Traditional metal braces have been a long-standing recommendation from orthodontists, but Invisalign is gaining traction as a viable option for those with flexible needs. Both types of alignment treatments are designed with the goal of complete realignment, helping anyone put their misshapen or asymmetrical teeth back into place. While metal braces are rigid and immobile, they provide long-lasting durability. Invisalign acts as an invisible set of custom aligner trays that can be removed for a few hours a day.

Can You Switch From Braces to Invisalign?

Since the appeal of a flexible treatment like Invisalign in Sacramento has reached a great number of patients, we are here to answer the question: Can you switch from braces to Invisalign? If you are already set up with metal aligners, is there a chance that you can switch to a more subtle treatment, or is it too late? Keep reading to learn all the answers.

Orthodontic Problems with Metal Braces

If your traditional course of orthodontic treatment is not going as smoothly as you would like, your dentist may suggest that you switch to Invisalign. You are always welcome to ask about all available treatment options. It might be helpful for you to know that you are not locked into one singular decision; if there are certain oral health risks taking place during the course of your traditional braces treatment, you will want to make some changes right away.

The most common issues that can happen with metal braces include:

Broken Brackets

If you tend to eat hard or chewy foods, you put yourself at risk for breaking your metal brackets. Hard candy, cookies, chips, and taffy might have to be taken off your list of acceptable food items while you are going through a traditional treatment. If you happen to break or bend the metal, it might be more affordable to switch to Invisalign rather than trying to get the metal brackets replaced.

Demineralization

A major problem that can come from nowhere if you are not careful, tooth demineralization occurs when your teeth are not getting enough nutrients to remain strong. This can cause white spots or calcified marks to appear on the teeth, making them look spotted. To prevent them from getting weaker, your orthodontist may want ot remove the braces altogether. If you are still unhappy about the way your teeth look while misaligned, this might be a good time to talk about getting a brand-new Invisalign treatment.

Self-Esteem

There are plenty of benefits to be had from traditional metal braces, but those benefits might not outweigh the cosmetic sacrifice that many go through throughout the duration of this treatment. Many patients, especially young adults and teenage patients, find it embarrassing to walk around with braces in their mouths. Rather than encouraging them to ignore their dental needs completely, they can be offered the opportunity to get Invisalign. The aligner trays are almost invisible, making it really difficult for others to even tell that there is orthodontic work happening at all.

Find Out if Invisalign is Worth it For You

Invisalign provides many of the same benefits as a regular orthodontic treatment, but with some reduced risk. If your oral health is struggling to get used to the braces treatment and you are tired of having metal brackets scrape against your mouth all day, you should give your dentist a call. You might be a good candidate for Invisalign, a transparent alternative that can align your teeth discreetly rather than providing an obstacle to your social life.

You can find out if Invisalign is worth it by getting in touch with our dentist in Sacramento and scheduling a personal consultation. There are plenty of different orthodontic treatments available to help you reach a new level of dental health in a way that is most comfortable for you.