Braces or Invisalign: Which Is Better for You?
Both traditional braces and Invisalign have advantages and disadvantages you should consider before making a final decision. However, only your dentist can give you a comprehensive professional opinion on what treatment is the most suitable in your case.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces usually consist of metal or porcelain brackets connected by metal wire and elastic bands. They solve misalignment issues by constantly applying pressure to the teeth and shifting their position over time.
Advantages of Traditional Braces
- The most significant advantage of traditional braces is that they can effectively solve a wide range of orthodontic issues, including the most severe and complex cases. This treatment method has been used in dentistry for decades and can offer predictable and reliable results. Thus, braces might be the right choice for people with complex cases of bite misalignment and overcrowdedness.
- Traditional braces, especially metal ones, are very durable. Their durability offers two benefits: they are not easy to break in daily use and can withstand the pressure needed to align even very crooked teeth.
- Traditional braces can offer the dentist precise control over the movement of your teeth.
- In some cases, braces can be the most timely and cost-effective treatment option.
Disadvantages of Traditional Braces
- One disadvantage that can deter people from choosing braces as a treatment option is that they are quite noticeable in the mouth. Keep in mind, though, that modern braces are smaller and more discreet compared to those of the past. Also, you can choose the color of the band to make your braces look more fun. Braces with ceramic brackets instead of metal ones are less noticeable as ceramic material looks similar to the enamel of natural teeth. However, ceramic braces are less durable than metal braces.
- Another disadvantage of metal braces is that they require more time for cleaning. Also, it is more difficult to brush and floss your teeth with braces. However, now there are special tools available on the market that can help simplify the hygiene routine.
- Traditional braces require frequent adjustments during treatment, so you will have to visit your dentist relatively often.
- Metal parts of traditional braces can cause some rubbing and soreness in the mouth. However, in most cases, these feelings go away once a patient becomes used to the braces.
Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners are made of clear, transparent, medical-grade plastic. The treatment involves wearing a set of custom-made trays, which you change as the treatment progresses. Invisalign works in the same way as traditional braces—by applying pressure to the teeth.
Advantages of Invisalign
- Invisalign is more inconspicuous in the mouth compared to traditional braces, so it might be preferable to people who are concerned with how their smile looks during the treatment.
- Invisalign aligners are removable, so it is much easier to clean the appliance itself and to brush and floss your teeth. You should also remove the trays when eating, which simplifies the process.
- Some patients report that they experience less toothache with Invisalign than with traditional braces. However, some toothache is still unavoidable with both treatments when teeth are forced to move through the gums and the jaw bone to get into the desired position.
- Invisalign trays are smooth and do not have any metal parts that can rub against your cheeks, which makes them more comfortable to wear. However, some people still experience rubbing along the gumline until they get used to wearing the aligners.
- During Invisalign treatment, you will need fewer visits to your dentist because you can change the trays by yourself following the provided schedule. You will still visit your dentist once in a while to check on the progress and if any adjustments have to be made.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
- Invisalign treatment might not be effective enough in cases of severe teeth and bite misalignment or other complicated orthodontic issues.
- Because Invisalign trays are removable, the treatment might not be suitable for people who are not ready to commit to the strict routine of wearing the trays for at least 22 hours a day. If you think you might not have enough discipline to wear the aligners, opt for braces that can not be taken out at will.
Make an Appointment Today
Do not hesitate to make an appointment at the orthodontics office in Long Beach today if you need a consultation about your future treatment. Our specialist will help you choose the right treatment option in your case to achieve the best results. We look forward to your visit.
