign dentists in Cascade, Coopersville and Wayland would be more than happy to determine if you’re a candidate for clear aligners. To schedule an appointment, please call Robinson Dental at 1-888-WE-C-U-NOW. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.