Invisalign or Ceramic Braces – Which Is Right for You?

If you don’t want to have the look of traditional braces during your orthodontic treatment, you have some great options! The two most common options for discreet orthodontic treatment are the Invisalign and ceramic braces. Both of these options are fantastic choices and come with their unique set of pros and cons.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a unique form of orthodontic treatment made of plastic “trays” that fit tightly over the whole surface of your teeth. This set-up works in place of the bracket and wire system used for traditional braces, but is fully effective in straightening teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks and gradually shift your teeth before being replaced with a new set. It’s a great alternative to conventional braces with few trade-offs.

Pros: Invisalign is completely clear, so you will be able to have a totally clean-looking smile for the duration of your treatment. Invisalign trays are smooth and unobtrusive, providing the patient with a comfortable experience compared to traditional braces. You can and should remove the aligners when you need to eat or drink anything other than cold water, effectively getting rid of any food restrictions typical of conventional braces.

You can also take them out for contact sports and other activities. Just remember to keep them in for at least 22 hours each day. You can also clean your teeth very easily since there are no wires in the way.

Cons: The only real cons of Invisalign come from the fact that they are removable. This simply means you need to be careful not to lose them and to store them properly when not in use. While Invisalign can fix a wide range of issues, it can’t handle the most severe orthodontic corrections like traditional braces can.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work the same way as conventional metal braces and are comprised of a series of brackets attached to your teeth connected by wires. These braces straighten your teeth as the wires are adjusted during followup visits. Rather than using metal, however, these braces are made of a ceramic material that is either clear or matches the tone of your teeth.

Pros: Ceramic brackets are far less visible than conventional metal braces. The smoother surface of the brackets often makes them more comfortable than metal braces as well. Since this option for braces is affixed to your teeth, you won’t need to worry about losing them like you do with Invisalign aligners.

Cons: because these braces work the same way as conventional braces, you will have to avoid some types of food, particularly crunchy or sticky foods. It’s also a good idea to avoid dark-colored sauces or beverages, or at the very least clean your teeth immediately after consuming them, because they may stain your brackets and make them more visible.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll get a bright, straight smile while feeling better about yourself during the process. Contact Dabney Orthodontics today to schedule your free consultation and to find out which option is right for you.