Invisalign vs Braces

Choosing between Invisalign and braces is an important decision, and the right option depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. At Buffalo Grove Orthodontics, we offer both Invisalign and braces as powerful tools to achieve excellent orthodontic results. Our role is to help you understand the differences so you can make an informed choice with confidence.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. These aligners are custom designed and virtually invisible, making Invisalign a popular option for teens and adults.

Benefits of Invisalign include:

Eat whatever you want. Aligners are removed for meals.
Easier brushing and flossing, supporting better oral hygiene.
Discreet appearance with no brackets or wires.
Flexible scheduling with significantly fewer in-office visits compared to braces.
Smooth plastic aligners with nothing to irritate your lips, cheeks, and gums.

Dr. Eltink is highly skilled at treating even complex orthodontic cases with Invisalign, something not all orthodontic practices offer. Invisalign treatment requires responsibility. Aligners must be worn as prescribed for treatment to stay on track and deliver the desired results.

When combined with DentalMonitoring, Invisalign patients can go 6-9 months without an in-office appointment. Weekly remote check-ins allow our orthodontists to track progress, give feedback, make adjustments when needed, and ensure treatment is moving efficiently.

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Braces

Braces remain one of the most effective and reliable orthodontic treatments available and are especially popular among tweens and teens. In fact, braces are having a moment, with recent media highlighting the return of “tinsel teeth” and colorful braces as a fun form of self-expression.

Benefits of braces include:

Continuous treatment with no need to remember aligners.
The ability to customize color ties to match moods, seasons, or holidays.
A great option for younger patients and complex bite correction.

Braces require some dietary adjustments, but they deliver consistent, dependable results. At Buffalo Grove Orthodontics, braces treatment is enhanced with DentalMonitoring, allowing us to closely monitor progress, oral hygiene, and appliance health between visits.

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The Role of DentalMonitoring

DentalMonitoring plays a critical role in both Invisalign and braces treatment. Weekly scans allow us to:

Identify when in-office visits are truly needed
Eliminate unnecessary office visits
Closely monitor oral hygiene and gum health
Catch potential issues early and address them quickly
Keep orthodontic treatment on track, resulting in shorter treatment times.

When needed, images can be securely shared with your general dentist so we can collaborate efficiently on your overall oral health. This level of monitoring helps keep treatment on track and protects your smile throughout the process.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Both Invisalign and braces are excellent orthodontic solutions. The best choice depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. During your free consultation, we'll evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and recommend the treatment option that will deliver the best possible outcome.

Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation