Going Incognito with Braces: Invisalign vs. Ceramic Braces

Adults are increasingly wearing braces, even though they may appear to be an adolescent rite of passage. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one out of every four orthodontic patients is an adult. It’s a fact that orthodontists can straighten teeth at any age. However, adult and teenage patients demand outstanding, speedy results with the least amount of pain. While undergoing orthodontic treatment with dental braces in Roanoke, some may be astonished at how technology has advanced since they were children.

The purpose of teeth braces isn’t merely cosmetic. Braces can be extremely beneficial, allowing individuals to keep their teeth in good shape for decades when it comes to correcting dental disorders like an uneven bite that can create jaw problems or gaps between teeth that might damage gum health.

At Reopelle Orthodontics, we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of orthodontic care, exactly the way you want it. We have several treatment options for our patients combining the most advanced technology and innovative, low-profile materials. That is why today, we want to talk to you about two of the most popular choices when it comes to starting the process of straightening your teeth and achieving that celebrity-like smile we all dream of having. So, let’s get started; we will be going incognito and talking about Invisalign vs. ceramic braces. 

What Are Dental Braces in Roanoke?

Dental braces are orthodontic devices that straighten teeth into a better position, improving both function and appearance. Adult teeth do not remain in a fixed position after they have grown in. Your teeth shift and move somewhat due to persistent chewing pressure and your tongue pushing against them.

This movement has the potential to cause misalignment. This can cause inflammation and produce small pockets in the gums where bacteria can hide, making gum disease more likely and severe.

For this reason, orthodontic treatment should not be considered solely for cosmetic reasons but also to improve your overall oral health. 

How Do Teeth Braces in Roanoke Work?

If you have gotten this far, you’ve decided to straighten your smile, and that’s great! But to make a conscious decision, you will need to understand how they work. 

Braces operate by gradually realigning teeth to provide them with a stronger foundation. Proper alignment enhances gum health, but it also improves the environment for the teeth. Your teeth are made up of four different types of dental tissue, all of which become stronger when they’re in a better position.

Braces gently guide teeth into a healthier configuration by applying the same gentle pressure that pushed them out of alignment in the first place—with time, allowing teeth to adjust and move more naturally.

Going Incognito With Braces

You may have a lot of questions if you’re considering braces vs. Invisalign to straighten your teeth or your child’s teeth. Ultimately, even if it’s slightly more expensive, you want to get the treatment that will get the job done.

Additionally, you may be wondering which is less noticeable, ceramic braces or Invisalign aligners. Let’s go into detail for each type below, so you can choose which type of dental braces to go incognito with. 

Ceramic or Clear Braces

Ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, are made the same way as metal braces, but instead of metal brackets, they employ a far more subtle clear or tooth-colored resin to blend in with the teeth and give them a barely-there appearance.

Ceramic braces have all the benefits of metal braces but with a less obvious appearance that many patients, particularly older teens and adults, prefer. Because transparent or tooth-colored brackets are more susceptible to staining from dark-colored meals or drinks (such as dark cola, red wine, or coffee), they may not be the ideal option for younger patients or those who don’t want to give up those items.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign is a form of braces that use clear tray aligners. They’re made of Invisalign’s own blend of plastic and manufactured in their facilities based on molds of your mouth. The aligners are a solid piece of plastic that is strong enough to pressure specific parts of your teeth to move them into a better position slowly.

The aligner trays used by Invisalign are replaced every one to two weeks. Because each replacement tray is meant to shift and move your teeth, each one will feel somewhat different.

To see results, you must wear Invisalign trays for most of the day (20–22 hours each day). They may be removed effortlessly for eating, brushing, flossing, or special events.

Invisalign Vs Ceramic Braces

If you are looking into undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or Ceramic braces, you want a straighter, healthier smile without a noticeable amount of metal brackets and wires showing every time you smile. In short, you want the freedom to be you without feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious. Some main differences between the two need to be considered.

5. Invisalign is more transparent: One of Invisalign’s most appealing features is its virtual transparency. Most people aren’t aware that someone is using Invisalign until it is pointed out. While clear braces blend in with the patient’s teeth, the brackets are more visible than the transparent retainer used by Invisalign.
6. Invisalign is removable: One of the significant drawbacks of ceramic braces is that they make brushing and flossing teeth and eating challenging. Invisalign may be readily removed for both of these purposes, ensuring that your mouth remains healthy throughout your treatment. However, this has one drawback with Invisalign: it necessitates self-discipline. You must remove the aligner trays (except water). The aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours per day, in addition to cleaning and flossing.
7. Clear braces take fewer adjustments: For Invisalign, trays must be changed every two weeks, compared to four weeks for adjustments with ceramic braces. This can mean more frequent trips to your orthodontist’s office unless they provide you with several sets of aligning trays at a time. 
8. Clear braces can be used to address more severe cases: Invisalign was created to correct a wide range of issues, as long as they aren’t too severe. The following are some of the most frequent conditions that Invisalign can help with:

• • Teeth that are crowded (crooked)
  • Gaps in the teeth
  • Overbite, underbite, and open bite are all types of bites.

5. The only difference between metal and ceramic braces is the bonding bracket material. As a result, they can treat many of the same instances that Invisalign can’t, including more severe ones. Clear braces can also help with the following issues:

• • Crossbites
  • Malocclusions
  • Teeth that are extremely crooked
  • Teeth and jaw defects of various kinds

5. Clear braces are brittle: Ceramic is a slightly brittle material; it is more prone to chipping and shattering. Even still, most orthodontists believe it takes a lot of power to break them.
6. Clear braces might irritate soft tissue: Ceramic brackets can be abrasive at first, but you’ll get used to it. Lips and cheeks may become irritated as a result of this.
7. Clear braces don’t always work to straighten bottom teeth: Ceramic is more durable than tooth enamel. This means that rubbing your top teeth against your lower teeth’s braces can cause them to wear down.
8. Clear braces may stain your teeth: Ceramic brackets are stain-resistant. The clear elastic wires that hold the brackets together will stain them, especially if you smoke, drink a lot of coffee, or eat a lot of curries.

Making the Right Choice

For someone who wishes to straighten their teeth invisibly, Invisalign and transparent ceramic braces are reasonable solutions. Nonetheless, there are significant distinctions between the two treatments, and one may be more appropriate for your situation than the other. However, it is essential to remember that your orthodontist is the only person that can ultimately suggest the best orthodontic device for your specific dental needs. 

To get started on your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile, contact Reopelle Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!