Invisalign Vs Braces?

How Do You Know Which is Right for You?

Deciding whether you want Invisalign or braces to straighten your teeth can be a difficult decision. The chart below shows some of the differences between the two options at Colorado Family Orthodontics.

Cost

The reality for most people is this is the biggest decision maker. Contrary to many other Invisalign providers, Colorado Family Orthodontics generally charges a very similar fee whether you choose Invisalign or fixed braces to meet your orthodontic needs. Our goal is to make sure that cost doesn’t prevent you from choosing the best fit for your treatment.

Treatment Time

Tooth movement is very unique to each individual and therefore impossible to be sure which is faster. It is our opinion that there is no significant time difference between braces and Invisalign and should not be a decision-making factor. We will give you a personalized estimate of your treatment time in advance.

Superior Final Results

Fixed braces have been the standard of care for years and have always given orthodontists the most effective way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is now producing the same superior results previously only achieved with braces. We now believe the overall effectiveness of Invisalign is equal to braces in virtually all cases.

Comfort

Generally speaking, pain is not a big problem in orthodontics today with all of the new techniques. Yet it is our experience that there are fewer complaints or reports of pain from our patients wearing Invisalign versus patients wearing fixed braces.

Cavities and Gum Disease

This is where Invisalign shines. The Invis-Aligners are removable from the mouth for cleaning, flossing, and brushing. The braces are not; nothing more needs to be said. This alone can be the sole deciding factor for some people including many teenagers to choose Invisalign.

Injuries and Irritations

Again, another obvious big advantage Invisalign has over braces. Invisalign is just smoother than fixed braces. Consequently, braces are more likely to rub raw spots on your cheeks and gums, as well as be the cause of injury if the mouth area is bumped or bruised.

Social Acceptance

Most of you would agree, that Invisalign is more socially acceptable but actually, this is really your personal opinion. How important it is for you to hide or display your orthodontic braces or Invisalign is your choice.

Compliance Demands

If Invisalign is not worn virtually full-time every day for any reason IT WILL NOT WORK. Be brutally honest with yourself and your teenagers. If there is a concern about forgetting, losing or simply choosing not to wear the Invis-Aligner, your treatment will fail. There are certainly compliance requirements with braces, but not quite so devastating to the outcome.

Available for Everyone

Invisalign simply cannot be used on most children under the age of 13 because many of their permanent teeth are not yet present. Invisalign Teen has addressed that issue to some extent for the younger teenager. There are also certain extreme orthodontic problems that Invisalign is just not suited for at this time. These limitations are fully explained and addressed at your very first consultation.

Orthodontic Dental Insurance

Unfortunately, there are certain Insurance Programs that require us to charge differently or provide no coverage for Invisalign. Our expert insurance staff will work with you and your insurance plan to maximize your insurance benefits. We will find out for you in advance of beginning treatment so there are no surprises.

Get started with a Free Initial Consultation.