Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces Frisco, TX

When it comes to straightening your teeth, there are more options on the market now than ever. Two of the most popular options are Invisalign® and traditional braces. While neither is definitively better than the other, both have their own set of pros and cons.

Invisalign and traditional braces are available at Price Family Orthodontics in Frisco and the surrounding area. We can help provide you with the best treatment for your unique case. Call us today at (469) 525-2813 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Differences Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces

When considering Invisalign and traditional braces, patients should first realize that no one treatment is better than the other. The right treatment will vary on a case-by-case basis. The first step to determining what is best for a patient is an accurate diagnosis. An orthodontist will also consider the patient’s treatment process goals, lifestyle needs, and more.

The main distinguishing factor between Invisalign and traditional braces is visibility. Invisalign is a more discreet option, while traditional braces will remain evident in the patient’s mouth. Additionally, Invisalign trays are removable, while traditional braces will remain attached to the patient’s teeth. Consequently, patients with traditional braces may need to make some dietary changes during their treatment. In any case, both Invisalign and traditional braces will require patients to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine and wear retainers after completion.

Treatment Time

Though overall treatment time with Invisalign depends on the severity of the condition, most patients complete treatment within 10 to 24 months. However, patients with more misaligned bites or crooked teeth will likely need to wear their aligners for a more extended period. Some may also require further, smaller refinements for a few months after completing treatment. On the other hand, adults who had braces as children may complete treatment in around 10 weeks.

Similarly, treatment time with traditional braces will depend on various factors. These include the severity of the patient’s case, the amount of room inside their mouth, and how far their teeth must travel. It is also essential to consider how healthy the patient’s teeth, gums, and supporting bones are. On average, however, braces will typically remain in place for one to three years. In both cases, patients may extend their treatment time by not following instructions closely.

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    Treatment Efficacy

    According to at least one meta-analysis, patients prefer clear aligners like Invisalign over metal braces for their discreet nature, comfort, and ease of maintaining oral hygiene. Multiple studies in the meta-analysis also found that patients tended to have a shorter treatment time with Invisalign than with traditional braces.

    However, it is crucial to note that Invisalign lacks the precision of traditional braces, making them better suited for patients with less severe orthodontic issues. While clear aligners are an effective means of addressing malocclusion, traditional braces can more significantly shift the teeth and jaw. At Price Family Orthodontics, we take all the necessary steps to provide our patients with the most effective, personalized treatment possible.

    Dietary Changes

    As stated by Healthline, patients should keep their Invisalign trays in their mouth for 20 to 22 hours per day. These trays should only be removed for eating, drinking anything that is not clear water, or performing their oral hygiene routines. Since Invisalign trays do not involve wires or brackets, the treatment does not necessitate any dietary changes. However, patients should still brush their teeth before putting their aligners back on to prevent staining.

    On the other hand, patients will need to adjust their diets while wearing braces. This is because the brackets are sensitive to damage, and patients must take care not to cause them to separate from the tooth. Thus, it is necessary to avoid any foods that are too hard, sticky, or chewy, such as popcorn, chewing gum, hard crackers, and more. It is also essential to limit sugary foods and drinks, as the combination of sugar and saliva may lead to an excess of plaque that is hard to remove.

    Aesthetic Benefits

    For many patients, one of the major selling points of Invisalign is its virtually invisible nature. Unlike traditional braces, they do not draw any attention to the teeth — making them appealing to teens, especially for senior pictures. Invisalign trays are also removable, which can come in handy for contact sports.

    While Invisalign is a more discreet option to traditional braces, traditional braces can shift the teeth and jaw more precisely. On the other hand, Invisalign allows for less demineralization and root resorption than traditional braces — making patients less prone to discoloring or shortening. In any case, all orthodontic devices have the potential to close any wide gaps between the teeth, straighten crooked teeth, and align the tips of the teeth.

    Call Us Today

    A beautiful smile is not just a matter of aesthetics — it can also greatly impact your oral health. Whether you need Invisalign or traditional braces, Price Family Orthodontics can help. Call us today at 214-383-0954 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

    FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Invisalign trays are composed of a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack®. They are BPA-, BPS-, latex-, and gluten-free. They have also been FDA-approved for safe use.

    It depends on your specific case. However, most patients require a change every one or two weeks. Price Family Orthodontics can help you get a better idea of what to expect during a one-on-one consultation.

    Traditional braces are composed of brackets, bands, archwires, spacers, ties, buccal tubes, and ligatures. The brackets hold the archwires that move the teeth, while the bands wrap around the tooth to anchor the brackets. Price Family Orthodontics will also fit spacers between your teeth to make room for the bands.

    The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. However, most patients need to get their braces tightened every six weeks. Speaking to Price Family Orthodontics may give you a better idea of what to expect.

    Yes. It is important to be especially diligent about your oral hygiene while completing orthodontic treatment, as such routines become harder to maintain with traditional braces.

    Quality Orthodontic Services Can Transform Smiles

    By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need.

    Definition

    Definition of Orthodontic Terminology

    Aligner Trays

    With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth.

    Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)

    The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.

    ClinCheck® Software

    ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.

    Gum Line

    The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away.

    Incisal Ridges

    Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.

    iTero Element® Scanner

    An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.

    Malocclusion

    Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.

    Overbite

    An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.

    Polyurethane Resin

    Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.

    SmartForce Attachments

    SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth.

    Smart Track® Material

    Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of movement, increase the speed of treatment and apply a gentle force to the teeth over time.

    Smile-Scan

    Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and eyes before giving a score.

    Vivera® Retainers

    Vivera® retainers are a type of retainer that consists of clear plastic material and helps to maintain orthodontic corrections after a treatment.

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    Testimonials

    Trusted Orthodontic Patient Reviews

    I have recently completed my orthodontic treatment with Dr. Brandon Price and his team at Price Family Orthodontics, and I could not be happier with the results! This was my second time around with braces (after a problem with my retainers resulted in my teeth shifting back), and from my first visit to the office, I could tell this was going to be a very different experience. In other offices where I had consultations, I felt I was viewed as nothing more than a pile of dollars. Dr. Price, however, made me feel my treatment and satisfaction were going to be as important to him as they were to me.

    Having been a middle school teacher for the past 15 years, I am constantly around students wearing braces. A conversation with one of those students convinced me that I should take the plunge and get myself some ‘real’ braces, since I wore Invisalign the first time. I have seen many different approaches for interacting with children during my time as an educator, some being more effective than others. A relatable style for working with kids is a special gift, and I truly believe it could be said that you either ‘have it’ or you don’t…

    On many occasions, I’ve sat in the chair next to kids as Dr. Price worked, and I’ve always been impressed with the rapport he has with them. To some people, this might seem trivial compared to the quality of the orthodontic work itself, but as a father, I know I only want professionals working with my daughter who are focused on her comfort as well as treatment. Dr. Price is himself a family man, and it definitely shows in his rapport with young people!

    An accident in my childhood had left me with one top central incisor that was noticeably shorter than the other, and it had always been something that made me feel self-conscious. As we neared the end of my treatment, Dr. Price gave me the option of polishing my teeth so they would match. I was AMAZED with the results! He is an absolute artist with his tools, and the results exceeded my expectations! In short, I highly recommend Price Family Orthodontics in Frisco just off 121 on Independence (near both McKinney and Plano). The amount of personal attention, combined with skilled professionalism that you or your child will receive, are of the highest caliber. I have received many compliments on my new smile, and I’m so happy I did it!

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    - Karl V.

    Price Family Orthodontics is AMAZING. They deserve more than a 5 star rating! I have truly enjoyed Dr. Price, his wife Amy and his entire staff for their superb patient care and making me feel right at home in their lovely office. Dr. Price is very knowledgeable and highly skilled utilizing state of the art technology throughout my treatment. His quality of work is incredible. I got my ceramic braces off ahead of schedule! Plus had some laser contouring done for the perfect finishing touch. I am extremely HAPPY with my results and highly recommend Dr. Price and Price Family Orthodontics.

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    - Ebony Martin

    When we moved here, one of our kids already had braces. We shopped around and found that Dr Price not only had the best prices, but he was clearly the most open to working with us even when she had a different kind of braces than he typically uses. He did an amazing job and my daughters smile is beautiful! The office was always able to schedule withing a reasonable amount of time and the staff is so kind, I consider them all friends! Since then, both myself and my husband have had Dr Price improve our smiles! Of course we are thrilled with the outcome! He is very knowledgeable and makes sure he does the best job possible. He also prioritizes your concerns and desires as a patient! Definitely the best ortho!

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    - Kara Swallow

    The most incredible staff! Everyone made my daughter feel completely at ease and comfortable. My child is actually excited about getting braces after having such a wonderful experience.

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    - Sarah Spross

    My sister and I have both been going to Price Family Orthodontics for over a year! I feel like I have made a new family here—I always feel so welcome, and they always want to know what I am up to! The process of getting braces is never fun, but Price Family is definitely the best at making it a smooth process! I just finished my final retainer check and will miss coming here, but I will still stop by and visit just because everyone is so awesome!

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    - Liz Wood

    My son was in braces two years and my daughter is currently a patient with Dr. Price. Dr. Price has a great bedside manner. He was very patient with my 13-year-old son, as he lost brackets and was generally an un-ideal patient! I appreciated his mercy and sympathy. I found his pricing very reasonable. He is very professional and knowledgeable.

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    - Phoebe Hall

    We have been seeing Dr. Price for the last two years, first for my daughter and now my son. He and his staff are so friendly with my kids, and he really cares about their treatment. I trust that he won’t do any unnecessary treatment, and wants to do what is best for the individual. I highly recommend him for any orthodontic treatment.

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    - Miranda Gordon

    Two of my children are currently receiving orthodontic treatment from Dr. Price. The visits are efficient and we have never had a long wait. Dr. Price and his staff are warm and friendly and willing to take whatever time is necessary to answer questions and address my concerns. I know that Dr. Price will only recommend treatment he feels is necessary and helpful for the long-term benefit of the patient. From my kids’ perspective, Dr. Price and his assistant Ginger genuinely care about them and how they are doing. My kids also LOVE his unique incentive program that rewards them for good dental hygiene and for setting and achieving goals in their life. I don’t have to push them to do what is needed because they are motivated by his reward system. We have been very happy with Price Family Orthodontics.

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    - Kelli Robertson

    I take both my children to Dr. Price after going to see another orthodontist in the local area for a consultation. What impressed me right up front was that he wasn’t going to rush and place braces on my daughter when it wasn’t the most opportune treatment time for her versus just putting braces on her for a quick sale. If you are considering treatment, I would recommend visiting Dr. Price first! He does offer in-house financing and payments can be made monthly for parents who are wondering how to budget treatment.

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    - Melissa Moore

    We love Price Family Ortho for so many reasons! Dr. Price gives thorough, detailed treatment and has excellent training in his field. He really cares about his patients, plus never treats you like a number. Dr. Price is fabulous at explaining treatment options to both adults and kids. He makes everyone feel valued and listens to your concerns. Dr. Price is true to his motto ‘live life smiling.’ I highly recommend Dr. Price to anyone needing good orthodontic treatment. My kids love going to their office for the rewards program and being part of the team to make their teeth healthy. The staff involves the kids in being responsible for their treatment. I love what my kids learn there. And I love that I don’t have to nag them to take care of their teeth now.

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    - Sharisa Lewis

    Dr. Price is a man of great integrity. You would never have to worry with him that he is recommending a treatment primarily for his financial gain. He has state-of-the-art equipment and is extremely knowledgeable in the field. He and his staff are very warm, friendly, and easy to feel comfortable around.

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    - John

    Dr. Price is thorough and passionate about providing the best orthodontics for each individual. We have three family members in braces (soon to be four) with Price Family Orthodontics, and are fully confident about their future smiles. The office staff is also the BEST. Thank you PFO!!!

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    - Richard

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    FAQS

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Invisalign is an orthodontic technique that uses clear, plastic aligners to straighten the teeth. The aligners are created from a custom mold of the patient’s mouth, and new aligner trays are provided at specific intervals as part of the treatment process. Price Family Orthodontics will develop the treatment plan and monitor the process.

    Since Invisalign aligners are clear, patients can avoid the unsightly look of a mouth filled with metal brackets and wires. They are also more comfortable to wear and allow the patient fewer restrictions on foods they can eat. Since they are removable, it is easier to brush and floss your teeth.

    Treatment, on average, takes less than two years but can vary depending on the patient’s specific concerns. Aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day to see results. If a patient does not wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time, treatment results will take longer.

    Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign’s clear aligners do not rub and poke at the soft tissues of the mouth. Patients can expect to feel some sensitivity for a day or two when a new set of aligners are put in. This means the teeth are shifting, and the aligners are working. Any discomfort should go away quickly.

    Aligners should be cleaned with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap or toothpaste. If using toothpaste, make sure it is not a brand with whitening agents, which can wear away the plastic. Always brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in the mouth. This helps keep food particles from getting stuck, which can lead to bacteria growth and bad breath.

    You must remove the aligners before eating. You will also want to avoid drinking anything other than water when the aligners are in place. Coffee and tea can stain the aligners, while soda has acidic properties that can break down the plastic.