Orthodontic treatment has witnessed a lot of great developments. Gone are days when the only choice was to straighten your teeth with conventional braces. Currently, you have several options for clear aligner trays, which move your teeth. Nonetheless, you still have to ensure the appropriate for your treatment plan. There is a lot of data about clear braces vs Invisalign and how their clear aligners differ.

On most occasions, people tend to use these two words interchangeably. But in this article, we use “clear braces” to mean ceramic braces, which are either clear or colored to match your teeth. On the other hand, we will use the word “Invisalign” to suggest using a system of clear aligners. Hence, you will have a better understanding of braces vs invisalign.

Clear braces vs Invisalign are standard, safe options for fixing teeth: crowded, crooked, or unevenly spaced. The saving grace of both is that they are subtle and near inconspicuous like other techniques. We propose that patients weigh the pros and cons of both clear braces vs Invisalign treatment to see which one of the two is fit for them. If you are looking for Invisalign in Richmond, TX call today to scheduled your consultation.

Clear Braces vs. Invisalign Defined

Clear Braces

Clear Braces similarly rectify teeth as traditional metal braces do. The difference is that they are pretty inconspicuous. With metallic braces, we mount a bracket to every tooth. We place a flexible ligature is around every frame, and then a metallic cord links all of the brackets together. We use the supple to clamp the archwire on every bracket. With every visit to our clinic, we alter the cross wire to place mild pressure on the brackets and slowly push your teeth into the envisaged position.

Clear braces are exactly similar to metal braces because the materials used are subtle. We design the brackets from porcelain rather than metal, and we shade them to look like your tooth color. Elastics are subtle and hardly evident, and the archwire can be white to make the braces are low-key as possible. Unfortunately, the porcelain brackets tend to stain slowly as time goes by. Nonetheless, they are made non-porous, but the elastics can turn yellow, but we swap them with new ones with every visit to the dentist. At Elara Orthodontics at the border of Richmond and Sugerland in Texas, we treat even the most challenging issues. For example, serious underbites, crossbites, and overbites, among many more with first-rate results.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Invisible Braces?

Almost any adult with teeth alignment challenges is a great candidate for the braces. Both clear braces vs Invisalign can solve the same issues with the alignment of the teeth. Several of the specific challenges, which braces can assist correct comprise:

Overbite

When an individual has an overbite, the front teeth overlap the lower ones. Many people have some degree of overbite, and it is not an issue. However, it becomes an issue when the top teeth are too far forward over the lower ones. If that is the situation, the patient can feel extreme distress in the jaw. The rugged bite motif can wear out the teeth. Invisible braces assist in shifting the top teeth back; hence, rectifying an overbite.

Crowding

In some cases, a person might have a small jaw, too small to fit the permanent teeth properly. Crowded teeth can overlap, rotate slightly to one side or the other or be hard-pressed towards the front or the back. Preserving correct oral hygiene can get tricky when teeth are slightly twisted or too close together. Flossing might not eliminate the microbes breeding between the teeth. But clear aligners can assist in rectifying correct crowding by straightening the teeth.

Gaps and Spaces

In some situations, individuals have gaps between their teeth. And unfortunately, foods get stuck within these spaces. Additionally, some people tend to feel self-conscious about the gaps—invisible braces aid in rectifying these spaces by mildly pushing the teeth closer together.

Crossbite

Within an appropriately-aligned mouth, upper teeth cover the lower ones. But in a crossbite scenario, some of the lower teeth cover a few of the upper ones. A crossbite is notorious for unnecessary tooth wear and can even cause chipping or teeth breakage over time. It can also add on receding gums that can raise the threats of gum sickness. Under our care, invisible braces can be deployed to help modify some crossbites by shifting the affected teeth.

Open Bite

Some people close their jaw, and part of the upper and lower teeth fail to contact because they have an open bite. An open bite makes it hard for a victim to chem. It can also negatively impact an individual’s speech and self-esteem. Invisible braces can assist in rectifying several forms of an open bite under the direction of an experienced orthodontist.

Invisalign Braces

According to Wikipedia over 3 million patients has been treated with Invisalign so far. Invisalign is a method of straightening crooked teeth, which is entirely different from traditional braces. Treatment comprises clear, plastic aligners that perfectly fit the teeth, and we swap them out every few weeks. We make the aligners to move your teeth somewhat towards the appropriate position. Invisalign greatly looks like a mouth guard, except that the aligner is precast precisely to your teeth. Invisalign braces are detachable, and you should remove them when eating, drinking, and practicing dental hygiene.

Initially, we start by creating a digital model of your teeth. Modern technology makes it possible to make an identical digital copy of your teeth. The same tech allows the digital alteration of your teeth into a perfect alignment so that you can witness the “after” results before the treatment even begins.

Once the digital treatment plan is done, we move it directly to the Invisalign, where they are fabricated and sent back, ready to use. But before you wear the aligners, we must conduct a little prep work. Attachment is bonded onto some of your teeth so that the aligners have something to hold on to. We fabricated the attachments from composite materials, which will match the shade of your teeth.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Invisalign vs. Clear Braces?

Below, we have listed a few characteristics which make a suitable Invisalign candidate:

  • Does not have severe dental challenges that may need advanced treatment techniques.
  • Is willing to adhere to the Invisalign guiding principles. Wearing Invisalign aligners is pretty simple, but you have to put them on for long durations and take them off when drinking or eating.

If you are suffering from cavities or other gum ailments, we propose having restorative treatment before going forward with the Invisalign treatment plan. Another possible challenge can arise when you have dental implants or bridges since they can make the aligners not suitably fit. Our experienced orthodontists can successfully work around the challenges in many instances unless your case is severe.

Pros and Cons for Clear Braces vs. Invisalign

To understand the difference between Invisalign and clear aligners, you must pay attention to the Invisalign vs braces pros and cons, which include:

Clear Braces

  • Clear Braces are perpetually joined to your teeth until the treatment plan comes to a close. However, Invisalign braces are detachable for drinking, eating, and oral hygiene. Hence, we urge you to keep your aligners on for at least 22 hours a day. If you do not stick to the specified time, the treatment period will extend, and aligners demand refitting. However, between clear braces vs Invisalign, we recommend that teenagers use clear braces since they do not have to recall putting them back on.
  • Since you remove Invisalign aligners for teeth cleaning, oral hygiene is more straightforward than clear braces. With clear braces, we recommend that you are conscientious regarding brushing your teeth and braces to curb decay and plaque from happening in concealed places. However, both invisible braces vs ceramic braces demand proper care.
  • Clear braces do have multiple food limitations linked with them. You have to avoid biting directly into tough foods. Any other foods which can potentially destroy your braces, including popcorn, are a no-no. Nonetheless, on the other hand, Invisalign braces do not have any limitations when it comes to food because you remove them before food and drinks consumption. A great advantage for Invisalign when it comes to braces vs Invisalign argument.

Invisalign

  • For Invisalign, while you have the right to consume whatever food you wish, we recommend you not take any liquids apart from water while you have aligners in. Otherwise, acids and sugars from drinks can leak beneath the aligners, thus creating a perfect breeding ground for microbes. A major drawback in the braces vs Invisalign debate.
  • Since you will be putting down the Invisalign when drinking, eating, and brushing your teeth, it is easy to throw the aligner away unintentionally. We propose always keeping the Invisalign tray its intended vessel to help avoid such misfortunes.
  • We recommend that you clean the aligners throughout the day whenever you put them down. Remember always wash the aligners when putting them back to clean your teeth.
  • Invisalign aligners are less annoying to the mouths inside and have a simple alteration duration. A great pro when it comes for braces vs Invisalign.
  • If the case is severe, then Invisalign braces are never viable options, and that is a major drawback in the brace vs invisalign debate.
  • Invisalign braces are pretty expensive than clear braces.
  • Clear braces demand you visit the orthodontist more times than when using Invisalign. Your doctor has to see you for frequent adjustments. With Invisalign, since you are given all the needed trays at the beginning of the treatment, you don’t need to visit your orthodontist’s office frequently. Nonetheless, you are demanded in both clear braces vs Invisalign scenarios to visit the orthodontist once in a while so that he can check your progress.

Why it matters

Understanding the pros and cons of both invisible braces vs ceramic braces typically answers the question: Are clear braces better than Invisalign? What is better than braces? Is Invisalign as good as braces? In Invisalign better than braces? And is it better to get invisalign or brace? To know the answer, we recommend you keep on reading.

Are There Other Choices?

Clear braces vs Invisalign are not the only available choices for people searching for a subtle technique of straightening their teeth.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces function like traditional braces, except the brackets and wires are mounted behind the impacted teeth, making them inconspicuous. They are connected to the teeth like invisible braces and cannot be detached. Hence, we consider them a good alternative for ceramic braces vs Invisalign.

Smile Direct Club

An alternative to clear braces vs Invisalign is Smile Direct Club. Like Invisalign, Smile Direct also gives a clear aligner, which rectifies crooked teeth. Nonetheless, they email the traysto the patient, getting rid of a medical specialist. At Elara Orthodontics we provide a customized treatment for each patient, an do not recommend in-home options.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is an option for both clear braces vs Invisalign. The treatment deploys a stratum of thin porcelain to seal spaces. Veneers do not move a distorted dental formula, but they make the front look great. Hence, dental veneers is a viable alternative from clear braces vs invisible braces.

Are Metal Braces Faster Than Invisalign?

Do braces work faster than Invisalign? the answer depends on few factors, usually braces are faster than aligners, but not always. The kind of correction required determines whether braces vs Invisalign is better. Usually braces treatment could take 18 to 24 months while Invisalign treatment is about 12 months. However, each case is different and your orthodontist will determine the terms of treatment.

Clear Braces vs Invisalign Cost

The mean clear braces vs Invisalign cost ranges from $1,800 to $5,500. Only your orthodontist knows the cost of clear braces vs Invisalign treatment. It is crucial to understand which other parameters influence the cost. If both orthodontist braces vs Invisalign need more work, the cost will increase.

For example, the cost of clear braces vs Invisalign when treating an overbite will increase since it takes longer to fix the teeth. In addition, the average orthodontist braces vs Invisalign prices in your city and your dental insurance program will influence the cost.

See also: Braces cost in Richmond

How Do I Select? Clear Braces vs Invisalign

While both clear braces vs Invisalign function to rectify crooked, crowded, or weirdly spaced teeth, they each are proposed on a situation-by-situation basis, relying on each individual’s requirements because there is a massive difference between Invisalign and clear aligners.

We deploy clear braces in treating more severe misalignment cases and malocclusions. And they tend to bring so much pain and challenges with food mastication. They are typically cheaper than Invisalign.

Invisalign is great for minor to modest challenges, with the suitability of being detachable. I know you are pondering the question, are braces better than Invisalign? Here are the few things you should consider when answering this question of clear braces vs Invisalign.

  • Clear braces restrict what you drink and eat. Since they are detachable, Invisalign gifts you the freedom and joy of consuming whatever you wish.
  • It is hard to floss clear braces because they are not removable. And it is considered by many a deal breaker in the invisalign vs clear braces debate.
  • Invisalign is more significant when it comes to comfort for individuals desiring to enhance their smile without having braces attached to their teeth at all times.
  • Invisalign needs to change every fortnight, while the permanent ceramic braces need alteration roughly every month.

Final Thoughts

Both clear braces vs Invisalign present distinct benefits and each comes laced with its limitations. Hence, making neither invisalign vs clear braces ideal for all patients. The most incredible way to learn which service is excellent for your needs is through a one-on-one consultation with Elara Orthodontics. During the consultation, we can discuss all the great alternatives, meticulously examine your smile, and take you through towards the most successful procedure for your given needs.

If you are thinking about orthodontic treatment in Texas, please call (713) 360-0587 to book an appointment at Elara Orthodontics. We offer you an answer between clear braces or Invisalign and give you quality treatment. We highly welcome a chance to meet with you, talk about your needs, and help you get the most radiant orthodontic solution smile.

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