While getting an orthodontic consultation to begin the process of improving your smile and self-confidence is exciting, it can also be overwhelming and confusing. For some, deciding between braces and clear aligners (like Invisalign) can be difficult. Don't let various options deter you from beginning your journey. You want a beautiful, confident smile, but you need to figure out the advantages and disadvantages of braces and Invisalign; which one costs less, and how long will treatment take?

This blog will address these topics and help answer your questions so you can make an informed decision. Do your research, ask other people, read reviews and, by all means, consult with your orthodontist (don't be afraid to ask lots of questions). Some people are candidates for both braces and aligners, while others are best suited for either braces or Invisalign (clear aligners). Which is right for you? One of the best ways to answer this question is by getting expert advice from an orthodontist. Ensure your orthodontist has a lot of experience with clear aligners like Invisalign. Why? Because all orthodontists have been trained and have experience with braces and feel more comfortable recommending them. Some orthodontists have limited experience in clear aligner therapy. If you want Invisalign (clear aligners) and your orthodontist recommends braces, getting a second opinion may be a good option. 

In this article, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages (pros and cons) of braces and Invisalign to help guide you in the right direction. The cost of braces and Invisalign. We'll also take a look at the average treatment time for each.

INVISALIGN

Invisalign has been around for over 20 years. Invisalign is a series of clear, plastic aligners that straighten your teeth without braces (brackets and wires). Invisalign recommends wearing the aligners around 20 to 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat, brush and floss. The average treatment time is typically less than braces, likely because the orthodontic cases selected for Invisalign are simpler. Braces can handle more complex issues and therefore takes more time to complete.

Invisalign Pros

• Clear (virtually invisible)
• Removable
• More comfortable
• No brackets or wires
• Protects against tooth wear (grinding or bruxism)
• Fewer appointments (usually 12-week intervals)
• Less school or work to miss
• Easier to eat
• Easier to clean 
• Less treatment time on average

Invisalign Cons

• Compliance with wearing them 20 to 22 hours/day
• Removing them when eating in a social setting
• Some tooth movements are better suited for braces
• Aligners can be lost

Celebrities who have used Invisalign include:

• Oprah Winfrey
• Tom Cruise
• Katherine Heigl
• Eva Longoria
• Gisele Bundchen
• Serena Williams
• Justin Bieber
• Khloe Kardashian
  

METAL AND CERAMIC (CLEAR) BRACES

Generally, metal and ceramic braces consist of brackets and wires that straighten and correct your teeth and bite over time. Braces come in many different shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. In addition, there are different types of braces. Traditional braces (like metal braces - some people call them "color braces" because patients can choose which colors they want at each appointment) are very common. Another type of braces is clear braces (also known as ceramic braces or brackets). Getting "braces on" (placing the brackets and wires on the teeth) takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Straightforward braces cases can take only a few months, while the average time in treatment is about 22 months. Here is some great news, there is no discomfort associated with getting clear or metal braces placed on your teeth. So put your mind at ease because you will be in total comfort when you get braces. 

Braces Pros

• Suited for any tooth movement or complexity
• Less compliance is needed as braces are fixed onto teeth 
• Choice between traditional braces (metal braces) or ceramic braces (clear braces) 
• Color changes at each appointment (kids and adults love to choose their colors)

Braces Cons

• Considered less esthetic
• More difficulty eating, brushing, and flossing
• Must be more careful eating and restricting certain foods
• More appointments are needed (usually 4-8 week intervals)
• More school or work missed
• Less comfortable (sometimes brackets or wires can poke, causing irritations)

Celebrities who have had braces:

• Emma Watson
• Dakota Fanning
• Gwen Stefani
• Jaden Smith
• Venus and Serena Williams
• Kendall Jenner
• Prince Harry
• Kate Middleton
• Britney Spears

What is the Cost Difference Between Braces and Invisalign (aligners)?

The cost of braces and Invisalign is the same at Ortho South, with Dr. Brandon Boggan and Dr. Zehra Syed. However, some orthodontists charge more for Invisalign simply because the price to make Invisalign is considerably more for the orthodontist. At Ortho South, we decided that cost should not be a deciding factor for our patients when choosing between Invisalign and braces. 

What Determines Length of Time in Treatment for Brace and Invisalign?

Click HERE for information on factors in length of treatment.

The time in treatment in both braces and Invisalign varies depending on several factors. The severity of orthodontic issues is the best indicator in predicting treatment length. Treatment can last a few weeks for minor cases or a few months (18 months or more) for more complex issues. The extent of crowding, or spacing of the teeth and the degree to which a person's bite is off can significantly contribute to orthodontic treatment length. The greater the extent of crowding/spacing and/or bite discrepancy, the longer the treatment time. Patients who have impacted teeth should also expect extended treatment times due to the complexity of moving an impacted tooth into the smile. Age can also be a contributing factor to treatment length. Older patients have fully formed and mature bones which can slow down how fast the teeth can move within the bones. Certain medications like hormone replacement, immunosuppressants, estrogen, and NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin) can also slow tooth movements. It's important to let your orthodontist know all the medications you're taking before starting treatment. Poor dental hygiene that results in tartar (or calculus) buildup, cavities, and gingivitis (gum inflammation) can delay your treatment progress and increase your treatment length. In addition, good or bad compliance can affect treatment length. Poor compliance with wearing rubber bands or continually breaking wires, brackets, Invisalign attachments, and missing appointments can contribute to more treatment time. 

What Factors Determine Treatment Length for Braces or Invisalign?

• The severity of crooked teeth
• The amount of crowding
• The amount of spacing
• The degree of bite discrepancy
• Impacted teeth
• Age 
• Medications
• Poor dental hygiene
• Poor compliance
• Missed appointments
• Broken brackets or wires

Want to know how long your orthodontic treatment will take? 

The best way to determine the length of orthodontic treatment is to call 205-660-4224 or click Schedule Today for your complimentary orthodontic consultation. At your consultation, we will get a series of orthodontic records (including X-rays, photos, and a digital scan). Then Dr. Brandon Boggan or Dr. Zehra Syed will perform an orthodontic evaluation and make treatment recommendations for your specific needs, give you the cost of treatment and give you an estimated treatment time. 

For Your BEST Orthodontic Result

The most important part of any orthodontic treatment is your dental hygiene. The #1 recommendation for achieving excellent dental hygiene is simply removing all plaque from your teeth, gums, and tongue. Whether you are looking for braces or invisalign in Pelham or Calera or the surrounding Birmingham area we have got you covered. Call 205-660-4224 or click below.