Choosing between braces and Invisalign can feel a bit like deciding between classic vinyl and the latest streaming playlist (both deliver what you want, just in different ways!) Dr. John Kittleson at Kittleson Orthodontics helps patients in Mequon figure out which option fits best with their lifestyle, goals, and daily routines. Traditional braces bring the strength of time-tested hardware, while Invisalign clear aligners offer flexibility and subtlety. To see how these two compare, let’s start with the benefits that braces have brought to generations of smiles.
The Timeless Strength of Braces
Metal braces at Kittleson Orthodontics bring together tradition and modern comfort for anyone ready for a hands-on treatment path. Made from high-grade stainless steel, the brackets and wires are tough enough for busy schedules, active kids, and grown-ups who want something reliable that won’t be removed or misplaced. Today’s braces use smaller brackets with smoother edges, so they feel gentler in the mouth than older versions, putting less pressure on lips and cheeks. Monthly (or every other month) adjustments help move teeth forward in a predictable way.
Braces stay fixed, working day after day, so you don’t have to think about putting something in or taking it out. Because they are bonded on, there’s no slipping, no forgetting, no losing parts during meals or travel.
Next, we’ll explore what Invisalign offers in contrast, and how its design and daily life fit compared with braces.
Clear Aligners Bring Flex & Subtle Style
For patients who want treatment to blend into daily life, clear aligners at Kittleson Orthodontics check a lot of boxes. Invisalign and SureSmile trays are nearly invisible, removable for meals and brushing, and designed to fit naturally into busy schedules.
Using the iTero digital scanner, Dr. John Kittleson creates precise 3D images, so each set of trays matches your smile with accuracy. Worn 20–22 hours per day and swapped every week or two, aligners steadily move teeth with fewer in-office visits.
Because they come out when you eat, there are no food restrictions, and brushing and flossing stay simple. They’re a favorite among professionals and teens alike for their low-profile look and convenience.
Next, we’ll see how braces and aligners compare in daily routines, from eating habits to oral care.
Comfort and Lifestyle Fit
Choosing between braces and clear aligners often comes down to how each option feels in daily life. Both move teeth effectively, but the experience can be quite different:
Eating:
- Braces: some foods are off-limits (sticky candy, popcorn, hard nuts).
- Aligners: removable, so you can eat your favorites without restrictions.
Oral hygiene:
- Braces: brushing and flossing take a little extra care around brackets and wires.
- Aligners: remove trays for quick, familiar cleaning routines.
Activities:
- Braces: durable enough for contact sports with a mouthguard.
- Aligners: smooth plastic trays are comfortable for athletes and musicians.
Each option has strengths depending on lifestyle, but both can be adapted with the right approach. Next, let’s compare how long treatment usually takes with braces versus Invisalign.
Treatment Timeline
Time is always on patients’ minds when it comes to orthodontics. The good news is that both braces and clear aligners can deliver results within a span that feels manageable, though the pace depends on your needs and how consistent you are.
Braces
Traditional braces usually work their magic in 18 to 24 months. Since they’re always on, you don’t have to think about them, so progress happens steadily with adjustments from Dr. Kittleson along the way.
Invisalign and SureSmile Aligners
Clear aligners often take 12 to 18 months for many patients. Swapping trays every week or two keeps things moving, and the more faithfully they’re worn, the closer you are to the finish line.
Now let’s look at how cost and payment options compare for both braces and aligners.
Money Matters Made Manageable
When choosing between braces and clear aligners, cost is often a big part of the conversation. The good news is that both options are usually in the same range, and Kittleson Orthodontics offers ways to make either one fit your budget.
- Insurance Help: Braces and aligners are both often covered under orthodontic benefits, and the Kittleson Orthodontics team is experienced in working with insurance providers to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Interest-Free In-House Financing: Patients can spread out payments for either braces or aligners with monthly plans that don’t add interest. Payment methods include credit cards, HSA/FSA accounts, and ACH withdrawals, so you can choose what works best for you.
- Paid-in-Full Discount: If you’d rather pay everything up front, there’s a discount available whether you select braces or aligners.
With finances covered, it’s the perfect moment to highlight what makes Kittleson Orthodontics stand out and why so many families in Mequon choose this practice for braces or Invisalign.
Why Kittleson Orthodontics Feels Like the Right Choice
Choosing where to begin orthodontic care matters as much as choosing between braces and aligners. With more than 60 years in Mequon, Kittleson Orthodontics, which was started by Dr. Russell Kittleson and now lead by Dr. John Kittleson, has built a reputation for expertise, honesty, and care that puts patients at ease. Dr. John Kittleson, a board-certified orthodontist, leads the practice with a focus on precision and personal attention.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Community Roots – Generations of local families have trusted the Kittleson name for orthodontics.
- Experienced Hands – Dr. Kittleson blends academic knowledge with years of treating patients in real life.
- Welcoming Atmosphere – Every visit feels comfortable, with staff who take time to listen.
- Personalized Treatment – Braces or aligners are planned around your lifestyle, goals, and routines.
With trusted experience and a friendly touch, Kittleson Orthodontics makes orthodontic care feel less overwhelming from the start.
Choosing Between Classics and Clear
Some patients lean toward the steady strength of braces, while others prefer the subtle flexibility of Invisalign. Both options deliver results, but the difference really comes from who’s guiding the process. The combination of Dr. John Kittleson’s board-certified experience and the welcoming team at Kittleson Orthodontics ensures care that feels both precise and personal. Book your free consultation in Mequon today, and let’s see which option plays best with your lifestyle!