Invisalign® Vs. Braces: Which is the Best For You?
There are many different reasons people visit our offices. At Lund Orthodontics, we know that no two people — or their treatments — are the same. Likewise, there are many types of braces available for your unique needs. Discover your options by scheduling a free exam.
Choosing Between Invisalign and Braces
At Lund Orthodontics, we help people achieve natural, long-lasting smiles with options including clear braces, metal braces, and Invisalign. While each of these has different applications, they all produce the same end result: healthy teeth that conform to a clear pattern.
All orthodontic appliances rely on the principle of leveraging gentle pressure to move teeth. The biggest difference between options is the method they use to achieve results.
Invisalign uses sets of clear plastic aligners that gradually reshape your smile. Braces apply consistent force utilizing a wire that attaches to brackets. We will use advanced x-rays and 3-D scanning to get a sense of your needs during your free exam. Then we use this data to create a game plan for your alignment. Depending on your needs, we may recommend Invisalign, metal braces, or clear braces.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign uses sets of see-through aligners that are customized to fit your smile. All you have to do is wear the aligners for 20-22 hours every day and switch out aligner sets at regular intervals. We create your treatment plan using detailed scans of your jaw and the data from millions of successful Invisalign users.
Over time, Invisalign shifts your bite into a more conventional pattern. Plus, Invisalign can be removed at a moment’s notice, allowing for effortless cleaning and the freedom to eat or drink anything! The experts at Lund Orthodontics are Invisalign Diamond Plus certified, so you can be confident in your results.
Clear Braces
Braces have changed a lot since the early days. Modern clear braces offer an unmatched level of comfort with options for easy alignment. Clear braces — sometimes called ceramic braces — are made of a transparent material that camouflages into your mouth, allowing for a nearly-invisible treatment.
Metal Braces
Tried and true, traditional braces are a gold standard for a wide array of orthodontic concerns. These braces bond to your teeth using metal brackets. The brackets connect with an archwire held in place with elastic bands. Traditional braces have come a long way from the hefty and uncomfortable braces many people remember.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces offer a faster treatment time with a more comfortable experience. These braces use an archwire that automatically tightens to fit your ideal smile profile. They have a low-profile design that conceals itself from other people. They use rounded brackets that offer a pleasant treatment experience.
The Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a barely noticeable treatment experience. Patients do not have to worry about what they eat or drink, and many do not need to come in for appointments every 6-8 weeks. Its durability and smoothness allow for a more comfortable treatment experience.
Invisalign does not address concerns like severe tooth rotation and gaps larger than 2mm. An Invisalign wearer will need to commit to wearing the appliance 20-22 hours a day; otherwise, they risk sub-optimal results.
The Advantages of Braces
Almost everyone is a good candidate for braces. Braces can be used to treat a wide variety of orthodontic irregularities. You don’t have to worry about remembering to wear them or misplacing them because braces are not easily removed.
Keeping away from certain sticky or hard foods will help prevent the need for painful emergency appointments. Additionally, people with clear braces will have to be careful of coffee or dark pigments because they can stain the brackets.
The Cost of Braces Vs. Invisalign
Cost is one of the key factors in choosing any treatment. We believe that everyone deserves to experience the transformational power of braces. Lund Orthodontics offers many ways to assist with treatment costs, including easy in-house financing and flexible down payment plans.
No two people have the same needs. Everyone has unique concerns that require different interventions. Considerations like insurance eligibility and treatment time can affect your total cost. That said, the total cost of braces or Invisalign at Lund Orthodontics ranges from $5,000-$7,000.
When you come in for your free exam, we will take diagnostic images and scans to determine your best treatment option. One of our superstars will work with you to find the best course of action for your needs and wallet!
The Best Invisalign and Braces Provider Near You
There are more options than ever to help you achieve a brilliant smile. At Lund Orthodontics, our forward-thinking orthodontic professionals provide people from all backgrounds world-class treatment at our Lake Stevens, Kirkland, Snohomish, and Smokey Point locations.
It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether you need Invisalign, traditional metal braces, or clear braces, you can trust our experts to help guide your smile journey. Start taking your first steps to a new smile and schedule your free exam now.
