Why Invisible Braces Alternatives Aren't All That It's Cracked Up To Be

Invisible braces are your braces alternative.

Long gone are the days where train-track braces were the only solution to a crooked smile. Orthodontic treatment has never been the same since invisible braces hit the scene. Today, invisible braces are an easier, more efficient way to get the smile you’ve always wanted. In fact, invisible braces treatment time is often 50% faster than braces, making you happier and your smile healthier in a shorter timer period.

Even with the popularity and orthodontic success invisible braces have had, people still want to know if there are any invisible braces alternatives and the answer is yes! But don’t let those invisible braces alternatives fool you. There are many reasons people keep circling back around to use invisible braces as their preferred orthodontic treatment choice.

Invisible Braces Alternatives

Here are two alternatives to invisible braces and the reasons why they aren’t always preferred by patients.

Traditional Braces

We all know what these look like. Braces consist of brackets that are cemented to your teeth along with finely-tuned wires to adjust your smile. However, if your need for orthodontic treatment coincides with that potentially career-changing business meeting, braces might not be the optimal choice. Having your smile decorated for 12-36 months with metal hardware can certainly draw attention,but not quite in the way you appreciate.

Braces are worn 24/7 for up to 3 years, and the restrictions don’t stop there. Because braces consist of sensitive wires, bands, and brackets, certain foods need to be avoided to protect the integrity of the braces. Any hard foods have to be skipped so they don’t break wires, and sticky foods should be avoided so they don’t get stuck deep in the brackets.

A more vigilant approach to your oral hygiene is necessary when wearing braces. Because food can easily hide in braces, it’s important to brush after you eat. You also need to floss on a daily basis. Another less-than-appealing side effects of braces is the discomfort you feel when returning to your orthodontist for adjustments.

Lingual Braces

Also called incognito braces, these braces are attached behind your teeth so that can that they can remain “incognito”. Like traditional braces, they consist of the same wires, brackets, and bands and take the same amount of treatment time.

While traditional braces can sometimes cause damage to your mouth, lingual braces bring the possibility of discomfort for your tongue. Because of their placement behind your teeth, your tongue may get caught in the brackets.

This possibility is something to take into consideration if you’re thinking about lingual braces as an invisible braces alternative. Since these braces are placed on the back of your teeth, they can be even more difficult to clean than traditional braces. It takes a bit more finesse and creativity to thoroughly brush your teeth when you have lingual braces.

Choose Invisible Braces

With invisible braces, you won’t experience mouth injuries, food restrictions, or be required to wear your aligners 24/7. Invisible braces allow you to remove your aligners at any time. So, you can continue to enjoy the foods you love with no painful adjustments. Invisible braces treatment time can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months. For these many reasons, our patients find that invisible braces are the more worthwhile option, especially for adults with busy schedules.

Make an appointment with a Penn Dental Family Practice orthodontist to see if invisible braces could be the right choice for you!