When you’re exploring orthodontic treatment as a way to straighten your smile, there’s quite a bit to consider. Treatment is a big decision and you don’t want to rush into something you aren’t sure about. At Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics, we believe you should have as much information as possible about the orthodontic process before taking the plunge. If you’ve been wondering “Are braces or Invisalign better for my smile?” we’re here to help!
Dr. Davis and Dr. Goldberg have been creating beautiful smiles throughout Greensboro and High Point for years and would love to do the same for you! Our expert team is committed to helping you explore all the options available to you, and that begins with your initial consultation. This visit will give us the chance to discuss any concerns you have about your teeth, as well as:
- how orthodontic treatment can change your smile
- which treatment would be the best fit for your needs
- what payment options are available to you
During your consultation, we’ll also outline the differences between popular treatments like metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. We tend to use these options most frequently, and knowing a bit more about each will help you understand which one would suit your smile needs. Let’s take a look at their pros and cons below!
The basics of orthodontic treatment
Although they look very different, braces and aligners actually work very similarly. Each method uses an orthodontic appliance to apply gentle force to the teeth, shifting them into more optimal positions over time. This aligns the teeth and jaws and increases your oral health, giving you a fully functional smile that looks great and feels good, too.
Traditional braces have been around for hundreds of years in various forms, and have a proven track record of successfully correcting a variety of orthodontic issues that range from simple to complex. Invisalign is a somewhat newer treatment method that has become increasingly popular over the last twenty years with teen and adult patients. Braces and clear aligners are both excellent options for anyone interested in achieving a healthier smile, but there are some important differences between them.
Metal braces
Metal braces with Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics are very efficient at correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues and can be especially useful for more severe or complex cases. Because every case is different and each patient responds in their own way, there is no certain answer as to how long treatment time will be. However, the average patient will usually spend anywhere from 18-36 months in braces.
Braces are a fixed appliance, which means they can come with a bit of a learning curve! There are certain foods that must be avoided throughout treatment, as crunchy and chewy foods can damage the brackets and wires. You’ll also need to adjust your dental hygiene routine to ensure you’re keeping your teeth, gums, and appliances nice and clean. It can be tricky learning to navigate around braces, particularly where flossing is concerned, but this is an essential part of the treatment process. Fortunately, there are a variety of accessories available to make cleaning easier!
Invisalign clear aligners
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and completely removable, making them the most popular alternative to braces by far. The SmartTrack material Invisalign aligners are made of is smooth and tends to be more comfortable than traditional braces. When worn as directed by your orthodontist, Invisalign aligners can be just as efficient as braces at correcting many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Just like braces, the total treatment time for Invisalign patients will vary from case to case, with it averaging about 9-18 months. The number of aligners needed to straighten the teeth will also depend on your unique smile, as well as your level of compliance and how your teeth respond to treatment.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you have an extra measure of freedom during treatment. They’re designed to be taken out before eating or drinking anything other than water and should also be removed before brushing and flossing. Since you don’t wear your aligners during mealtimes, there are no food restrictions, something everyone can appreciate. You can continue eating all your favorite snacks as long as you’re careful about brushing and flossing afterward, which makes the entire treatment process a bit easier to manage.
The aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours each day and switched out every 1-2 weeks to be successful. Because they’re custom-designed to fit each patient’s unique needs, these frequent changes are necessary to keep up with the shifting of the teeth. Just like braces patients, you’ll be expected to attend follow-up visits with our doctors every 6-8 weeks or so. Skipping these appointments or missing your scheduled aligner changes can quickly undo any progress you’ve made, so you’ll want to make them a priority!
Find the best fit for your smile with Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics
Once you know all the details, metal braces and clear aligners are both excellent options for achieving your dream smile! When you trust Daivs & Goldberg Orthodontics with your smile, you can feel confident that we’ll only recommend the treatment that is the best for your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals. If you’re ready to take the first step towards the confident smile you deserve, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Davis or Dr. Goldberg!