Provider
Invisalign vs. Braces – What's Right for You?
We're proud to offer both braces and Invisalign options at our clinics in Seattle and Bellevue for children, teens and adults who are looking to straighten their teeth. While both options have their benefits, one may be better for you than the other. But how do you choose?
Choosing your orthodontic treatment method is about considering your lifestyle and personality as well as your orthodontic needs.
Both braces and Invisalign are effective treatment options and can have similar treatment timelines; neither is fundamentally better than the other and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Our team of professionals will work with you to determine which option is best for your unique lifestyle and orthodontic case. Read on below to see some of the pros and cons of each method.
Flexible In-House Payment Plans
We believe that finances should never be a barrier to essential health care. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign for your orthodontic treatment, we offer flexible payment plans with low down payments and 0% interest to help you manage the cost.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign straightens teeth by applying a gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth over time.
Treatment consists of a series of custom-made clear aligners, with each set in the series designed to shift your teeth more and more until they are in the desired positions. Each aligner plays its specific role and is then switched out for the next one, until your results are achieved.
Virtually Invisible
Invisalign clear aligners are made of a lightweight, transparent plastic that is nearly invisible in your mouth when you wear them. This makes them a great choice for people who want their orthodontic treatment to be discreet.
Convenient & Removable
Another benefit of Invisalign is how convenient they are because they can be removed. Oral hygiene with braces can be time-consuming and challenging, but with Invisalign, you just take them out and then you can brush and floss like you normally would.
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can enjoy your favorite meals without restrictions and take them out for special occasions like photos or date nights.
Comfortable
During orthodontic treatment, regardless of which method you choose, you are going to experience some discomfort at some points of your treatment as your teeth shift.
However, because of Invisalign's smooth construction, you won't have the friction that can be created by the metal wires and brackets of braces rubbing against your cheek. This can make Invisalign treatment seem more comfortable than treatment with braces.
Invisalign & Braces Treatment in Seattle & Bellevue
At Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics, we offer treatment with traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners for children, adults and teens. Our orthodontist will help you choose which treatment option is right for you.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces use brackets, elastic bands and wires to apply pressure to your teeth to gently shift and straighten them over time.
Fortunately, modern braces aren't the clunky, uncomfortable, face-full-of-metal that you may be thinking of from decades ago. Braces are now much more streamlined and comfortable.
Versatility
Braces are a powerful treatment option for achieving a straighter, healthier smile. They’re designed to apply consistent pressure, which helps guide teeth into ideal alignment, even in cases with significant crowding or bite concerns.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend braces as the most effective option to help you achieve a healthy, well-aligned smile. Every treatment is personalized to support your unique dental goals.
Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness
Braces can apply more force to the teeth than clear aligners, making them a reliable option for moderate to complex orthodontic cases.
Additionally, treatment with Invisalign may require additional aligners over time. Your dentist will help determine the most effective option based on your specific needs.
Ease of Compliance
While there are lots of lifestyle benefits to removable aligners, it's important to consider how likely it is that you'll always wear them as prescribed. It can be easy to forget to put your aligners in, or you may find yourself taking more 'breaks' than you should.
If you think you may have trouble staying compliant with your treatment plan, fixed braces may be the better choice. They'll keep you honest, and get you through treatment on time.