A Parent’s Guide to Braces and Invisalign

One of the questions we get asked the most from parents and patients is: “which is better: Braces or Invisalign?”. It’s a hard question to answer because so much depends on each patient and their specific needs. That’s why we prioritize spending time with you and listening to your needs and goals. That’s what helps us land on the best possible treatment plan for each unique patient who comes to see us for orthodontics.

Let’s talk about some of the different treatment options that we offer and the differences between them. Traditional metal or clear braces are the most commonly recognized and can be a great choice. Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics is also pleased to offer patients passive self-ligating Damon Smile Braces. Thanks to these innovative new braces, achieving your perfect smile can be faster and easier than you ever thought possible!

With braces, there’s minimal involvement from the patient’s perspective except for avoiding foods that can damage brackets and wires, and brushing really well is a top priority. Braces are also great for patients who simply aren’t going to wear aligners for 22 hours a day. And that’s okay! You’ll come to me every 6-8 weeks for adjustments and we’ll be on our way to a straighter smile in no time.

On the other hand, clear aligners are an excellent alternative for patients that are good at keeping to a schedule and the list of foods to avoid while in treatment is much smaller. They’re also a great choice if you know brushing is already an issue - which makes braces more challenging. It’s harder to reach those nooks and crannies when the brackets and wires are in place. At Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. You can enjoy virtually invisible teeth-straightening while continuing to eat the foods you enjoy, brush and floss your teeth normally for better oral health and minimize office visits. 

If Dr. Woodfin or Dr. Cabassa feels that one would be a better option for any reason, we’ll let you know why and we’ll talk through everything in detail together. In most cases both treatment options are efficient and effective at giving your child their ideal smile, and making parents smile along the way. 

Ready for a new smile?

The smile is such an important aspect of who you are as it is one of the very first things that people notice about you. Dr. Greg Woodfin & Dr. Sal Cabassa focus on providing the best possible experience for patients and their families. Coupled with advanced orthodontic technology and highly personalized care, they partner with patients of all ages in the greater Pensacola community on their journey to a better smile. 

Our friendly team is waiting to answer any of your questions and start you or your child on a path to a gorgeous smile. Contact us today for a complimentary virtual or in-person consultation! Call us at any of our local offices: Pensacola: (850) 477-2180 Gulf Breeze: (850) 934-2828 Perdido: (850) 477-2180.