Braces Vs. Invisalign

Braces Vs. Invisalign – Which Should You Choose?

Choosing a New York City orthodontist and making the decision to begin orthodontic treatment is probably exciting and a bit unnerving. You probably have many questions. You may wonder what having braces will be like? Or if Invisalign clear aligners would be a better choice for you. At Bronsky Orthodontics, we understand the concerns of our patients and put your comfort and oral health above all else. Our orthodontists have been helping patients find their path to a new, beautiful smile for decades and they can answer any questions you have about the high-quality orthodontic treatment they offer. Here’s a quick breakdown that may help:

Braces vs. Invisalign – How Do They Compare?

If one of your concerns is choosing between Invisalign clear aligners and traditional metal or ceramic invisible braces, we can help simplify your choice. There are many things to consider when trying to make the best choice for your budget, timing and lifestyle. While your New York City orthodontists will discuss these options and how they might affect you, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of Invisalign and braces.

Braces Treatment In New York City

Bronsky Orthodontics provides traditional metal braces as well as ceramic braces treatment to patients of all ages – from adolescents to teens to adults. Braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment and have a long history of providing reliable, exceptional results for all common orthodontic problems. And, they even work well for patients with more extreme orthodontic needs. They work by adhering brackets to your teeth and then attaching a wire to the bracket. Our orthodontist then creates a force and momentum to re-position and align your teeth by adjusting the wire and using attached rubber bands. The wires help to move the teeth, and the rubber bands work to correct the alignment until your teeth move into their desired position. Some of the facts about braces treatment include:

Braces are permanently affixed to your teeth during treatment time.
The typical length of treatment is 2 years, depending on patient needs.
Your NYC orthodontist will ask you to restrict your consumption of sticky or very hard foods sugary drinks.
Best for more challenging orthodontic problems such as significant over and underbites and twisted teeth.
You will visit your NYC orthodontist monthly to change wires and tighten brackets
Brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day are more important and sometimes more difficult due to bands and wires. It’s easier for food to get trapped and plaque to form with braces.
You may have moderate discomfort reported during installation of any type of braces and for a few days after each monthly visit and braces adjustment. You may experience some mouth abrasions from rubbing wires/brackets.
You will need to wear a retainer after treatment and ongoing.
Generally less expensive than Invisalign with an average cost between $1800 and $5500, depending on individual treatment needs

Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Right For You?

While braces and Invisalign are both designed to straighten your teeth and improve your smile, their processes and the way they look are very different. Invisalign treatment is designed to be invisible and works by applying a series of progressive clear plastic aligner trays that effectively straighten the teeth when worn as instructed. Many of our New York City patients choose Invisalign as a treatment option due to their desire to avoid the “look” of metal braces or who wish to avoid the discomfort that braces can cause. Bronsky Orthodontics is a platinum Invisalign provider, a mark that shows our orthodontists are skilled and experienced in Invisalign treatment. Compare these facts about Invisalign with its braces counterpart:

Best for milder orthodontic problems such as moderate crowding or relapsed tooth movement, although new advancements have increased treatment opportunities.
Aligners are removable but should be worn 22 of 24 hours, which means you must have some self-motivation to follow the treatment plan.
The typical length of treatment is 6 to 18 months, shorter than normal braces treatment.
Most think Invisalign treatment is more comfortable, with the soft, bendable, clear plastic aligner trays
Fewer visits to your New York City Invisalign orthodontist are required – approx. every 6 weeks to check progress and pick up any new sets of aligners.
Your friendly Bronsky Orthodontics staff will ask you to still brush and floss daily, but you will also need to rinse and brush your aligner after meals, before putting back in your mouth. Many patients also soak their aligners overnight for deeper cleaning. Bacteria may get trapped inside aligners if not cleaned.
Invisalign lets you avoid the discomfort of braces installation, but you will feel a mild discomfort every two weeks when a new set of aligners is worn that may last a few days.
With Invisalign, you can take out your aligners to eat or drink so there are no food restrictions. However, we recommend you only drink water with your aligners in so as to avoid any staining of the plastic aligners.
Like with braces treatment, you will most likely be asked to wear a retainer after treatment ongoing.
Invisalign generally costs more than braces with an average cost of $5000, depending on individual treatment needs

Your Experienced Bronsky Orthodontics Dentists Help!

Still not sure which type of orthodontic treatment can help remedy your orthodontic problem? Let the expert orthodontists at Bronsky Orthodontics help. We’ll evaluate your orthodontic needs, consider your age and lifestyle, and recommend the best treatment options for you. With three conveniently-located orthodontist offices in TriBeCa, Park Avenue, near the Financial District of New York City, you’re sure to find one that is perfect for you or your child. Talking over your thoughts with an expert like Dr. Bronksy, Dr. Matos, or Dr. Equina, is a great way to help decide whether braces or Invisalign is right for you. Call 212-758-0040 for the Park Avenue office or 212-758-0040 for the TriBeCa office today and schedule your first visit. You can be confident in the choice to start the journey toward the beautiful, straight smile that you deserve!