When you are considering orthodontic treatment, you may become overwhelmed with deciding whether to use braces vs. Invisalign to make your smile healthier and better aligned.
There are benefits to both systems, and your decision on using Invisalign vs. braces may depend on the complexity of your case and your lifestyle.
Metal braces vs. Invisalign: which is better?
-
Metal braces
Metal braces are an affordable orthodontic solution typically used to treat complex issues such as tooth rotation, extreme overcrowding, and large gaps.
This orthodontic system uses brackets made of metal which are glued to the enamel on the front of each tooth. Between the brackets, metal wires are manoeuvred to help coax your teeth into the correct position. Your dentist moves your teeth in small increments using wires of varying widths over 18-24 months, but because the braces are fixed in your mouth, they are working even when you are eating and sleeping.
If you are looking for a fun way to accessorise your braces, the brackets and the elastic bands (ligatures) come in a selection of colours.
-
Invisalign®
Invisalign’s transparent BPA-free plastic aligners are designed to fit discreetly into your mouth. Invisalign is typically used to treat minor to moderate orthodontic issues like crossbites, underbites, and overbites.
Invisalign uses 3-D imaging technology to take an impression of your teeth and make customised aligner trays. At this time, you can view a timeline of what your teeth will look like during and after treatment.
You wear each aligner for approximately 22 hours a day for two weeks. Then you switch to the next tray in the series. The duration of treatment is about 18-24 months, depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues.
Benefits of metal braces
When making your choice of Invisalign vs. braces, it is crucial to consider the benefits of metal braces before making a decision. First of all, metal braces are irremovable, which can be beneficial for patients who may be worried about losing their aligner trays, or who do not want to deal with the hassle of changing their trays frequently.
Additionally, the treatment time for braces, due to their lack of removability, is much faster for some cases, than the treatment time needed for Invisalign to work. Most metal braces remain on patients’ teeth for an average of two years. This is good news for patients who feel they lack self-discipline and might not adhere to keeping aligners in their mouth for 20-22 hours each day.
If you have metal braces, only regular brushing and flossing is required, but it will take some commitment because you have to brush around each bracket and may have to use interdental floss or a waterpik to get between the wires.
Dental adjustments for patients who wear braces usually occur every four to six weeks, depending on your smile and the stage of your treatment. After the braces are removed, a retainer is used to maintain the alignment of the teeth. Retainers can be fixed or removable.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are also a number of benefits to using Invisalign trays. When looking at the choice of braces vs. Invisalign, here are some things to consider.
Invisalign aligners are removable, which is an excellent option if you are worried about food getting stuck in your teeth. Unlike with braces, you can simply remove the aligners when you want to eat something, and unlike metal braces you have no dietary restrictions.
The appearance of Invisalign is much more subtle and discreet than metal braces. If you are feeling self-conscious about having to use orthodontia in social or professional settings, Invisalign can provide an almost undetectable way to straighten your teeth.
Because there is no metal in Invisalign trays, they are more comfortable than braces, which have brackets that can create sores on the soft tissues of your mouth.
Cleaning Invisalign trays with the Invisalign cleaning system is easy to do, but don’t use toothpaste because it can discolour the trays.
With Invisalign, you will visit your dentist for a check-up about every four to six weeks. Once your treatment is complete, you will wear an Invisalign removable retainer to prevent your teeth from relapsing into their former position.
Final thoughts on braces vs. Invisalign
No matter what your thoughts are on choosing to get braces vs. Invisalign, book a consultation with a CP Dentist, to help you make the best choice for you and your needs.