Invisalign vs. Braces

When you need orthodontic work to straighten your teeth, you'll need to decide whether to opt for conventional braces or to go with the more modern Invisalign system of aligners. Both systems are very effective, and can be used for most dental patients, so your decision will probably come down to appreciating one or more of the advantages offered by each. Below there is a comparison of the two teeth-straightening methods, and this information may help you come to a decision about which will be more useful and more appealing to you personally.

The Advantages of Invisalign

• Invisalign looks better

• over the years, a certain stigma has been attached to wearing metal braces, and young people especially can be subjected to criticism and ridicule for wearing them. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, and that means they are not easily detected. Even if fellow students do notice them, they are far less obtrusive than the metal braces which are easily visible in your mouth.

• Removing the aligners for eating

• it can definitely be a hassle when eating with braces, but Invisalign aligners don't have this problem, because they can be taken out for meals. They can also be removed for brushing and flossing your teeth afterward, so it's much easier to keep your teeth clean and white when you have Invisalign installed. The only caveat to this is that the aligners should be kept in your mouth for around 22 hours each day, so that straightening can be accomplished.

• Brushing and flossing your teeth is easier

• when you're wearing metal braces, they cannot be removed for brushing or flossing, and that means there are certain spots on your teeth which can't be reached. This problem is completely avoided by Invisalign, because the aligners can be taken out for brushing and flossing, so teeth can be kept clean more easily.

• Comfortable to wear Invisalign

• wearing Invisalign aligners is much more comfortable than wearing braces, because the braces are accompanied by metal wires, rubber bands, and the metal of the braces themselves. Wearing Invisalign is more like wearing a sports mouth guard, which fits snugly over your teeth to protect them.

Invisalign Disadvantages

• Not for everyone

• there are some situations where Invisalign cannot be used for some patients, for instance when there is severe tooth disruption and major straightening is needed.

• Dedication is needed

• because they can be removed, there is a definite possibility that patients may not stick to the required 22-hour regimen, and will leave their aligners out for longer periods of time. When this happens, it leads to a longer time of correction being needed, and that could add months on to the time they must be in place.

• Possibility of losing them

• since they are removable, aligners can be lost. If you're the type of person who typically doesn't keep track of belongings, it is very possible that your aligners can be misplaced or lost.

The Advantages of Braces

• Possible to achieve a perfect result

• braces can be used in almost all situations because they have the power and strength to bring about effective straightening even when severe cases are encountered.

• Multiple types of braces to choose from

• a number of different types of braces can be chosen by an individual, including metal, ceramic, or lingual braces. The best choice for you will depend on the amount of correction needed, financial concerns, and personal preference.

• Faster treatment time

• since metal braces must be left in place 24 hours each day, there is a possibility that less time will be needed to accomplish any teeth-straightening necessary.

The Disadvantages of Braces

• Plaque buildup

• since they must remain in place at all times, metal braces can cause plaque to build up underneath them, and this will call for extra attention from the patient.

• Food choices

• it will be necessary to avoid sticky foods, or those which can become trapped beneath your braces, because brushing them may be inadequate once you've already gotten foodstuffs stuck in the braces.

• Potential discomfort

• metal braces often cause some level of discomfort to the wearer, especially at the beginning of the treatment, when teeth are typically more sensitive.

• Teasing

• young people wearing metal braces are often subjected to uncomfortable teasing and ridicule by their peers, and this can be difficult to deal with.

Making the Right Decision on Your Treatment Method

Making the right choice may come down to cost, it might be comfort, or it might be a matter of trying to accomplish teeth-straightening in the fastest possible manner. It's usually best to have a conversation with your orthodontist, and let him/her know what your priorities are. Then your dental professional can offer some insights and recommendations on which method might best suit your needs.

Contact Us Today

If you're uncertain about which teeth-straightening method to choose, contact us at Amores Dental today. We'll be glad to arrange for a consultation and review the pros and cons of each system, so you can make the most informed decision possible.