When Invisalign Isn’t Enough… Who Needs Braces Instead

You’re ready to invest in a smile upgrade to straighten your teeth, and it’s easy to assume that Invisalign is the way to go since it’s often marketed as the easiest and most discreet treatment option. While clear aligners work for many people, there are situations where Invisalign isn’t always the best solution. Every patient is unique, which is why you need an expert consultation for Invisalign vs. braces in Austin.

The truth is that some orthodontic issues need more control than what can be achieved through aligners. In order for you to get the best results in the fastest treatment timeline, it’s essential that we take a look at your long-term smile goals and any potential limitations getting in the way of these results.

The Importance of a Proper Orthodontic Evaluation

Various factors influence the overall appearance and function of your smile. During your orthodontic consult, we evaluate your teeth positioning, bone structure, jaw position, and bite mechanics. Our office is equipped with modern technology to provide as much information as possible, including digital X-rays, scans, and tools for bite analysis.

This thorough evaluation helps us identify any potential risks that might not be visible in a simple examination. Then, we can design the ideal treatment plan to suit your individual needs and goals.

While the goal is to design a fast treatment plan, your long-term smile stability matters much more than the speed or convenience of your treatment. We are detail-oriented and make sure that every patient receives the ideal services to suit their needs.

How Invisalign Works and Where It Shines

Invisalign leverages modern technology by creating clear aligners that are designed to fit over your teeth perfectly. These aligners place pressure on your teeth to gently move them into the ideal position over time. You use a series of aligners as part of the treatment plan.

Invisalign is ideal for mild and moderate alignment issues, such as spacing, overcrowding, and other types of cosmetic straightening. Our experienced team monitors your progress throughout the treatment, and we can make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal results.

Keep in mind that these removable trays must be worn according to the recommendations, which means that the results rely on patient compliance. In order to have success with the treatment, you should be wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day.

When Invisalign Is Not Enough

While the benefits of clear aligners are undeniable, it’s also essential to understand Invisalign’s limits. When comparing Invisalign vs. braces in Austin, there are a few reasons why we might recommend wires and brackets instead of clear aligners. Here are some of the factors that might mean that you either need traditional braces or a hybrid approach using both Invisalign and metal braces:

• You have teeth that need vertical movement or significant rotation.
• Complex bite issues need to be addressed, requiring more consistent force and a higher level of control.
• TMJ issues affect the treatment, such as grinding or clenching.
• Patients who have a difficult time wearing their aligners as instructed.

Even though aesthetics are better with clear aligners, there are situations where predictability is more important and traditional braces are recommended.

Overcrowded Teeth: Why Braces Often Work Better

When it comes to moderate or severe overcrowding, it’s common to recommend braces instead of Invisalign. For example, these severe spacing issues need a stronger and more precise force in order to move the teeth into the ideal position. Orthodontists have more control to guide each tooth individually using brackets and wires.

Overcrowded teeth also have other types of complications that need to be addressed through traditional orthodontics, such as overlapping roots and tight arches. Aligners sometimes struggle with these dense spacing issues.

Bite Problems Invisalign Cannot Fully Correct

In addition to overcrowding, there are other bite issues that can’t be fixed with Invisalign alone. For example, if jaw alignment needs to be adjusted, then it’s likely that braces will be recommended instead of Invisalign.

Underbite correction is another example of when braces are necessary because clear aligners aren’t enough. When you are wearing braces, elastic use can help to shift the jaw into the ideal position, giving the orthodontist the ability to control the bite adjustment throughout the treatment plan.

Choosing the proper type of orthodontic treatment is critical to ensure proper bite correction, which minimizes other complications in the future, such as jaw pain, uneven wear, and even a relapse of the bite positioning.

Hybrid Treatment Plans: When Invisalign and Braces Work Together

Our team offers personalized treatment plans, and there are times when it makes sense to combine both brackets and aligners. With this approach, we might start with braces at first to address the most difficult movements that are needed. Then, the braces are removed, and the aligners finish the treatment plan.

This hybrid approach might be a way to speed up your treatment timeline. Also, you can get the desired results without wearing metal brackets and wires for the entire treatment.

FAQs

How do I know if Invisalign will work for my case?

The best way to choose your ideal treatment plan is by scheduling a full orthodontic consultation with our experienced team. We will help you decide whether Invisalign is sufficient to address your alignment and bite issues.

Are braces always slower than Invisalign?

Treatment timelines vary for both braces and Invisalign. In more complex cases, braces can actually move the teeth more efficiently, which can help to reduce your treatment time.

Can I switch from Invisalign to braces if it’s not working?

Yes, it’s always possible to switch treatments. But it will save you time and money to start with the right treatment from the beginning.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Lifestyle and Goals

Our team at myDental is here to help you choose the ideal orthodontic treatments for your lifestyle and goals. If you are considering Invisalign vs. braces in Austin, then schedule a consultation to learn more about your personalized recommendations.  Book an appointment at one of our convenient lugares.