A beautiful smile does wonders for your confidence, but we’re not all blessed with perfect pearly whites. As we embark on our journey to straight teeth, we’re offered two choices: dental braces or Invisalign?
If you’re scratching your head unsure of which team to root for, we’ve got your back. Here’s a break-down of the two teams, braces vs Invisalign.
The Basics
Braces and Invisalign are orthodontic treatments to help straighten a patient’s teeth. Straightened teeth not only look great, but they also guarantee better function. But which is more effective, Invisalign vs braces?
Traditional braces are metal brackets attached to your teeth, tied together by wires and rubber bands. This option has been around for years, but orthodontists have added a modern touch such as colorful bands.
Invisalign has boomed in popularity and has remained a popular option. Invisalign is invisible (go figure!) as a set of clear plastic trays fit over the patient’s teeth. X-rays, pictures, and impressions create a 3D image of the teeth to customize your aligner.
Braces
As you know, braces are not removable and place functionality over style. This option is effective for fixing complex tooth issues and closing gaps and aligning teeth. The fixed brackets and wires pose a challenge to maintain good dental hygiene, and you must avoid chewy or crunchy foods like apples, popcorn, and gum.
Every situation is different, but patients wear braces from 18 months to 3 years. Patients must attend a check-up every 4-6 weeks so the dentist can change the bands attached the brackets and replace the wire.
When deciding between braces on Invisalign, consider these benefits like:
- Correcting misaligned teeth within a short time
- Fixes an abnormal bite
- Irremovable: useful for patients who worry about losing their trays
- Quicker treatment time
- More effective for complex dental issues
Which is better Invisalign or braces? For those that face many obstacles to achieve straight teeth and perfect biting, braces may be for you.
Invisalign
Invisalign is efficient for tooth movements that aren’t too complicated. Patients must wear their trays 24 hours a day with change-outs every two weeks. This is a more aesthetic option as they’re invisible, which many patients prefer, and they don’t affect your speech.
You may ask, “does Invisalign work faster than braces?”
Well, as Invisalign is less invasive than metal braces, a patient must wear them between 6 and 18 months for 20-22 hours a day. Patients must attend a follow-up every 4-6 weeks where the dentist swaps the trays to match the shift of the patient’s teeth.
Benefits of Invisalign include:
- Invisible
- Removable
- No food restrictions
- Comfortable: Unlike metal braces, the trays won’t irritate the gums or cheeks
- Efficient for gently moving teeth in uncomplicated cases
The debate between metal braces vs Invisalign depends on what the patient is more comfortable with. Invisalign is great for those who are self-conscious about braces, such as adults who want to straighten their teeth. They’re also easy-to-clean as you can clean the trays with by brushing and rinsing in lukewarm water.
Braces vs Invisalign, Whose Side Are You On?
So, what are the results for braces vs Invisalign?
If you have complex dental issues that involve re-aligning teeth and fixing a bite, consider braces. As they’re fixed, braces can work their magic 24/7 as long as the patient attends check-ups and maintains good oral hygiene. For those who are self-conscious and have less to fix, Invisalign is perfect. They’re easy to clean, and you can remove them whenever you want to eat with zero restrictions. It’s a win-win.
If you want more details about orthodontic treatment, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us here for more information.