Invisalign® vs. Braces in Charles County, MD

What is the Difference Between Invisalign® and Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are orthodontic devices that align and straighten teeth, adjust the position of a person's bite and improve overall dental health. Braces are typically worn to correct overbites, underbites, malocclusions, crooked teeth, crowded or improperly spaced teeth and other structural or cosmetic problems affecting the teeth and jaw. Metal or ceramic braces may be used in combination with other orthodontic devices to help widen the palate or jaws, or to otherwise reshape or reposition the teeth and jaws.  In some cases, patients transition from regular braces to Invisalign®.

Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that offers an alternative to metal or ceramic braces for some patients, providing the same orthodontic correction as braces in some individuals. Invisalign® treatment uses a series of clear plastic aligners, each custom-made for the patient, that resemble night guards and are replaced with new aligners regularly. Over time, these aligners slowly move teeth into the proper position. Invisalign® may also be recommended for ongoing use by certain patients who have completed orthodontic treatment to help maintain results.

The main differences between the two treatments are that:

• Invisalign® is practically invisible, while most types of braces are visible on the teeth.
• Invisalign® wearers also enjoy the advantage of being able to remove their aligners for eating and cleaning their teeth, allowing them to eat anything they want and facilitating proper oral hygiene during treatment.

What is the Price Difference Between Invisalign® and Traditional Braces?

While both treatments are similar in price, in some cases, because alignment with Invisalign® may take longer than with traditional braces, Invisalign® may be more costly than braces.

How Do I Choose Between Braces and Invisalign®?

Although many patients inquire about Invisalign, not all patients are suited for Invisalign® treatments, and especially for Invisalign Express® treatment. In some cases, patients may require a more thorough treatment that can only be achieved with braces.  A consultation with our team of experts at Sequence Orthodontics can help you determine which option is best for you.

What Should I Do Next?

Residents of Charles County and St. Mary’s County, Maryland who want to learn more about choosing between Invisalign® or braces should contact the team of experts at Sequence Orthodontics at our convenient offices in Waldorf and Leonardtown.