It’s one of the most common questions we hear: should I do Invisalign or braces? Both work. Both are offered here. But they’re different experiences, and the right answer depends on your lifestyle, your smile, and honestly, how committed you’ll be to the process.

Braces use brackets bonded to your teeth connected by wires that your orthodontist adjusts at regular visits. The hardware stays on full-time and does the work steadily over the course of your treatment.

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that you swap out every one to two weeks. You wear them 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth.

Braces don’t require any discipline on your part to keep them working. Because they’re fixed, they apply consistent pressure around the clock without you having to remember anything. For complex bite corrections or significant misalignment, braces tend to give our orthodontists more precise control.

Braces are also often the better fit for younger patients who might not be reliable about keeping aligners in consistently.

Clear aligners are popular with adults and older teens because they’re nearly invisible in everyday settings. You can take them out for a job interview, a date, or a holiday dinner. They’re also easier to keep clean since you can brush and floss normally.

Many patients appreciate that Invisalign removes the food restrictions that come with braces. You can eat whatever you want as long as you take the aligners out first.

Not always. Invisalign works well for mild to moderate alignment cases, including crowding, spacing, and some bite issues. For more complex situations, braces may produce better results. During your consultation, Dr. Meinhardt or Dr. Jacobson will evaluate your specific case and give you an honest recommendation.

Both options are available at our Sheboygan and Plymouth offices. Schedule your complimentary consultation and we’ll help you sort out which direction makes the most sense for your smile.