Thinking about straightening your teeth? How exciting! Whether you’re dreaming of a subtle glow-up or a full smile transformation, our team at Wildwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to make the process feel simple and low-stress. You might have heard of 2 main options, Invisalign® and braces, and are wondering which you should choose.
The main difference is that Invisalign® uses removable clear aligners to move your teeth, while traditional braces use fixed brackets and wires. Choosing to start your smile journey should be a positive step, which is why our team is here to walk you through your options and help you decide what could work for you.
How They Look & Feel
Appearance & Materials
Invisalign® uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. Because they are transparent and molded to your smile, most people won’t even notice you are wearing them. If you were looking for a subtle option, this might be your new best friend.
Traditional braces, on the other hand, are more visible: You may have even noticed someone with braces before. They consist of small metal or ceramic brackets that are bonded to the front of each tooth. A thin wire runs through these brackets, gently guiding your teeth into their correct positions over time.
Daily Comfort
The smooth plastic of Invisalign® aligners is designed for a comfortable fit inside your mouth. Since there are no sharp edges, the trays are less likely to irritate your cheeks or tongue. You may feel a bit of pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners, which is a sign that your teeth are on the move.
With braces, the metal brackets and wires can sometimes rub against the soft tissues in your mouth, which may cause some initial soreness. This is a normal part of the adjustment period for many orthodontic treatments, and dental wax can be applied over the brackets to create a smoother surface.
Daily Life with Your Treatment
What You Can Eat & Drink
One of the main benefits of Invisalign® is the flexibility to eat the foods you love. You simply remove your aligners before every meal or snack, eat what you’d like, clean your teeth, and then put them back in. Popcorn at movie night? Crunchy apples? Sticky caramel? We get it: Giving those up isn’t exactly fun.
Braces remain on your teeth 24/7, so you have to be more careful with your food choices. You need to avoid things like popcorn and hard candy that could damage your hardware. Cutting up foods like apples and carrots, which can be hard on the brackets, is also recommended to protect your braces.
Brush & Floss Your Teeth
Your oral hygiene routine stays simple with Invisalign®. After removing your aligners, you can just brush and floss your teeth as you always have.
Cleaning your teeth with braces requires a bit more effort. Brushing carefully around each bracket and along the gumline is important, as it helps keep your whole mouth happy. Special tools like floss threaders can help you clean under the wire.
The Treatment Process & Time
The timeline for any orthodontic treatment is unique and depends on your specific needs. Your journey with Invisalign® often begins with digital scans of your mouth, which are used to create your custom series of aligners. You switch to a new set of trays around every 1 to 2 weeks to continue moving your teeth.
With braces, you’ll see the orthodontist for regular adjustments. During these appointments, the team tightens the wires to apply steady pressure, which gradually moves your teeth into alignment. These check-ins keep your smile moving in the right direction, and we love cheering you on along the way.
Care & Maintenance for Your Smile
Invisalign® Care Rules
For Invisalign® to be effective, you need to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours a day. You should only take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Consistent wear is key to staying on track with your Invisalign® treatment plan.
It is also important to keep your aligners clean. You can brush them gently with a toothbrush and rinse them in lukewarm water. This helps prevent them from becoming discolored and keeps them feeling fresh.
Maintaining Your Braces
Proper care for braces involves careful brushing after every meal to remove any food particles that can get stuck in the brackets and wires. Paying close attention to the area between the brackets and your gums is part of good general dental care.
Daily flossing is also a key step, though it takes a little practice. Using a floss threader helps you get the floss underneath the main wire so you can clean effectively between your teeth. Attending all your scheduled tightening appointments helps your treatment progress as planned.
Choose the Right Treatment for You
The right choice depends on your smile goals and lifestyle. Thinking about your daily routine, your commitment to wearing aligners, and your comfort with the appearance of braces can help you decide which option might be good for you.
Talk to a Professional
A conversation with your dentist in Toledo should be fun and informative. Our team can assess your beautiful smile and walk you through the pros and cons of each option.
We Can’t Wait to Help Straighten Your Teeth
Have questions about Invisalign® or braces? We would love to talk to you! At Wildwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthier, brighter smile. With locations in Toledo and Sylvania, Ohio, we aim to make cosmetic dentistry convenient. Schedule a consultation with our team today!
