Braces vs. Invisalign
Braces and Invisalign serve the same purpose: they straighten the patient’s teeth, improving their smile and oral health.
Each orthodontic treatment has its pros and cons. Let’s compare them. To know which option is right for you, read on.
Traditional braces are metal brackets attached to the outside of the teeth. These brackets are connected with wires and small rubber bands. The wire will be tightened little by little over a period of time, causing teeth to move. For patients who find the metal brackets unsightly, there are also tooth-colored ceramic braces. Another option would be lingual braces which are attached to the inside of the teeth.
Invisalign is an orthodontic innovation, making it a relatively new treatment. Align Technology, the company that created it, was founded in 1997. Invisalign is a series of custom-made clear tray aligners made of flexible plastic that help shift the patient’s teeth into the right position.
Braces vs. Invisalign: The pros and cons
Braces are permanently attached to your teeth during the entire treatment. They’re not exactly aesthetically pleasing but having them on your teeth 24/7 means they are working round the clock to improve your smile.
Invisalign is removable. You do not need to wear them 24/7. They can be removed while you eat, brush and floss your teeth. It is advised that a patient wears his or her tray 20 to 22 hours a day. Even when you’re wearing them, they’re hardly visible. They are often referred to as “invisible braces.” They are a discreet way of straightening your teeth because of their appearance, making them perfect for patients who would feel self-conscious about having braces on their teeth.
Having the ability to remove your aligners has its benefits but it also comes with the temptation to take them off when you’re not supposed to. Discipline is essential during your Invisalign treatment. You have to remember that when you don’t keep them on for the hours you are supposed to, you are delaying the progress of your treatment.
Invisalign is a more comfortable treatment—you won’t be dealing with sores or pain from the wires like you often would with traditional braces.
Visits to your dentist and treatment time
With traditional braces, you are required to visit your dentist more often than you will be if you go for Invisalign. Braces need to be adjusted every four to six weeks. Emergency visits are necessary too when brackets pop off your teeth or when your wire needs to be fixed. This is why it’s important to be careful biting into hard food when you have braces.
Braces usually take two years depending on your needs while Invisalign can take 6 to 18 months but again, that depends on your case.
Maintenance and hygiene
Maintenance and hygiene is easier with Invisalign because you can remove the trays when you brush and floss your teeth.
With braces, maintaining good oral hygiene take more work because the brackets and wires can get in the way. It is important that you make the extra effort though. Good oral health is crucial, with or without braces.
You will need to make adjustments in your diet too when you’re wearing traditional braces. You cannot eat corn on the cob like you used to or bite into apples or pears (but don’t worry, you can always slice them with a knife) to avoid damaging your braces.
With Invisalign, you can continue to eat whatever you like to eat. You just have to take off the trays when you eat or drink anything other than water to avoid stains (you want to keep your trays invisible) and getting food trapped in your aligners. Make sure you brush before wearing your aligners again.
Effectivity of braces vs. Invisalign
Both treatments are highly effective. But for more complex dental issues, conventional braces may be the right path to choose. Your orthodontist will tell you if your case requires metal braces instead of Invisalign.
The success of your Invisalign treatment rests heavily on you. You have to make sure you follow the instructions and keep wearing the tray as much as you’re supposed to.
The price
Invisalign is significantly more expensive than traditional braces. Because of the technology required for this treatment and because your series of trays are custom-created just for you, it costs more than twice the price of conventional braces.
Braces vs. Invisalign: making the choice
Still daunted by the choice? Don’t worry. Your orthodontists at BrightSmile Avenue can help you make the right decision.
For inquiries, call us at +6326212556 (BGC), +6327992784 (Banawe) or +6322969239 (Makati).
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