Dentists have several ways of straightening your teeth. However, the most commonly used methods today are Invisalign and traditional braces. While both these methods have significant benefits, they also come with some drawbacks. Therefore, it becomes difficult to decide which treatment you should use.

It is thus essential that you weigh out the pros and cons of each method carefully. Bear in mind that the right type of orthodontic treatment suitable for you depends on the orthodontic problem you have. Individuals should research and get lots of information about these methods to make an informed decision.

If you are wondering which treatment you should opt for, we have written this guide on braces vs. Invisalign. Keep reading to learn more about each treatment method.

Understanding the Basics

Braces and Invisalign are treatments that straighten one’s teeth and improve their smile as well as their oral health. Invisalign treatment began in 2000 therefore it’s not as old as traditional braces.

Braces are metal brackets glued to a person’s teeth and tied together using tiny rubber bands and wires. But, ceramic and lingual braces (glued behind the teeth) are available nowadays. Also, individuals can get braces that match their enamel color. Thus, cannot be easily noticed. But if you want to, you can also get colored ones to help make a fashion statement.

Invisalign is invisible. The treatment uses plastic aligners that are smooth, comfortable and free of BPA. Individuals wear these aligners over their teeth. Since they’re customized for each patient, dentists have to do a 3D scan of your mouth. They help subtly and gently move your teeth in small steps until they become straight.

Advantages of Traditional Braces

Braces Come in Different Types

Nowadays, braces don’t just come in metal brackets and wires. Individuals can choose from lingual or ceramic braces that are more discreet. Therefore, if the metal look bothers you, you still have a wide range of choices.

Used for All Treatments

It doesn’t matter how complicated your case is, braces can still correct the problem. Even if you have several orthodontic issues, braces can fix all of them so that you finish your treatment with a beautiful smile. As they use an archwire and anchors to move the teeth into place, they’re an excellent treatment for straightening one’s teeth into the desired position.

Treatment Is Faster

When it comes to choosing a treatment method, one important question to ask is how long? Speed is an essential factor since many people want their orthodontic treatment finished quickly. But, while the expertise and experience of your orthodontist specialist influence the treatment time, so does your method of choice. Braces generally help align teeth and close gaps faster than Invisalign.

High Chances of Achieving Perfect Results

Compared to Invisalign, braces can achieve perfect results. That’s because they have more force of moving your teeth straight. But with Invisalign, how much your teeth can be moved at a time is limited.

Why Braces Might Not Be a Good Option?

Difficult to Brush Your Teeth

It’s hard to floss or brush your teeth with braces. However, if teeth are not cleaned properly, a plaque can build up and around the braces that can cause tooth decay or staining. It’s therefore essential that you follow instructions from your orthodontist on how to clean your teeth properly while wearing braces.

Aesthetics Might Not be Appealing

Some people don’t like how traditional braces look. Some even worry that they’ll feel self-conscious about their appearance when socializing.

More Visits to the Orthodontist

Your orthodontist has to regularly check on the progress of your braces and have them adjusted if necessary. At least once per month he/she must check how much your teeth have moved and if need be, make some changes so that they move into the desired position. However with Invisalign, since your aligners have been custom-made and fitted, there’s no need for regular visits.

Problems with Diet and Food Preparation

You can’t eat or consume every food and drink with braces. Experts advise that you avoid hard or sticky foods as they can lead to breaking of the archwire or dislodging of a bracelet from your tooth. If this happens, the braces won’t work until you get them repaired. Also, multiple breakages can extend the time your treatment takes.

Invisalign Advantages

Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth Is Easier

Since one can remove retainers anytime, they can comfortably brush or floss their teeth. With nothing on your teeth, you can ensure that you clean them properly.

Appearance is Much Better

Invisalign trays that are used for teeth alignment are made of a clear thermoplastic material that’s custom made, hence people will not notice them easily. If you don’t want people to know about your treatment, this can be an excellent method.

Comfortable to Wear

Although moving teeth with Invisalign can be painful and uncomfortable, you’ll experience fewer gum/mouth problems while wearing your aligners. Since retainers are made of smooth plastic material that is fitted as per the patient mouth, there are no cuts inside your cheeks. Thus you’ll not deal with salt washes.

Aligners Can Be Removed

Although you have to wear your aligners for the most part of the day, you don’t have to wear all the time. For effective results, wear Invisalign for 20-22 hours each day. You can, therefore, eat anything you want unlike with braces where sticky or hard food can cause breakages.

Fewer Consultations

Much work is done before one wears their aligners. Since a 3D scan is used, individuals get perfectly customized retainers. You’ll only change the retainer sets when your orthodontist advises you to do so. Otherwise, there’s no need for regular visits to your orthodontist for adjustments.

Reasons Why People Don’t Choose Invisalign

Expensive

The 3D technology used and aligning materials, make this process costly. Also, Invisalign can’t treat all orthodontic problems. Thus, for someone with two or more issues, you might need another treatment along with Invisalign which can be expensive.

Requires Discipline

While being able to remove your aligners is an advantage it can also be a disadvantage especially for people who’re not disciplined on putting them back after eating or cleaning their teeth. If you don’t wear your retainers for long hours, your treatment may not be effective.

Inconvenience with Taking Aligners Out

Aligners should be removed before eating or drinking any other thing other than water. When you’re in public places, taking them out discreetly can be difficult. Also, food particles can enter into and stop your teeth from moving thus staining your aligners and putting you at risk of bad breath or cavities.

Final Thoughts

There are many things that individuals should consider when deciding which orthodontic treatment is suitable for them. But, weighing the pros and cons of each treatment will help you make an informed decision. Both braces and Invisalign can help straighten your teeth. But, consider how each will benefit you before settling on either.