3 Types of Invisalign Alternatives
By Joe McIntyre, DDS on October 08, 2021
If you have alignment issues or spaces between your teeth, then Invisalign® is an excellent and discreet option. Unfortunately, it might not be right for every patient. In some cases, the dental work is too extensive, too expensive, or too slow, and so the patient must seek Invisalign alternatives. The good news is that there are options to fit every dental profile and budget.
Smiles for Life Dental Care serves the Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Bridgewater, VA, areas with cutting-edge technology and a spa-like atmosphere to make your treatment as effective and comfortable as possible. In addition to Invisalign, our practice offers alternative adjustment options, some almost as discreet as transparent aligners.
Popular Alternatives: The Basics
Severely misaligned bites and particularly wide spaces are issues that are not effectively corrected by Invisalign. However, there are other methods that can also offer discretion and faster treatment times. If Invisalign isn’t a good treatment choice for you, take a look at the most popular ortho alternatives.
- Clear or White Brackets: Work exactly like metal brackets but are colored to blend in with the teeth
- Lingual Braces: These braces are applied to the back of teeth and cannot be seen when the patient smiles
- Damon Braces: Clear brackets eliminate the need for rubber bands to secure the archwire
Our team finds that the orthodontic methods our patients are comfortable with are as unique and varied as the patients themselves. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from each kind of treatment.
Clear or White Brackets
These are brackets that can blend in with your teeth. Clear brackets are made from monocrystalline sapphire that can withstand high heat and high pressure. White brackets are often ceramic, stain-resistant, and can be tinted to match your tooth color perfectly. The archwire is generally also clear or white, although in some cases, metal wires must be used to offer the level of resistance the patient needs.
Lingual Braces
Unless you open your mouth widely, no one will ever know you have lingual braces. The wires, brackets, ligating ties, and rubber bands are behind the teeth. When you smile, your braces should not be visible. Lingual braces offer similar results to traditional brackets, but some patients report a longer period of time is necessary to get used to them after they are bonded in place. Fortunately, any issues with speaking or eating are resolved as the patient becomes accustomed to them.
Damon Braces
Traditional metal braces use a ligation rubber band to hold the archwire in place on the brackets. This allows the brackets and wire to work in conjunction and slowly move the teeth into place. The Damon system consists of translucent braces that are self-ligating which means no rubber bands! Instead, they use a slide mechanism to hold the wire in place. That lack of rubber bands means that the patient is less likely to collect bacteria around their brackets, among other benefits.
Schedule Your Consultation
No matter which option is right for your case, there’s a treatment that will work for you. Getting the straight, healthy smile you’ve always wanted is only one phone call away. Take the first steps toward a healthier, happier you now. Call Smiles for Life Dental Care at (540) 828-2312 or send us a message online to get started.
