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What Are the Alternatives to Invisalign Treatment?
There are many other orthodontic solutions available, which include:
- Traditional braces. Fixed braces with metal brackets and wires.
- Clear braces. Fixed braces feature clear or ceramic-colored brackets and wires.
- An alternative, clear, removable aligner system.
- Breezy Braces. These are lingual braces that fit on the inner surfaces of teeth.
Please note that this list shows the most common types of braces and aligners, but represents only a small selection of the other systems available.
- Traditional Braces
Traditional braces use metal brackets that are bonded onto teeth for the duration of treatment. Thin metal wires and elastics create tension, forcing teeth to move into the right positions.
Advantages Of Traditional Braces
Advantages can include:
- Traditional braces are probably the most budget-friendly solution.
- If you require precise or more complex tooth movements, traditional braces may be the best choice.
- The brackets and wires of traditional braces are durable and strong.
Disadvantages of Traditional Braces
Disadvantages can include:
- These braces are immediately visible when you talk or smile, so treatment is not discreet.
- Oral hygiene. Maintaining good oral hygiene can be trickier with traditional braces. There are plenty of tools that can clean around the fixed brackets and wires effectively, but you need to dedicate more time and effort to maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Certain foods are best avoided with fixed braces, including those that are very hard or crunchy, as they could break or damage the brackets and wires. Sticky foods can be tricky to remove from braces.
- After traditional braces are first fitted, the brackets and wires can cause discomfort by digging into the cheeks and lips, creating sore spots.
- Lengthier checkups. Checkups during treatment are essential to tighten and adjust the brackets and wires, which can take time to complete.
- Clear Braces
Clear ceramic braces work similarly to traditional metal braces. They have clear or ceramic brackets that are bonded onto teeth for the duration of treatment. Thin metal or tooth-colored wires are attached to these brackets.
Sometimes, elastics are required, and these could be clear or colored. Certain types of clear braces feature self-ligating brackets, which means there is no need for elastics, as they are self-adjusting.
Advantages of Clear Braces
Advantages of clear braces can include:
- More aesthetically pleasing. The clear or tooth-colored brackets are more aesthetically pleasing and are designed to blend in with your natural tooth color. Even so, it is still possible to see the brackets.
- Precise tooth movements.Because the braces are fixed, they can provide precise tooth movements that are not always achievable with removable aligners.
Disadvantages of Clear Braces
Disadvantages of clear braces can include:
- Oral hygiene.Just like traditional braces, you will need to spend more time cleaning around the brackets and wires to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Because the braces are fixed, you will need to avoid the same kinds of foods as with traditional braces, so anything very hard, crunchy, or sticky is likely off the menu for the duration of treatment.
- Ceramic or clear braces can be quite expensive.
- These brace brackets tend to be more fragile and can break more easily.
- Lengthier checkups. Clear braces require adjustments and tightening during treatment, which can result in longer checkup times.
- SureSmile
SureSmile is another clear aligner system that works similarly to Invisalign. The clear aligner trays look like Invisalign trays. Treatment is planned in a similar way using digital technology.
Advantages of SureSmile
Advantages of using SureSmile can include:
- You may find SureSmile is affordable since it is a newer aligner system backed by less research and development.
- The aligners are made from smooth, durable, clear plastic and are comfortable to wear, with no parts that can irritate the cheeks and lips.
- Easy oral care.Good oral hygiene is easy to maintain since the aligners are removable.
- No dietary restrictions. Whenever you want to eat or drink anything other than water, simply remove the aligners, allowing for zero dietary restrictions.
- Specialized aligner vibration device.The system includes a specialized vibration device that helps the aligners fit more securely, enhancing treatment efficacy. You need to use the device for just five minutes daily.
- Fast checkups. Regular checkups are necessary during treatment, but these will be brief since there are no brackets or wires to adjust.
Disadvantages of SureSmile
Disadvantages of using SureSmile can include:
- May be less suitable for complex issues.Clear aligners are highly effective, but may be less suitable for planning more complex tooth movements.
- The aligners must be worn as directed, and failure to wear them for the recommended duration each day can reduce the effectiveness of treatment.
- Breezy Braces
Breezy Braces are lingual braces. Lingual braces are fitted onto the inner surfaces of teeth, where they are less visible. The brackets are fixed to the teeth for the duration of treatment.
Small brackets are bonded onto the inner surfaces of teeth. A thin wire is attached to the brackets to gently but firmly reposition teeth.
Advantages of Breezy Braces
Advantages of using Breezy Braces can include:
- Because the brackets are fitted on the inner surfaces of teeth, these braces are virtually invisible.
- Continuous straightening. Like all fixed braces, Breezy Braces work continuously to straighten teeth, eliminating the need to remember to wear removable aligners.
- Smaller, flatter brackets. The brackets are designed to be smaller and more comfortable.
Disadvantages of Breezy Braces
Disadvantages of using Breezy Braces can include:
- Less suitable for complex issues.Lingual braces are great for mild to moderate orthodontic problems, but can be less suitable for correcting more complex issues.
- Oral care.Oral hygiene is more challenging with lingual braces, as they are fitted on the inner surfaces of your teeth and are more difficult to clean around.
- Some people may find their tongue is initially sore from rubbing against the brackets, although this symptom should lessen over time.
Incognito Braces
Incognito Braces are also lingual braces. The brackets of Incognito Braces are custom-made, resulting in flatter and smaller brackets than most lingual braces. They are made from a gold alloy and tend to be more expensive than other lingual braces, but can produce good results in specific circumstances.
Determining the Best Choice for Your Needs
We know that choosing a teeth straightening solution can seem confusing, but there is likely one or two options that will work best for your needs. During your consultation, we can assess the issues requiring correction, create your custom treatment plan, and discuss all suitable solutions with you. Questions are always encouraged!
If you are considering alternatives to Invisalign, the best way to choose the right treatment is through a professional evaluation. The experienced team at NYC Dentistry Center will help you explore the most suitable options for your smile. Book dentist appointment today to start your journey toward straighter, healthier teeth.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096