Are you looking for an orthodontist near me? At American River Orthodontics, our goal is to provide our patients with Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, braces, and clear braces in Sacramento CA, Arden-Arcade CA, Rancho Cordova CA, Rosemont CA, and surrounding areas of Sacramento County CA.
Invisalign Vs. Braces: What’s The Difference?
Braces and Invisalign are both used for the same reason – to attain straighter teeth and improved oral health. However, both options offer their own set of advantages, and it is important to know which one is the best choice for your lifestyle.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
One of the most common questions our Sacramento patients ask is how long their treatment will take. While every smile is unique, understanding typical treatment durations can help set realistic expectations.
Invisalign Treatment Timeline
Most people wear Invisalign for about 12-18 months. You’ll stop by our Arden-Arcade office every couple of months to check your progress. The secret to staying on track? Pop those aligners in for 20-22 hours each day. Simple as that!
Braces Treatment Timeline
Traditional braces usually need 18-24 months to work their magic. You’ll visit us every 4-6 weeks for quick adjustments. Good news – today’s braces work faster than ever before. Some patients even finish early!
Invisalign Clear Aligners
The Invisalign system uses clear aligner trays with SmartTrack technology to straighten teeth. Clear aligners are made of smooth, lightweight plastic and each set is custom-made for a perfect fit and maximum comfort.
Braces
Traditional metal braces consist of metal brackets bonded to the front of teeth and tied together by archwires and elastics. Braces are tightened throughout treatment to maintain consistent pressure.
Cost Comparison in Sacramento
Understanding the financial investment in your smile is crucial. Here’s what Sacramento residents should know about treatment costs:
Invisalign Costs
They typically run $3,000 to $7,000. Your insurance might chip in – we’ll help you check! Just keep in mind you might need to pay extra if you lose an aligner.
Braces Costs
These usually cost between $3,000 and $6,000. The price is pretty straightforward, and it includes any emergency fixes for broken brackets. Most insurance plans help out here too.
Don’t worry – we’ve got payment plans that make both options budget-friendly.
At American River Orthodontics, we offer flexible financing options for both treatments to make your ideal smile affordable.
Fitting Treatment Into Your Life
Life with Invisalign
Love grabbing lunch downtown? Invisalign fits right in! Just pop out your aligners, enjoy your meal, and pop them back in. They’re perfect if you’re giving presentations at work or playing sports. Plus, you won’t have to skip your favorite Capitol food truck just because you’re straightening your teeth!
- Perfect for active professionals in Sacramento’s business district
- Ideal for musicians and public speakers
- Great for athletes (removable during sports)
- Convenient for special occasions and photos
- Works well with Sacramento’s outdoor lifestyle
Life with Braces
Braces are like your teeth’s personal trainers – they’re always on the job! You won’t have to remember to put them in, but you’ll need to watch what you eat. Playing sports? No problem – just grab a mouthguard and you’re good to go.
- No worry about remembering to wear them
- Better for those who snack frequently
- May require dietary modifications
- Extra care needed during sports (mouthguard required)
- Cannot be removed for special occasions
Keeping Things Clean
Invisalign Care Made Easy
Think of your aligners like contact lenses – they need a quick clean each day. Rinse when you take them out, brush your teeth, give them a gentle scrub, and you’re done! Keep that case handy – you don’t want to wrap your aligners in a napkin at lunch (trust us, we’ve heard the stories!).
- Rinse aligners every time they’re removed
- Brush and floss before reinserting aligners
- Clean aligners with appropriate cleaning solution
- Store in protective case when not in use
- Change aligners as prescribed (usually every 1-2 weeks)
Check out our article with our top tips for keeping your aligners clean.
Daily Care for Braces
Got braces? Make that toothbrush your new best friend! Brush after meals and carry a little cleaning kit. Skip the sticky candy (we know, it’s tough) and crunchy snacks. But hey – ice cream is still on the menu!
- Brush after every meal
- Use special flossing tools
- Avoid certain foods that could damage brackets
- Regular professional cleanings recommended
- Follow elastics schedule if prescribed
Invisalign Vs. Braces: Which Is The Better Option?
There is no “better option.” Each treatment has their own set of advantages that may appeal to different patients depending on their needs and treatment goals.
Benefits of Invisalign
Both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen were designed with a patient’s needs in mind. These clear aligners are ideal for anyone who doesn’t want their orthodontic treatment to affect their social or professional lives. The benefits of Invisalign include:
- Appearance – virtually invisible so no one ever has to know about your treatment
- Comfort – custom-made of smooth, lightweight plastic for maximum comfort
- Freedom – removable whenever necessary to eat and clean
Additional Invisalign advantages:
- Virtual monitoring options reduce in-office visits
- Fewer emergency appointments
- Better for maintaining oral hygiene
- Ideal for professional settings common in Arden-Arcade
- Perfect for special occasions and photos
Benefits Of Braces
Traditional braces have remained a top choice by orthodontists because it provides reliable and effective results. The benefits of metal braces include:
- Stable – fixed appliances work around the clock so your treatment never stops
- Powerful – more effective in treating more complicated issues
- Value – often times the cost of braces is cheaper than the Invisalign cost
Enhanced Benefits of Modern Braces:
- Consistent treatment progress
- Excellent for complex cases
- No risk of lost aligners
- Various aesthetic options available
- Potentially shorter treatment time for certain cases
Finding The Difference Between Invisalign Vs. Braces Near Me
Dr. Payne and our team at American River Orthodontics are experts in orthodontic care. We are happy to answer any questions regarding Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, braces, and clear braces in Sacramento CA, Arden-Arcade CA, Rancho Cordova CA, Fair Oaks CA, and surrounding areas of Sacramento County CA. Contact American River Orthodontics to schedule a free consultation today. Call now (916) 486-4233 or use our online contact form. Remember – the best choice is the one that fits your life and gets you the smile you’re dreaming of.
