How Do Clear Braces And Invisalign Clear Braces Differ?

Although many individuals mistakenly confuse clear braces with Invisalign clear braces, the confusion between these two terms is completely understandable. If you do a Google search using the search terms “clear braces”, you will see there are nearly 3 million search results, of which many are about Invisalign clear braces. Hence the assumption and confusion over which is which. We want you to be happy with the type of braces you choose for you or your child, so here are the ways in which these types of braces differ.

To understand the differences between these two types of braces, we typically define or describe them to the patient. Clear braces are made from ceramic materials, hence their clear appearance. They are commonly called ceramic braces because of this. The material that is used to make this type of braces can be clear in appearance or can be camouflaged by customizing them to match the color of your natural teeth. However, they work in much the same fashion as traditional metal braces.

On the other hand, Invisalign clear braces are comprised of transparent aligner trays that act as retainers in order to shift your teeth into their proper positions. These aligners are changed out every 2 weeks throughout the course of treatment which typically takes up to a year to complete. In the case of clear braces, you have to visit the dentist once every 4 weeks in order for them to be adjusted (tightened). Conversely, fewer dentist visits are required when you are straightening your teeth with Invisalign clear braces.

Aside from the physical differences between clear or ceramic braces and Invisalign clear braces, there are 4 key ways that the two types differ including:

Clear braces are normally used to treat more extensive or severe cases while Invisalign clear braces were designed to treat the more common issues such as crooked or crowded teeth; open bite, overbite, and underbite; and teeth that have noticeable gaps between them.

Clear braces must be adjusted every four weeks while Invisalign clear braces must be changed at two week intervals. So in essence, fewer adjustments are required with clear or ceramic braces compared to Invisaligns.

Invisalign clear braces are considerably more transparent in appearance which makes them almost unnoticeable and is one of the primary reasons why they are such a popular choice of braces today. Despite the fact that ceramic/clear braces blend in with the color of your natural teeth, the brackets are still noticeable.

Invisalign clear braces are removable which makes it easier and more convenient to brush and floss your teeth after every meal. Not only is brushing and flossing more difficult with clear or ceramic braces, eating can also be a challenge.

Stony Brook Family Dentistry offers ceramic or clear braces and Invisalign clear braces in addition to the more traditional metal version. So it is important to understand how these types differ. We want you to be happy with your braces and achieve the outcome that you desire. Please contact us today for more information regarding the 3 types of braces that we currently offer our patients.