Braces vs. Invisalign: The choice between the two can seem overwhelming at first. You want what’s best for your or your child’s teeth, but the two seem so similar that you’re not sure which will work best. Ultimately, there is no simple answer. But no worries—Dr. Marina Milstein and our team are here to supply you with the facts.
Traditional Braces: The Classic Approach
Braces are the traditional way of straightening teeth, involving glued on brackets held together by a wire. The brackets can either be metal or ceramic, per the patient’s request. There is also the option to add a little personality to your braces by choosing which colors go on each bracket.
Invisalign: The Modern Method
Invisalign is a fairly modern approach to straightening one’s smile. The process begins with a 3-D oral scan taken in the office, which gets sent to Invisalign Headquarters. After that, Dr. Milstein works meticulously on creating a perfect digital treatment plan. From there, a series of 3-D printed aligners are constructed and delivered to the patient. Many patients find that Invisalign is more comfortable and more subtle in appearance than braces.
Key Differences and Considerations
Both braces and Invisalign aim to perfect a smile. The main difference between the two is that braces are not removable during treatment, while Invisalign can be removed from the mouth per the patient’s needs. Both aspects have pros and cons.
Braces: Fixed and Effective
Since braces cannot be removed, treatment tends to follow Dr. Milstein’s plan very precisely, ultimately finishing treatment in a timely manner. However, since the braces are permanently glued in the mouth during the course of treatment, maintaining oral hygiene requires a bit more effort from the patient.
Invisalign: Flexible and Convenient
With Invisalign, the aligners can be removed, and the patient has the freedom to easily clean out tight spaces and the aligners themselves. However, this now presents the possibility of the aligners not being worn enough by the patient, resulting in extended treatment time. The aligners should only be removed to eat or drink anything besides water, brush, and floss.
Discipline and Responsibility
While braces and Invisalign require a certain level of discipline and responsibility from the patient, the tasks vary. With braces, the patient is expected to:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss using specialized braces floss
- Follow any extra instructions the orthodontist gives, such as inserting rubber bands.
With Invisalign, the patient is expected to:
- Brush and floss
- Wear their aligners 20-22 hours per day
- Not lose their aligners
- Always brush their teeth before inserting the aligners back in
Special Cases and Individual Attention
For specialized patient cases, Dr. Milstein might recommend braces over Invisalign. This and much more can be discussed at a complimentary consultation appointment at MMO. Dr. Marina Milstein and our team wish you luck in making this important decision, and we are here to answer your questions every step of the way.
Ready to Perfect Your Smile?
Choosing the right option for you or your child can be a significant decision. Fortunately, you don’t have to make it alone. Dr. Marina Milstein and our experienced team at MMO are ready to guide you through your options, offering personalized advice and support. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and take the first step towards a brighter, more confident smile!
