In an orthodontic consultation, patients inevitably stumble upon the question: to braces or not to braces. To Invisalign or not to Invisalign. These are the questions. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to…. Okay, we will stop there.
All jokes aside, if you are looking into starting orthodontic treatment, the first question you would come across is: what treatment option should you choose? Today, we will break down the question for you. We will go over the treatment options you have and what you should consider when answering the question.
Option 1: Braces (Metal and Clear)
Braces – whether the brackets are metal or clear – are the “tried and true” method of orthodontic treatment. Braces remain fixed in your mouth permanently for the duration of your treatment. If you decide to start with braces, you will need to see us every 6-8 weeks for a check-up. Towards the end of your treatment, we will want to see you every 2-4 weeks so our doctors can check to see if you are ready to get your braces off!
Wearing braces is easy. They are always on, even the most forgetful of people cannot find a way to forget them. All we here at Simply Orthodontics ask of our braces patients is to keep your braces clean. We will teach you the nitty-gritty of that after you get your braces on. No need to listen to a Shakespearean monologue about that right now… Okay, we said we were done with the jokes, but that one was obvious!
But – there is another question! If you are on board with braces, then you will also need to decide whether you are going for metal or clear. Do not worry; the question is not that deep. It is purely aesthetic. The two are completely the same, so it ultimately depends upon what look you prefer. If you would prefer people not to see your braces, you would most likely prefer our clear braces. If you are a fan of fun colors (customizable for any occasion, holiday, or style preference), then you might like the old school metal brackets.
Option 2: Invisalign
The ideal Invisalign patient is a responsible one. In a Shakespearean world, their fatal flaw would not be forgetfulness. We see our Invisalign patients typically every 10 weeks, meaning they come into our office on average less than our braces patients. Unlike braces, Invisalign is removable, meaning you take out your trays to eat, brush and floss. This is a huge plus for patients – brushing and flossing is so easy this way! You also have the freedom to eat whatever foods you would like unlike with braces.
However – there’s the rub! – these extra freedoms come with extra responsibility. Invisalign patients are required to wear their trays 22 hours a day but, since they are removable, it is up to you to make sure you wear them for the recommended time. Teeth only move with constant pressure, so, if you do not wear the trays for the recommended 22 hours a day, then your teeth will not move. And that would be a tragedy.
Overall:
The treatment length for braces and Invisalign is the same. The results will be the same. Ultimately, like all decisions, it is a personal decision that depends on you. We are treating you and we will help you find the best option for your own needs and wants. You are the main character of your own Shakespearean play, and only you can help us pick the best treatment plan for you. We look forward to working with you!