Do you dream of having perfectly straight teeth?
If you’ve done your research, then you’ll know that there are two options to consider for straightening your teeth. These are Invisalign vs braces.
Both methods can effectively straighten and align your teeth. However, while the outcome is similar, the treatment process is rather different. Each dental method of straightening teeth offers pros and cons which may affect your preference for one treatment over the other.
Ready to learn all about straightening teeth with both Invisalign and braces? Keep reading to discover all. Welcome to your braces vs Invisalign guide!
Invisalign
Compared to braces, Invisalign is a more modern and advanced way to align the teeth. The process involves wearing clear plastic trays that are molded to fit the impressions of the mouth.
The Invisalign trays are worn most of the day and during the night too. Users receive new and tighter trays every six weeks during the process.
Next, we’ll go through the Invisalign pros and cons.
Pros
There are many benefits of Invisalign, and the main advantage is that retainers are effectively invisible. Adults and children love that colleagues, clients, and peers can’t see that they’re experiencing orthodontic treatment. Self-conscious teens especially appreciate that other people can’t notice their treatment.
By opting for Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about braces showing when you smile or having people commenting on your new mouth gear.
Dental hygiene is better when wearing Invisalign compared to braces, too. When you eat, drink, and brush your teeth, you must remove your retainers. With nothing attached to your teeth to worry about, you can eat, brush, and floss as you usually would.
While moving your teeth around when wearing Invisalign is slightly uncomfortable, Invisalign leads to fewer mouth and gum problems than braces do. As Invisalign trays are crafted with a special plastic and are fitted to each patient’s mouth, they don’t lead to cuts on the cheeks like braces often do.
Cons
There are, however, plenty of cons to straightening teeth with Invisalign too.
While being able to remove your trays is beneficial to dental hygiene, it comes as a con, too. For patients who remove their trays too frequently and for too long each time, the whole process can take longer. This means the results won’t be as effective compared to braces instead.
The main reason for failing treatment of the teeth using Invisalign is when patients lack the discipline to wear their Invisalign trays as often as possible.
Unlike braces, Invisalign isn’t suitable for everyone either. For example, patients with extremely crooked teeth aren’t good candidates for undergoing Invisalign treatment. The process may take too long, or it may not effectively straighten the teeth.
Plus, the cost of Invisalign may be too much for those with unusual teeth alignment needs.
Braces
Wearing braces is the more traditional way to straighten teeth. Braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets that are attached and bonded to the teeth. A wire is placed into the brackets, so the braces are tightened each month during the process.
Pros
One of the main benefits of braces is that you can choose the treatment no matter how difficult your case is. You can have a whole host of dental issues that need correcting and braces can be used to treat each one. When you take your braces off, you’ll be left with a beautiful straight smile.
Braces can also achieve a better outcome than Invisalign. Braces are stronger, so they have more force to shift teeth into the desired position. Invisalign, on the other hand, is more limited as to how much teeth can be moved.
Likewise, using braces can be speedier than opting for Invisalign. As you must always wear braces and cannot remove them, this means that the orthodontic treatment is finished as quickly as possible.
As braces have been used to straighten teeth for a longer period than Invisalign, there is also a higher quantity of cases with successful outcomes.
Cons
When choosing between braces or Invisalign, one of the main disadvantages of braces to consider is the aesthetics of them. The treatment is very visible when patients smile wearing braces. Many people hate the look of braces and feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth in social situations.
Dental hygiene is harder to manage when wearing braces, too. Brushing and flossing effectively is more difficult, and when you fail to clean your teeth properly plaque can build up around the braces. This can lead to tooth decay and staining.
Individuals wearing braces must also follow a restricted diet, so they don’t risk popping off. Say goodbye to chewing gum for a while!
Invisalign Vs Braces – Which Will You Choose?
Invisalign vs braces – which treatment will you choose? Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference and whether the treatment is suitable for your teeth.
If you’re conscious of the appearance of your teeth, Invisalign may be your preferred choice. However, if you’re keen to complete the treatment as fast as possible, you may opt for braces.
The best way to make an informed decision is to visit a dental professional for a thorough evaluation. That’s where we come in to help.
Book a consultation with us at TDR Orthodontics so we can help you make the right choice between braces or Invisalign. We have years of dental experience with both as successful treatment options for our satisfied patients. Say hello to a perfectly straight new smile!