We talk to our patients about the differences between ceramic braces and Invisalign when they come to our office. Both work great at straightening teeth but work in very different ways and are better for different types of people. We help our patients understand these options at Marrecau Orthodontics so they can choose the one that’s best for them.
Invisalign uses a series of transparent, removable aligners to gently shift teeth into the right place.
One of the best things about Invisalign is that you can take the aligners out. This means our patients can eat whatever they want without worrying that it will get stuck or hinder their treatment. They can also brush and floss regularly, which makes it much easier to keep their mouth clean. Many adults and kids in Parkland who are concerned about how they look during treatment like that Invisalign aligners are almost invisible.
Many adults and kids are like that Invisalign aligners are almost invisible. Some patients however may not like that Invisalign can be taken off. To work, you have to wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Patients who forget to put them back in after eating or who take them out a lot may not get the results they want. To be successful with Invisalign you need to take a lot of personal responsibility and be enthusiastic.
You can’t take off ceramic braces because they are bonded to the teeth. This means you can’t take them off and put them back on as you please. Ceramic braces can’t be removed because they are bonded to the teeth. This ensures the treatment is working all the time. Ceramic braces often give more reliable results for complex cases or those who might have trouble following the rules. They can fix more serious orthodontic problems that Invisalign can’t fix.
The length of treatment for both modalities depends on how complex the case is. For simple cases either treatment can be done in 12 to 18 months. For complex cases it can take 2 to 3 years. We look at each patient individually to give them realistic time estimates.
Both are not equally comfortable. Patients may feel some discomfort when they switch to new Invisalign aligners but this usually goes away in a day or two. Ceramic braces can make the lips and cheeks feel uncomfortable especially at first but most patients get used to it in a few weeks.
Another thing we talk about with our patients is the cost. Generally the cost of both treatments are the same but this can vary depending on how complex the case is and how long the treatment will take. Most insurance will pay for orthodontic treatment whether the patient chooses ceramic braces or Invisalign.
The maintenance requirements are different. Patients with Invisalign need to clean their aligners often and be careful not to lose them. Patients with ceramic braces need to avoid certain foods and clean the brackets and wires in a certain way. So we ask our patients to consider their age, lifestyle and orthodontic needs.
Dr. Tomas Marrecau brings a strong academic background and a genuinely patient-focused approach to orthodontic care. After studying molecular biology at Princeton and completing dental school at Tufts, he finished his orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania, gaining advanced training in modern treatment techniques. At his Parkland practice, he focuses on individualized care, creating treatment plans that fit each patient’s needs and long-term goals. Outside the office, he stays active through tennis, golf, and travel, keeping the same easygoing energy he brings to his work.