Invisalign vs. Braces

When it comes to needing braces we now have choices. We can either get traditional braces or choose to get invisalign retainers. Traditional braces are made out of metal brackets and wires which are glued to the teeth. Invisalign is a series of transparent aligner trays made out of high grade plastic.

When it comes to comparing invisalign vs. braces, invisalign has the clear advantage. Literally, when you have your teeth straightened with invisalign, the fact that they are clear makes them appear to be invisible when wearing them. With invisalign people will not even know you are getting your teeth straightened vs. traditional braces that immediately draw attention to the fact that you are wearing braces.

Here are some more pros regarding invisalign vs. braces:

  • Invisalign is removable can be removed when eating. You can eat anything you want vs. braces that are permanently bonded to your teeth, limiting your diet to certain foods. With traditional braces you have to avoid foods like popcorn, chips, gum etc. This is because these foods can loosen the metal brackets and damage the wires.
  • Invisalign makes keeping up oral hygiene easy vs. braces that make keeping your teeth clean and cleared of food particles difficult. Since invisalign can be removed your children can keep their teeth brushed like they normally do. Traditional braces are very difficult to keep clean and children tend to be non compliant with keeping up hygiene with traditional braces. This sets up the scenario for developing cavities around the brackets that are bonded to the teeth. Gum disease can also develop. Also, traditional braces are notorious for causing bad breath when not kept clean.
  • Wearing invisalign trays is a lot more comfortable than wearing braces. The edges of the retainers are smooth and you will not get cuts and irritations on the inner lips and cheeks when you choose invisalign vs. braces. Metal braces and wires tend to cut the insides of the mouth and can be quite painful.
  • The length of treatment for invisalign vs. braces is usually shorter. Treatment with invisalign can be 7 to 15 months vs. 2 years or more with traditional braces.

Here are some cons regarding invisalign vs. braces:

  • One of the major cons regarding invsalign vs. braces is the fact that you have to go in and get fitted with new retainers every two weeks. Each new set fits tightly around the teeth and can cause new tooth pain from the pressure. With traditional braces you only have to go in to your orthodontist once a month to every 6 weeks for an adjustment. Some people will give up getting their teeth straightened if they have to keep going in every two weeks for the entire teeth straightening duration.
  • Each new set of aligners can be difficult to get on and off until they loosen up. With traditional braces you do not have this problem since they are permanently affixed until removed by the orthodontist.
  • Invisalign may not be an option for everyone. If the patient has bridges, crowns or needs extensive tooth movement they may not be able to wear Invisalign, which is designed only for certain tooth movements. Also, the aligners can not be used on children or young teens that still have baby teeth. Traditional braces should be used instead.

When comparing costs of invisalign vs. braces, invisalign may appear to be more expensive. However treatment time can be shorter with invisalign. In the long run this option may be less costly than traditional braces. If you are not sure if invisalign is your best treatment choice your orthodontist can help guide you depending on your individual needs.

It depends on the nature and degree of the problem you have and your treatment goals.
Comprehensive, or full, invisalign treatment may take from 7 months to 2 years, depending on the level of complexity.

With the invisalign, those paradigms are talk of the past. One will be able to correct the misalignments easily and swiftly. This might be news to certain readers – metallic dental braces can induce decaying of the teeth! This can only happen when the wearer does not clean the braces at regular intervals.

Last updated on Mar 13th, 2011 and filed under Dental Health. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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