Have you ever wondered what the difference is between braces and invisalign? Can adults wear braces? Can children or teenagers be treated with invisalign? These are some of the common questions that people have about orthodontics (braces and invisalign) so we are going to help clear up some of that here today for all of our readers in Longview, Gilmer, Kilgore, Marshall, and as far away as Carthage, Henderson, and Mount Pleasant TX.
One of the main differences between braces and invisalign is that braces are actually glued to your teeth whereas invisalign is like a removeable retainer that can be taken in and out in certain social situations and when you eat. Now there is somewhat of an exception to this because with invisalign, sometimes you will have what we call “attachments” glued to your teeth. These attachments are specifically designed and shaped for the type of orthodontic movement that needs to take place with your teeth and as such they are not all the same. Sometimes you may not have one on some teeth whereas you may have some of these invisalign attachments on other teeth.
When undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces, we engage a wire into the bracket that is glued to your teeth. This wire then moves the tooth in a certain direction, depending on where the bracket is placed. When you are receiving orthodontic treatment with invisalign or invisalign teen, the plastic material itself is responsible for moving your teeth. With braces the force of the wire is being applied 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With invisalign or invisalign teen, the force is only being applied to the teeth when the trays are being worn. This is why it is important for the invisalign trays to be worn at least 20 hours a day, but preferably 22 hours a day.
When it comes to teenagers and orthodontic treatment, this need to actually wear your invisalign or invisalign teen clear aligners sometimes makes braces a better option for the patient. If a teenager is deemed responsible enough by their parent to wear the aligners, then by all means teenagers can be treated with invisalign clear aligners or invisalign teen clear aligners. If Mom or Dad do not think they will be responsible enough to wear their invisalign aligners, then usually braces or even clear braces are the better option for that teen. If the teenager is looking for a more esthetic option then clear braces are a great option and our patients love the clear braces we have here at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics.
If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our affordable braces and invisalign clear aligners. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX right by Longview Regional Hospital and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Mount Pleasant, and Gilmer.
