
Cheaper than Invisalign, Smile Direct aligners place more responsibility on the patient by having them create their own molds of their teeth. However, the trays are sent directly to the patient via the mail, eliminating the process of being administered to a patient by a dentist or orthodontist. Like Invisalign, Smile Direct also offers a clear aligner tray that straightens teeth. Like clear braces they are bonded to teeth and cannot be easily removed.Īnother alternative to Invisalign is Smile Direct Club.

Lingual braces work like regular braces except the brackets and wires are placed behind the affected teeth, making them less invisible. Invisalign are not the only options available to people looking for a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth. Because they are removable, Invisalign aligners can be misplaced or broken if not handled properly. Patients using Invisalign should also be mindful of how they handle them. It is worth noting that in order to straighten teeth, Invisalign must be worn for approximately 20-22 hours a day to get results. Also, being able to take them out gives patients the ability to eat whatever food and drinks they wish. Thanks to removable aligner trays that pop out whenever the patient wants, people using Invisalign no longer need to worry about looking awkward for weddings, parties, or important meetings because their braces are fixed onto their teeth. It is less likely to be helpful for severe problems. The method is best for mild to moderate crookedness and gaps.
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Invisalign progressively adjusts crooked teeth without leaving users with a mouth full of wires– or long-term discomfort.
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A lab uses these images to create a series of removable plastic aligners, custom made to fit over teeth. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays, molded from digital images taken of the patient’s teeth.

What is Invisalign?Īdvances in dental science over the last few decades have paved the way for newer treatments, like Invisalign, that do not use traditional brackets, wires, and cement. Braces wearers need to avoid anything chewy or sticky and shouldn’t bite down on hard candy or ice because they can bend wires or break off the brackets. There are also limitations on what patients can eat and drink during treatment.

For example, they can hurt after getting them on, and after tightening. They are excellent for leveling overcrowding, correcting gaps in spacing, and addressing jaw issues like overbites and underbites.Ĭlear braces cost more than traditional metal braces, and they have some of the same drawbacks. Ceramic braces are not completely invisible, but are the color of natural teeth, and so blend in better.Ĭlear braces are popular with patients because they look better and are effective for treating serious crookedness. They are then joined to teeth with dental cement. Unlike metal braces, they are often made from porcelain or ceramic materials instead. Braces help to straighten teeth by bonding metal brackets to teeth and then connecting them with wire so they can be pushed into place.Ĭlear braces work the same as metal braces do, while offering patients a much more pleasing smile. Invisalign, the term word “braces” conjures up images of metal mouths and steel attachments glued onto teeth. What Are Clear Braces?įor most folks choosing between clear braces vs. It is recommended that patients weigh the pros and cons of each treatment to see which one is the best fit for them. The main selling point of both is the fact that they are discreet and near invisible compared to other methods. We’ll use the term “Invisalign” to refer to using a system of clear plastic aligners (though there are other brands as well).īoth clear braces and Invisalign are popular, safe options for fixing teeth that are crooked, crowded, or irregularly spaced.

For our purposes, we use “clear braces” to mean ceramic or plastic braces that are either clear or colored to match your teeth. Sometimes, these two terms are used interchangeably. Two of the more popular options for teeth straightening that people compare are clear braces vs. No one wants a crooked smile, but it’s sometimes hard to get clear, unbiased information about the many options for straightening teeth.
