Some orthodontic patients are fortunate to be able to choose between Invisalign and dental braces. When faced with that kind of decision, it can be difficult to determine what’s best for your lifestyle and habits. There are many factors to take into consideration as you prepare for your orthodontic journey. Consider these details and rely on your Philadelphia orthodontist to help you make the right decision.

Life with Invisalign

Invisalign is a unique orthodontic option because you have braces – and then you don’t.

Since Invisalign aligners can be removed, you can take what feel like small breaks from your treatment every time you have a meal or brush your teeth.

Here are the basic rules for life with Invisalign:

• Wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day.
• Remove the aligners for every meal, snack, and drink, except water.
• Clean the aligners when you remove them and before you put them back in your mouth.

Those rules are pretty easy to follow, right? You can still eat whatever you want, just remove Invisalign first. You sleep with the aligners and wear them the rest of the day so they can slowly but surely move your teeth into alignment.

One of the biggest things that draws Invisalign patients to this kind of treatment is that Invisalign is very difficult to see. Adults in particular love the option to wear braces without anyone being the wiser. They can work, play, and go about their days without anyone noticing their aligners. No metal mouth with Invisalign.

Life with Dental Braces

Dental braces are often considered a rite of passage for tweens and teens. They come in many different styles than they once did though. Brackets can be made clear or tooth-colored to blend in with your teeth so even if you are wearing braces that are attached to your teeth, they’ll be less noticeable.

Here are the rules for dental braces:

• Wear the braces around the clock.
• Avoid sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods that could damage the brackets and wires.
• Clean the hardware meticulously with special tools every day to keep teeth clean.

These rules for the upkeep of dental braces are easy too, but you are restricted from indulging in the foods you like with metal braces. And, this type of orthodontia typically takes longer than Invisalign.

What It’s Like to Wear Braces

Living with braces of any kind is a commitment. It will take time and effort to get used to the treatment and make it fit into your lifestyle. But, rest assured, it will fit eventually. You’ll learn how to work with the demands of braces and your orthodontist’s rules, and your teeth will thank you for it.

Invisalign can correct nearly all the same problems that dental braces can. Have a conversation with your orthodontist about what’s really possible for your smile

Schedule a consultation with Drs. Roberts & de Marsche, Philadelphia orthodontists and Invisalign providers located in Center City, to find out what dental braces are right for you.