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Both clear braces and Invisalign® both correct misalignment issues, but they're not exactly the same thing. Whether you’re most concerned about appearance, comfort, or convenience, each option comes with its own set of pros and cons.
If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, see Adam Cottrill, DMD, at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, for a personalized orthodontic treatment plan.
And before you commit to months of orthodontic treatment, it helps to know what sets clear braces apart from Invisalign and which option may better match your lifestyle.
Clear braces 101
Clear braces are similar to traditional braces, as they use hard brackets and wires to gradually shift your teeth into an ideal alignment over time. However, unlike traditional metal braces, clear braces are made of ceramic, tooth-colored brackets and frosted wires that match the shade of your teeth.
Clear braces are much less noticeable than traditional silver brackets and wires. They’re highly effective for correcting an array of orthodontic issues, including severely crooked teeth and a misaligned bite.
A benefit of clear braces over Invisalign is that the brackets may be able to correct more severe orthodontic concerns. And they remain fixed in place, so you won’t have to worry about removing them before eating and brushing your teeth.
However, it might take more time to clean your teeth at home while wearing clear braces, and the brackets could irritate your mouth (at least initially).
Invisalign basics
The Invisalign system consists of clear aligners that fit over the entire surface of your teeth. They’re removable, and you’ll need to take them out before meals and when brushing and flossing your teeth.
But Invisalign offers numerous advantages. You won’t have to worry about brackets that may irritate your mouth, and the aligners are extremely discreet. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing clear aligners, and they’re smooth with a comfortable, customized fit.
You’ll switch to the next set of aligners in your series about every week until you achieve the desired outcome. Furthermore, it’s easy to brush and floss after removing Invisalign aligners. However, you must be careful not to lose them after taking the aligners out of your mouth.
Which treatment is right for me?
There’s no wrong choice when it comes to picking clear braces or Invisalign treatment to perfect your smile. The best option depends on the severity of tooth misalignment, your lifestyle, and treatment preferences.
Dr. Cottrill lets you know if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, as severe misalignment concerns may require traditional brackets to achieve the best results.
If your goal is extreme discretion with a comfortable and smooth texture, Invisalign may be for you. But if you’d rather not worry about removing aligners several times daily and keeping track of them, consider clear braces.
In addition to orthodontic treatments, Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry offers teeth cleaning and cosmetic dentistry services such as crowns, veneers, dentures, dental implants, and full-mouth reconstruction.
If you’re unsure which options are right for you, see Dr. Cottrill at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry for an evaluation and customized treatment plan.
Call our office to schedule an appointment or book one online today for superior orthodontic results, including a flawless and confident smile.