Choosing between orthodontic treatments is one of the most important decisions you can make to get a straighter smile. We know people in Parkland don’t know which one will work best for them and their lifestyle. We talk about the differences between Invisalign and other treatments in our office to help patients make informed decisions. Both have a history of success but they offer very different experiences during treatment. Let’s look at what makes them different so you can choose the best for you.
Traditional orthodontics uses metal brackets that are glued to your teeth and connected by wires that are changed from time to time to move your teeth into the right positions. This method has worked for decades and is still very good at fixing a lot of alignment problems. But it has a moderate level of formality. The method has worked for decades and is still very good at fixing a lot of alignment problems. The brackets stay on your teeth during the whole treatment so the appliances are always working even if the patient doesn’t follow the rules. This consistent force is helpful for younger patients who might have trouble remembering to wear removable aligners. Traditional solutions also work well for more complex cases that need a lot of biting adjustments or a lot of crowding.
Invisalign on the other hand uses a series of clear, removable aligners that move your teeth over time. You wear each aligner for about one to two weeks before switching to the next one in the series. The most obvious difference is how they look. Adults and teens want a less obvious treatment option like clear aligners since they are almost invisible. The fact that they can be taken out gives you more freedom in your daily life than fixed appliances can. You can take the aligners out when you eat so you don’t have to worry about what you can and can’t eat or about food getting trapped in the brackets. You can also brush and floss regularly without having to deal with wires and brackets which makes oral hygiene easier. Another difference is how comfortable they are. Brackets and wires can sometimes irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips especially after adjustments when the wires may feel sharper or more noticeable. We give you wax to help with the discomfort but some irritation is normal. Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic with no rough edges or parts that stick out. Most people find them comfortable right away but you may feel some pressure when you switch to a new aligner and your teeth start to move.
The number and type of office visits differ for each of these treatments. With traditional treatments you usually make an appointment every 4-6 weeks for adjustments. During these appointments we tighten wires or change parts to move your teeth. These appointments are important and usually take 20-30 minutes. Because you’re moving your aligners at home your Invisalign check in appointments are usually shorter and less frequent. We give you several sets at once and check on your progress from time to time to make sure everything is going as planned.
The length of treatment depends more on how complex your case is than the method you choose. With either method simple alignment repairs can take 6-12 months but more complex cases can take 18 months to 2 years or longer. If you’re a good candidate for both we will look at your situation during your consultation at Marrecau Orthodontics and give you realistic timelines for each.
When people talk about these things cost is usually a factor. When dealing with similar problems the cost of both treatments is usually in the same range. The method itself doesn’t affect the cost. It’s more about how long and complex the treatment is. We work with insurance companies and offer payment plans to make any option affordable for you.
You need to be disciplined and responsible to do well with Invisalign. To get results in the time frame you want you need to wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. Traditional fixed appliances might be better for you if you think you might forget to wear them all the time or if you’re thinking about getting treatment for a younger child who isn’t quite responsible enough yet. But once teenagers and adults understand how important it is to wear their braces consistently for their treatment to work they usually do a good job of taking care of them. We offer full consultations to people in Parkland who need orthodontic care and we go over both options in detail. At Marrecau Orthodontics we never try to make you choose one over the other without first looking at your specific situation. We look at your teeth, talk about your lifestyle and preferences and give you honest advice on how to take care of them.
For some complex orthodontic cases it may be helpful to combine different types of treatment or look at our Adult Treatment options that address more than one aspect of oral alignment and function at the same time. We always want to recommend the best option for your specific needs.
When used correctly both Invisalign and traditional treatments can give you a beautiful healthy smile. The best option for you will depend on how bad your alignment problems are, how old you are, what you like to do, how much you have to spend and how committed you are. We’re here to help you make this decision by giving you clear honest information so you can feel confident in your choice.
If you’re thinking about these options and want help making a decision we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office. We’ll look at your teeth, talk about your goals and help you figure out which treatment plan is best for you. Call us today to start working towards the smile you’ve always wanted.
Dr. Tomas Marrecau, DMD is a skilled orthodontist serving the Parkland and Coral Springs communities. A Princeton graduate and former Division I tennis player, he earned his dental degree from Tufts School of Dental Medicine, where he promoted oral health in local schools. He completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Marrecau is known for his personalized approach, helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles with treatment plans tailored to their needs. Outside the office, he enjoys tennis, golf, travel, and time with his family.