Now that you’re ready to start the journey toward improving your smile, it’s time to weigh the options. There are more services available to orthodontic patients than ever before. Most patients end up exploring two very different options: Invisalign and ceramic braces. Which one is the right fit? Whether you are looking for more information for yourself or your child, there are some important differences to consider.
The Solutions
Let’s start with a basic discussion of what each option is, how they are different, and what issues they are designed to correct. You may find that the concern you’re looking to address could determine the solution your doctor recommends. Our orthodontists will help determine the best course of treatment during your free consultation. We want to make sure you’re able to attain the smile you want!
Invisalign products are clear, trays that slowly shift teeth overtime. They are meant to be worn about 22 hours a day, except for when eating or drinking anything except water. You’ll receive a new pair every couple of weeks and treatment plans usually last about a year or less. Generally speaking, orthodontists recommend them for adults or teens. They aren’t permanently attached to your teeth, so younger kids may lose them easily. Invisalign is also best for patients who have lost all their baby teeth, which usually happens between the ages of 10-13.
Invisalign is designed to help with the following issues:
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
Ceramic braces are very similar to traditional metal braces, except that the brackets are made of different materials. These nearly invisible braces are made from strong, composite materials and are secured by an orthodontist. Some doctors charge hundreds of dollars more for ceramic braces, but we don’t! Ceramics cost the same as traditional metal braces at our office. These braces are affixed to your teeth, making them nearly impossible to lose or damage.
Ceramic braces help with the following issues:
- Crossbites
- Misaligned teeth
- Structural flaws of the teeth and jaw
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Very crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
It’s important to note that ceramic braces are a better fit for more severe cases. Your orthodontist or dentist will be able to help identify the correct solution for your care.
The Look & Feel
Invisalign and ceramic braces were both created with aesthetics in mind. While nearly invisible and completely smooth, clear aligners like Invisalign are a great low-impact option. If braces are needed in your treatment plan, it’s great to know you have an aesthetic option as well with ceramics. They look like they are barely there! While ceramics aren’t as smooth as alignment trays, there are ways to make them more comfortable. Ask anyone who’s had braces about the wonders of wax!
The Maintenance
You’ll experience very little disruption to your daily routine with Invisalign. There are no eating restrictions and they are completely removable for important events. The aligners are also easy to clean and maintain. Your care plan at Birmingham Orthodontics will include six free replacement aligners and you’ll have fewer appointments than with braces.
Ceramic braces also have their own benefits. Their sturdy set up means those brackets aren’t going anywhere! While both durable and reliable, you’ll only need to have them adjusted by an orthodontist every seven weeks.
The Consultation
The setup for ceramic braces is the same as Invisalign. Your free consultation begins with a digital scan of your mouth. You’ll talk with an orthodontist about a treatment plan for your unique needs and personal smile goals. It’s important to have the right plan in place and we’re here to answer any questions you may have about the process. We’ll cover everything you need to know and we’re happy to be your trusted resource throughout the process.
At Birmingham Orthodontics, our mission is simple: we create smiles. Not only do we straighten the crooked grin, fix the bite, and adjust the jaw, we brighten yearbooks, and instill confidence. We also believe in our staff. Our culture of continuous learning drives us to host monthly training sessions for each team and bring in leading industry consultants to help keep us ahead of the curve. Contact us for a free consultation, or with any questions you might have.
