Invisalign Vs Braces (The Pros and Cons of Each)

INVISALIGN vs BRACES

Do you often find yourself not smiling in photos? Or feel self-conscious when you laugh when you are surrounded by people? Are you concerned about your crooked teeth in an interview? You are not alone.A smile is often the first feature people notice, and Orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign and braces is the most effective way to achieve the straight smile of your dreams. Not only will it change the aesthetics of your face, but it will make you feel confident in many ways, transforming you and your smile.In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the use of clear aligners to straighten and transform smiles. Although you are probably wondering, why is it that some people are still recommended the traditional braces with brackets and wires, whilst others are using clear aligners such as Invisalign to change their smiles?

So, what’s the difference? Why is one recommended over the other?Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are transparent and removable. They have become the invisible way to achieve a straighter smile and for these reasons’ clear aligners tend to be favoured by adults as they are discrete. There are a series of customised aligners that are made for each patient based on the 3D scan of their mouth. Each aligner is used for 1-2 weeks before moving onto the next aligner. Each aligner plays a role in moving your teeth to the right position.Traditional braces however consist of wires, brackets, and elastics. This provides the dentist to have control over tooth movement. When individuals have complex cases such as under-bite or deep bites, then braces are the gold standard for straightening teeth and improving bite function.The type of orthodontic treatment that is appropriate for you also is dependent on the type of orthodontic problem you have.Let us talk about the pros and cons of Invisalign Vs Bracesh removal can seem like a daunting and painful process, especially when you do not know what to expect. But it is usually a very quick and uncomplicated procedure, which in the long run be more beneficial to your oral health.

The Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign is aesthetically better: One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are transparent. Who would not love treatment that is almost invisible? It is for this reason clear aligners such as Invisalign have become significantly popular in young teens and adult patients. Not only are they clear in colour but they are also removable, so often in social settings such as parties and weddings you can have the convenience of removing them for a short amount of time and still feel confident enough to smile in photos.

Removing aligners when eating: For the most optimum results, Invisalign needs to be worn from anywhere between 20-22 hours per day. Therefore, this allows for convenience any time during the day/night when you go out to eat. It also means you do not have to change your diet as opposed to braces where some food types can be difficult or inconvenient to eat.

Brushing and flossing made easy: Clear aligners are not only just convenient for drinking, eating and social settings but these removable retainers allow for seamless flossing and brushing.

Fewer Consultations: These digitally designed aligners are created based on the moulds of your teeth therefore customizing a specific treatment plan for everyone, a lot of the work is done for you before you even receive your aligners. Through a 3D scan, a series of aligners are made in a laboratory that you receive. They are all shaped slightly differently from one another and each aligner has its purpose, therefore unlike braces, no dentist visits are needed for adjustments. Appointments are kept to a minimum to check on progress and to allow for directions by your dentist.

Comfort: Whether its braces or Invisalign, moving teeth can be painful and uncomfortable in general. However, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is a smooth and clear plastic mould that fits perfectly like a mouth guard which prevents sores and cuts on the inside of the cheeks.

Invisalign Disadvantages

Discipline is required for optimum results: To get the most out of your Invisalign and for the best results, Invisalign needs to be worn 22 hours a day. To have the convenience to be able to remove your aligners can be an advantage but also a disadvantage if you are not disciplined. It is important that aligners are put right back in your mouth after a social event, brushing, and eating. It is important to have discipline and that you comply with the treatment protocol to ensure you get the best results.

The inconvenience of removing aligners: Again, the ability to remove aligners can be a pro and a con. It is important that when you are out eating you carry your retainer case so you can safely put them away without losing them. Food particles and drinks can cause your aligners to stain. You also run an increased risk of cavities and bad breath. To avoid such problems, its important you carry a toothbrush with you to freshen up before putting them back in your mouth.

Invisalign Effectiveness vs Braces: Although Invisalign can deal with a wide variety of cases from light to complex cases, it isn’t always necessarily the best treatment method. Invisalign is often not recommended for those who have very complex orthodontic cases. It is important to discuss with your dentist the treatment options that would be best suited to your needs before making an informed decision. An experienced dentist will always advise you on the best treatment option for your specific needs.

Attachments: In some Invisalign cases, patients are required to have resin attachments attached to their teeth. This allows for the aligner to grip onto the teeth better to enable the teeth to shift into the desired position. Although the resin attachments are very similar to the colour of your teeth sometimes, they can be obvious and give a ‘clear braces’ appearance.

The Advantages of Braces

Suited to all treatments: The beauty of braces is that it does not matter how light or complex the case is. Whether you have multiple dental and facial issues, such as underbite or deep bite, no matter the complexity braces can complete treatment and transform it into an incredible smile.

Achieving a better result: Braces are the most powerful and gold standard treatment method used to move teeth into their desired position. Braces use anchors and archwire to pull teeth into place this allows for more force to move teeth into the desired position. This can tend to achieve a better result than Invisalign as Invisalign is restricted in how much teeth can be moved at a time.

Multiple Types of Braces to Choose From: Braces are more than just the traditional wire and brackets. With new innovations, there are now many options when it comes to braces. Patients now have the choice of lingual and ceramic braces which are more of a discrete option.

Faster Treatment Time: When starting the journey of either Invisalign or braces, the duration of treatment is a big thing to consider. Often people want their treatment finished as quickly as possible. Often when it comes to closing gaps and aligning teeth treatment time can be faster with braces than Invisalign. The skill and experience of the dentist can also contribute to consistently faster treatment times.

Disadvantages for Braces:

Aesthetics of braces: The aesthetics of braces is one of its biggest disadvantages as often people do not like the appearance of how they look. People are often concerned and self-conscious when wearing braces, particularly in social settings, taking photos, and eating.

Brushing your teeth: Brushing and flossing can often be a little trickier with braces. All surfaces must be flossed and brushed properly otherwise you run the risk of having plaque build up around the brackets and wires which can lead to decay and staining.

Diet and food: Caution needs to be taken when eating and drinking with braces. Some hard and sticky foods can cause breakage of the wires and brackets. It is important to see your dentist if this happens to repair the wires and brackets so that treatment is not prolonged.

More regular consultations: Unlike Invisalign where the aligners are already made and can be changed without a visit, more routine visits are required with braces for adjustments. Changes need to be closely monitored and adjustments need be made once a month to have your teeth moved into the desired position.

What is the right decision for your treatment plan? There is a lot to consider when choosing the right treatment plan for yourself. It is important that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Weighing up some pros and cons will give you a better understanding of which orthodontic treatment may be most suitable to you and your lifestyle. To make sure you select the best treatment option to achieve your perfect smile, it is best to visit your dentist for a consultation.The Smile Designer Dental Studio offers free Orthodontic consultations including Invisalign® consultations. Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more and start your smile journey.