If you’re exploring orthodontic treatment options, one of the most common questions you’ll face is: Should I choose braces or clear aligners? Icon Orthodontics understands that this decision isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your lifestyle, treatment goals, and personal preferences all play a role in choosing the best path to your ideal smile.
Whether you’re in Glendale or Surprise, our team is here to walk you through your options, which include advanced systems like Damon metal braces, LightForce clear braces, Invisalign, Spark, U-Lab, and in-house aligners. Let’s break it all down so you can feel confident about your choice.
Braces: Tried, True & Technologically Advanced
Damon metal braces have come a long way from the clunky metal versions of the past. Today, they are more efficient, comfortable, and discreet than ever before.
Benefits of Braces
- Powerful for Complex Cases: Braces are often the best option for correcting severe crowding, bite issues, and jaw misalignments.
- Always On: Because they’re fixed to your teeth, you don’t have to remember to put them in or take them out.
- Faster for Certain Conditions: Depending on your case, braces can sometimes shorten treatment time.
- Durable and Reliable: You won’t have to worry about losing them or delaying progress due to forgetting to wear them.
- Damon Braces: At Icon Orthodontics, we offer Damon metal braces, which use a slide mechanism to move teeth more naturally, with less force and friction.
Why Choose Braces? Braces might be your best bet if you need significant tooth movement, have difficulty sticking to routines, or simply prefer not to manage removable trays. Plus, they can be customized with fun colors, which younger patients love.
Clear Aligners: Modern, Removable & Nearly Invisible
Clear aligners like Invisalign, Spark, U-Lab, and our in-house aligners offer a discreet and flexible approach to orthodontics. They fit snugly over your teeth and are swapped out every one to two weeks to gradually shift your smile.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
- Virtually Invisible: Ideal for adults and teens who want a low-profile option.
- Removable for Meals: No food restrictions—just take them out when eating.
- Easier Hygiene: You can brush and floss as usual, making it easier to maintain oral health.
- Comfortable Fit: Custom-made for your teeth, aligners are smooth and less likely to irritate cheeks or gums.
- Multiple Options: At Icon, we offer Invisalign, Spark (known for its clarity and stain resistance), U-Lab, and our own in-house aligners tailored to your needs and budget.
Is It Right for You? Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate issues, especially if you’re committed to wearing them 20-22 hours a day. If you want something discreet and lifestyle-friendly, aligners are a great choice.
LightForce Clear Braces: The Best of Both
If you’re torn between aesthetics and efficiency, LightForce clear braces may offer the perfect middle ground. These 3D-printed, fully customized braces use clear brackets for a more subtle appearance but deliver the consistent results of traditional braces.
Why Patients Love LightForce:
- Blend in with natural tooth color
- Fully customized for faster, more accurate results
- Ideal for teens and adults who want discreet but fixed treatment
LightForce is especially popular among patients who want the aesthetic of aligners but the compliance-free consistency of braces.
What About Younger Kids?
For children, especially those in early elementary school, clear aligners often aren’t the best starting point. Instead, we may recommend two-phase orthodontic treatment to guide jaw growth and prevent more serious issues later on.
Why Two-Phase Treatment?
- Early Intervention: Phase one typically begins around age 7-10 to address bite issues, overcrowding, and jaw development.
- Simplifies Future Treatment: Phase two (usually around age 11-13) fine-tunes tooth alignment with braces or aligners.
- Behavioral Fit: Younger kids may not be ready for the responsibility of aligners, which is why they generally won’t be recommended for them. By comparison, braces are promised to stay put and work 24/7.
This approach allows us to guide a child’s developing oral anatomy, often reducing the need for extractions or surgery later on.
Still Not Sure? Let Us Help!
Our Icon Orthodontics team in Glendale and Surprise doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Sun or Dr. Sarpotdar will evaluate your smile, listen to your goals, and walk you through your options. From the latest in digital scanning to same-day braces, we make your experience with us as smooth, fun, and effective as possible.
Your path to an iconic smile starts with the right information. Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you decide which option is a winner for your smile!