Google has created a lot of confusion about clear braces and Invisalign. Whenever a person searches results for clear braces, most likely they will see Invisalign as the top results. Clear braces and Invisalign are two very different things. Uses of both treatments differ based on the severity of the case.
Invisalign
Invisalign are almost invisible retainer-like aligners that need to be worn for 22 hours every day. The Invisalign retainers need to be changed every two weeks, and after nine months to one year, your teeth move into place.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are traditional braces that comprise of ceramic to match the color of your teeth. The material that braces incorporate can be transparent too, but in most cases, ceramic camouflages the braces. For this reason, they are also called ceramic braces.
Once your clear braces are put on, you will need to get them adjusted every four weeks.
Differences between Invisalign and Braces
The primary reason to get Invisalign or clear braces is to camouflage the treatment, which regular braces fail to do. Although both have nearly the same purpose, they have some striking differences:
· The major difference between Invisalign and clear braces is that Invisalign is more transparent than clear braces. When you go out wearing Invisalign, usually no one will even notice that you have something on your teeth while clear braces are still visible.
· Invisalign is removable whereas you cannot remove braces. Because of that, the person under treatment faces a problem with basic dental care like flossing and brushing their teeth. They even sometimes find trouble in eating.
· Braces are more convenient. You usually get only impressions (molds) of your teeth done twice — before they are put on and after they are taken off for a retainer — then your braces are adjusted about every month. Invisalign aligners are replaced every two weeks, you visit your dentist about every four to six weeks, and depending on your dentist, impressions may be taken at each visit.
· Invisalign has extensive use. They can treat more dental problems. The most common use for them is to fix crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite, and gapped teeth.
Clear braces and Invisalign serve almost the same purpose, while both are very different from one another. If you live in the Plano, Texas area and are interested in learning more about clear braces and Invisalign, schedule an appointment today with our orthodontist who can answer any questions you may have and help you choose the option that is best for your teeth.