Scrolling through social media you notice people with beautiful smiles then you notice someone with crooked teeth. That’s the final straw it’s time to improve your smile, but what’s the best way to do that? You begin weighing the decision between traditional braces and Invisalign. You’re thinking about your busy schedule, your desire for a confident smile, and the long-term results you want. It’s not just about straight teeth—it’s about finding a solution that fits your lifestyle. But how do you decide?
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is a big decision that can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve heard friends rave about Invisalign’s convenience, or perhaps you’re wondering if traditional braces are still the tried-and-true option. At White Pine Family Dental, we understand this choice is personal, and we’re here to help guide you through it. We’re here to simplify the decision and empower you with the information you need to find the best option for your unique smile.
Key Differences Between Braces and Invisalign
Invisalign and traditional braces are both effective orthodontic appliances that correct teeth alignment and bite, but they’re also quite different. For instance, braces are generally easier to see, as they’re made of metal and may come in bright colors. In contrast, Invisalign is made of a transparent thermoplastic, which is nearly invisible in most circumstances.
Braces are generally fixed to your teeth during treatment, while Invisalign is easier to remove as needed. Whether a dental appliance is fixed or removable will affect what you can eat, cleaning your teeth, and whether or not you might accidentally lose it. Young teens with difficulties around responsibility may be a better fit for braces because they’re less likely to get misplaced. That being said, sometimes teens surprise us and are our best patients!
Invisalign requires fewer visits to the dentist, as there are no wires to tighten. Instead, your Invisalign provider will give you several clear aligner trays that you’ll change every two weeks, saving you from the pain or discomfort of traditional braces tightenings. These are just a few lifestyle factors that may affect your ultimate decision.
Are You a Better Fit for Braces or Invisalign?
Ultimately, Invisalign and braces each have unique positive and negative points. However, these pros and cons don’t necessarily make one better than the other, at least not for every patient. Sure, many patients prefer Invisalign because it’s clear and requires fewer visits to the dentist or orthodontist, but several patients also have a preference for braces because they’re harder to misplace.
The only way to determine which is a better fit for each individual patient is to have them come in for a thorough consultation from an experienced provider. During the consultation, your provider will assess every factor affecting your candidacy for the orthodontic options available. While many patients will qualify for one or the other, some individuals ultimately get to choose between each option that they are a candidate for. At that point, it’s up to the patient and their dental provider to make a decision that makes the most sense.
Factors Affecting Your Orthodontic Candidacy
We will evaluate numerous factors related to your candidacy for proper orthodontic care, including the following:
- Medications
- Current ailments or illnesses
- Allergies
- Dental history
- Surgical records
- Dietary restrictions
- Lifestyle preferences
- Severity of misalignment
- Cost
- Age of patient
We aim to be thorough and precise during our consultations and patient care, so you can trust us to explain your options and find an excellent choice. Please contact White Pine Family Dental to learn more about the factors that may affect your candidacy for orthodontic care.
How to Prepare for Your Orthodontics Consultation
If you are considering orthodontic care, we encourage you to come into your consultation prepared to discuss your needs and circumstances. To prepare for your appointment, feel free to do the following:
- Review your medical history
- Communicate with past dental providers
- Request past dental records are sent to your new provider
- Take notes on your current medications and allergies
- Write down lifestyle factors that could make the process more difficult
If you need more information to prepare for your consultation, a provider at White Pine Family Dental can point you in the right direction. We look forward to meeting you and working together to improve your beautiful smile.
Why Choose White Pine Family Dental for Your Orthodontic Needs?
When it comes to making the important decision between traditional braces and Invisalign, we’re here to support you every step of the way. At White Pine Family Dental, we bring over 30 years of experience in providing personalized, high-quality dental care to patients in the Reno area. Our team takes the time to understand your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle, ensuring the orthodontic solution we recommend aligns perfectly with your goals.
Every patient is different, so our approach is tailored to you. Whether you’re looking for a discreet option like Invisalign or the reliability of traditional braces, you can count on us for guidance rooted in expertise and care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your confident new smile. Visit our contact form or call us at (775) 825-6655.