Braces vs. Invisalign

I had braces as a kid. And now as an adult I have them again.  Except this time around I am using Invisalign.  I am part of the Mom Advisory Board for Invisalign which includes  complimentary treatment while I write about the experience. I am now on my 5th set of Invisalign trays giving me several months of treatment experience.  When I think back to my experience with braces, I shudder just a bit.  Here are some things that I have noticed about the differences.  The pictures in this post are selfies I took with my kids this summer while wearing my Invisalign.  And, yes.  I made them pose.

Braces vs. Invisalign

I can eat anything – Because you take Invisalign OUT when you eat or drink {anything other than water}, there are no food limitations.  Popcorn, gummy candies, and other food that would be difficult with traditional braces aren’t even an issue since I brush my teeth before replacing the Invisalign trays. I have stopped snacking – Because each snack or drink between meals requires me to remove my Invisalign trays, eat or drink, and then brush my teeth before putting them back in, it has made me think twice about if a snack is WORTH all that trouble!  Even that mid-morning cup of coffee that I really don’t need has been replaced by a bottle of water since water is more convenient.  This has actually been a blessing! My teeth are comfortable –  One of the things I remember about having traditional braces is that I was constantly using the wax provided by my Orthodontist to keep the brackets from rubbing and irritating the inside of my mouth.  Because Invisalign is smooth, that hasn’t been an issue at all. I have found that the first day and 1/2 of a new set of trays makes me aware of my teeth.  There has only been one set {the ones after I got my attachments} that was uncomfortable for a day.  A new set of trays reminds me of the day after getting braces tightened, but it seems like it is more gradual. I don’t even remember I have them – Now when I see myself in pictures or when going around daily life, I forget they are there!  The funny thing is because they are clear, other people have mentioned the same thing.  I like that it isn’t the first thing people notice when I smile. They are removable – If I have an important interview or a lunch with a client, I simply remove them before the event.  The one evening I had where it was uncomfortable to wear them, I took them out for an hour or so break!  I love that wearing them is a choice.  It is recommended to wear Invisalign 22 hours a day, but which 22 hours is completely up to me and if I have a day where I cheat the time a little, I can make it up the next day. “There are no Invisalign emergencies!” – Those were the words of an Orthodontist I talked to about the benefits of Invisalign.  Those words echoed in my mind a few months ago as I was frantically trying to get a weekend appointment with my 13 y/o  son’s Ortho due to a broken wire with his traditional braces. When something happens with your Invisalign trays, you simply go back to the previous set until you can have a calmly scheduled appointment with your provider!

Yes, but Invisalign is Expensive!

The cost of Invisalign is something that is brought up a lot as an issue.  In fact, several years before I joined the Invisalign Mom Advisory Board I looked into getting Invisalign.  In my area, Invisalign was about 20% more. It really depends on the Orthodontist.  Some are charging more and some are charging about the same.  You can find out more about what is charged in your area as well as possible payment plans. The main thing is to get the information.  Once you have that, a decision of what might be right for you or your child will be much easier!

Yes, but I am Not a Candidate for Invisalign!

The myth that you have to have straight teeth BEFORE getting Invisalign is probably the second more common thing I am told when people find out that I have them. You already had braces, so you are a great candidate! Yes.  I was a great candidate, but so are many, many other people who never had previous treatment.  My advice is to go to a provider in your area that has extensive Invisalign experience because often they can treat cases that other providers might not consider a candidate!