Determining whether to opt for ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners for your orthodontic treatment can be challenging. Today, our BC orthodontists list some facts about ceramic braces and clear aligners.
Braces vs. Invisalign
If you are diagnosed with an orthodontic issue such as crooked or crowded teeth, misalignment, bite issues, gapped teeth or others, you'll may hear your orthodontist discuss both braces and Invisalign as treatment options.
One popular alternative to traditional metal braces is ceramic braces, which are somewhat less noticeable than their silver counterparts as they're shaded to match your tooth colour. You may also hear them referred to as clear braces, or clear ceramic braces.
The brackets on ceramic braces are made of a tooth-coloured porcelain or ceramic (or in some circumstances, plastic) material as opposed to metallic silver or grey, which allows them to appear translucent and blend with the colour of your teeth.
Should you choose ceramic braces, you'll need to visit our BC office periodically to have wires adjusted so the teeth can be moved into their proper positions.
There's an important distinction between ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners, which are custom-made orthodontic devices. Transparent and removable, they are similar in appearance to clear ceramic braces.
Depending on your condition, you may consider ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners as an orthodontic treatment option for your child, or if you are a teen or adult looking to straighten your teeth.
While we wouldn't say one option is better than the other, we'll cover the similarities and differences between ceramic braces and Invisalign in this post.
Are Braces Better Than Invisalign?
Because ceramic braces are tooth-coloured, they are more understated than regular metal braces with brackets. They also blend in with the colour of your natural teeth and are not porous, which makes them resistant to stains.
That said, the ligatures that hold the arch-wire in place are prone to staining, which typically makes frequent replacement a requirement. This both increases treatment time and adds cost to orthodontic treatment.
Because ceramic cannot withstand the same amount of pressure as metal, they may not be an ideal option for people with more serious misalignment.
Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign involves wearing clear, removable plastic aligners on your teeth to shift them into their ideal positions.
While you won't need to return to our office for adjustments or ligature replacements, your orthodontist will still need to see you at key points during your treatment process. Your orthodontist will also customize your treatment plan for you
Cleaning Invisalign clear aligners is as easy rinsing them when you remove them to wash away plaque and dry saliva, and soaking them in Invisalign cleaning crystals. You can also clean them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and an anti-bacterial soft soap.
Though some choose clear aligners for the ability to remove them any time for photos, eating a wide variety of foods and more, self-discipline is key; clear aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day.
On the other hand, being able to remove your clear aligners to brush means you can do as thorough of a job at brushing as you did before you began orthodontic treatment. Braces are non-removable, which means you will likely have to eat a slightly modified diet but don't have to remember to put them back in.
Depending on your needs, Invisalign may be more costly than ceramic braces. However, we also offer customized payment plans and can provide direct billing to your insurance company. We also have a treatment cost calculator to help you get an idea of cost estimates and recurring payments for orthodontic treatment at My ORTHODONTIST.
Determine Which Orthodontic Treatment You Need
Your orthodontist's recommendation for treatment options may depend on your condition, its severity, your lifestyle, budget and other factors. We often recommend braces to treat complex conditions such as misalignment, overjet, overbite, crossbite, teeth crowding and bite issues. Invisalign may be recommended to treat mild-to-moderate cases of these conditions.
When choosing any orthodontic treatment, it's important to weigh which factors are most important to you and discuss your individual circumstances with your orthodontist to determine the ideal option for you.
During your initial assessment, we'll examine your teeth, address any questions and concerns you may have and develop a custom treatment plan to fit your needs. Our team is here to guide you and help you achieve a straighter smile every step of the way.