Difference Between Clear Braces And Invisalign In North Tampa

Many times when patients come to Miller Orthodontics and ask about the difference between clear braces and Invisalign, they don’t know what to expect from either. Both are supposed to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces but they work in very different ways and have big pros and cons. We can help you understand the main differences so you can choose the best for your orthodontic needs in North Tampa.

Clear braces, also called ceramic braces, work the same way as traditional metal braces. They have brackets glued to your teeth and wires that connect those brackets to slowly move your teeth into place. The main difference between clear braces and metal braces is that clear braces have brackets made of tooth colored or clear ceramic instead of metal. Some clear braces systems also have wires that match your tooth color which makes them even less noticeable. The brackets stay on your teeth for the whole treatment and you go to the orthodontist to have the wires tightened and adjusted.

Invisalign works entirely different to straighten teeth. Invisalign doesn’t use brackets and wires. Instead it uses a series of clear plastic aligners designed just for you and fit tightly over your teeth. You wear each aligner for about 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next one in the series. You can take the aligners out to eat, drink anything other than water and clean your teeth. You wear each aligner for 20-22 hours a day for 1-2 weeks.

One of the biggest differences between these two is that one is removable and the other isn’t. You can’t take out clear braces. You can’t remove them until your treatment is over. You can’t take them out. They are glued to your teeth. You can’t take them off until your treatment is over because they are attached to your teeth. This means they work all the time and you don’t have to do anything else but keep your mouth clean and stay away from certain foods. You can take out your Invisalign aligners which gives you more freedom but also means you have to be disciplined. Your treatment won’t work as intended if you don’t wear your aligners for the full 20-22 hours a day.

Both are less noticeable than metal braces but Invisalign is usually the better choice when it comes to being invisible. In most cases the clear plastic aligners are almost impossible to see. You can still see the brackets and wires on your teeth when you smile or talk but clear braces are less noticeable than metal braces. But clear braces have come a long way and many people think they look fine.

The two treatments have different ways of keeping your mouth clean. You can take off the aligners with Invisalign to brush and floss normally which makes it easier to keep your teeth healthy while you’re in treatment. Braces that are clear need more care when cleaning around the wires and brackets which requires more time and effort. To clean around the orthodontic hardware well you’ll need to use special instruments like floss threaders or interdental brushes.

Another thing to consider is dietary restrictions. You can’t eat hard, sticky or chewy foods when you have clear braces because they could break the ceramic brackets or get stuck in the wires. You need to be extra careful with the ceramic brackets because they are a little more brittle than the metal ones. You can eat whatever you want with Invisalign since you take off the aligners before dining.

One thing to consider when choosing between these two is how well they work. Clear braces can fix almost any orthodontic problem no matter how simple or complex it is. They let orthodontists move teeth in any direction with great precision. Invisalign has come a long way and can now fix a lot of orthodontic problems although braces are still better for some severe cases or certain types of tooth movement. At Miller Orthodontics we look at each patient’s unique situation to figure out which treatment will help them achieve their goals the best.

Clear braces and Invisalign are about the same price but clear braces can be a little more expensive than metal braces because they are ceramic. If your insurance plan has orthodontic benefits it usually covers both to the same amount.

The two are not equally comfortable. Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic with no edges which is more comfortable than most types of braces. Clear braces can hurt your lips and cheeks especially at first but most people get used to them over time. Some patients also notice that the ceramic brackets are a little bigger than the metal ones.

Office visits are also different. Every 4-6 weeks we need to adjust clear braces. This includes tightening wires and changes. Every 6-8 weeks you need to check in with Invisalign to see how things are going and get new aligners. Invisalign appointments usually don’t take as long because there’s nothing to adjust.

We offer both clear braces and Invisalign at Miller Orthodontics in North Tampa. We can help you decide which one is best for your orthodontic needs, lifestyle and preferences. During your consultation we’ll go over what each treatment means for you and help you feel confident in your choice.