How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment at all?

Signs include crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, difficulty chewing, jaw clicking, or speech concerns. A free consult confirms what you need.

Braces vs Invisalign… which is right for me?

Braces are fixed to your teeth and are great for simple to complex cases. Invisalign uses clear removable trays and works well for many mild to moderate concerns. The choice depends on your bite, goals, and daily habits.

What makes someone a good candidate for braces?

Mild to moderate alignment needs, a desire for a nearly invisible look, and the commitment to wear trays 20 to 22 hours per day.

How Do I Know If I Need Braces or Invisalign?

Q: How do braces work compared to Invisalign?

Many Invisalign plans run about 12 to 18 months. Braces often take 18 to 24 months. Timing varies with case complexity and cooperation.

Are you wondering if your smile needs a little help? Maybe your teeth are crooked, crowded, or just not aligned the way you’d like. You might be asking yourself whether braces or Invisalign is the right choice for you. At Advanced Orthodontics in Bellevue, WA, we help patients of all ages understand their orthodontic options and choose the treatment that fits their lifestyle and goals.

What Are the Signs You Need Braces or Invisalign?

Several signs can tell you it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment. Here are the most common ones:

Crowded teeth that overlap or twist because there isn’t enough space in your mouth
Gaps between teeth that make your smile look uneven
Overbite or underbite where your top and bottom teeth don’t line up correctly
Crossbite where some upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when you bite down
Difficulty chewing or biting food properly
Jaw pain or clicking when you open and close your mouth
Speech problems caused by tooth or jaw positioning

If you notice any of these issues, scheduling a free consultation can help you understand what treatment options work best for your situation.

How Do Braces Work Compared to Invisalign?

Both braces and Invisalign are designed to straighten your teeth and fix bite problems, but they work in different ways.

Traditional Braces:

Use metal or ceramic brackets attached to your teeth
Connected by wires that gradually move teeth into place
Stay on your teeth throughout treatment
Work well for complex orthodontic cases
Require regular adjustments every few weeks

Invisalign Clear Aligners:

Use a series of custom clear plastic trays
Remove them for eating, drinking, and brushing
Switch to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks
Nearly invisible when you wear them
Require fewer office visits

We offer both options along with SureSmile Technology, which uses advanced 3D imaging to create precise, customized treatment plans that can reduce your overall treatment time.

What Makes You a Good Candidate for Braces?

Metal braces or ceramic braces might be your best option if you have:

Severe crowding or spacing issues
Complex bite problems that need detailed correction
Teeth that need significant rotation or movement
A preference for fixed treatment you don’t have to remember to wear

Metal braces are the most affordable option and work effectively for almost any orthodontic concern. Ceramic braces offer the same benefits but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your natural teeth, making them less noticeable.

What Makes You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners work great if you:

Have mild to moderate orthodontic issues
Want a nearly invisible treatment option
Need flexibility to remove your aligners for special events
Are committed to wearing them 20-22 hours per day
Prefer fewer office appointments

Advanced Orthodontics is recognized as a TOP 5 Invisalign provider in the United States, which means our team has extensive experience treating patients with clear aligners. We offer Invisalign First for younger children and Invisalign Teen for teenagers who want a discreet option that fits their active lifestyle.

Quick Comparison: Braces vs Invisalign

Feature	Braces	Invisalign
Visibility	Noticeable (or less visible with ceramic)	Nearly invisible
Removability	Fixed to teeth	Removable for eating and cleaning
Treatment Time	18-24 months average	12-18 months average
Best For	Complex cases	Mild to moderate cases
Maintenance	Brush carefully around brackets	Remove to brush normally
Cost	Most affordable option	Comparable pricing
Office Visits	Every 4-6 weeks	Every 6-8 weeks

Can Adults Get Braces or Invisalign?

Absolutely! Many adults choose orthodontic treatment to improve their smile and oral health. We provide specialized adult treatment options because it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Adults often prefer Invisalign because the clear aligners are discreet and fit easily into professional settings. However, metal braces and ceramic braces work just as effectively for adults who need more comprehensive treatment. The choice depends on your specific orthodontic needs and personal preferences.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Between Braces and Invisalign?

Think about these important factors:

Your Lifestyle: Do you play contact sports? Are you worried about how the treatment looks? Do you have the discipline to wear removable aligners 20-22 hours daily?

Your Orthodontic Needs: Some complex cases respond better to traditional braces. During your consultation, we’ll examine your teeth and explain which options will give you the best results.

Your Budget: We offer affordable financing plans and work with most insurance providers. Metal braces typically cost less upfront, but we make both options accessible with low or no down payment plans and interest-free monthly financing.

Your Timeline: If you need faster results, we can discuss which treatment might work more efficiently for your case. Our SureSmile Technology helps create more precise treatment plans that can reduce overall treatment time.

How Does Advanced Orthodontics Help You Decide?

We make choosing the right treatment easy. When you visit our Bellevue office for a free consultation, here’s what happens:

Complete Smile Evaluation: We use state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology to get a detailed view of your teeth, jaw, and bite.
Personalized Treatment Plan: We create a customized plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals.
Clear Explanation: We show you how each treatment option works and what results you can expect.
Transparent Pricing: We discuss costs upfront and review flexible payment options that fit your budget.

Quick Overview: Making Your Decision

You might prefer braces if:

You have complex orthodontic issues
You want the most affordable option
You prefer fixed treatment

You might prefer Invisalign if:

You want nearly invisible treatment
You need flexibility to remove aligners
You have mild to moderate concerns

Both options work well for:

Straightening crooked teeth
Closing gaps
Fixing bite problems
Creating a healthy, confident smile

Remember: The best way to know which treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation. We offer early treatment for children, specialized options for teens, and effective solutions for adults.

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

Stop wondering if you need braces or Invisalign and start your journey to a confident, beautiful smile today! At Advanced Orthodontics in Bellevue, WA, we combine cutting-edge technology like SureSmile, 3D imaging, and airway orthodontics with personalized care to give you exceptional results.

Don’t wait to get the smile you deserve. Schedule your free consultation now and discover which treatment option is perfect for you.