Do you want to align your teeth and are confused about treatment? Read to know about Invisalign vs. braces pros and cons.
Both Invisalign Vs. Braces have their own benefits, but let’s explore which one is better. Here are some pros and cons of Invisalign vs. braces.
Advantages of Invisalign Vs. Braces
Here are some benefits of Invisalign vs. braces:
Invisibility
The most significant advantage of Invisalign vs. braces is that they are nearly invisible. This is great for adults and self-conscious teens who don’t want others to see their braces. You won’t have people commenting on your braces, and you’ll feel confident in photos as your smile improves.
Easy Eating
You can take out Invisalign aligners when you eat. You don’t have to change your diet or how you eat because of braces. With traditional braces, some foods can be challenging or uncomfortable to eat.
Simple Oral Care
Invisalign makes it easy to brush and floss your teeth. You remove the aligners before brushing, so there’s nothing on your teeth to worry about. You can maintain your regular oral hygiene routine.
Fewer Orthodontist Visits
Invisalign requires less in-person visits to the orthodontist. Most of the work happens before you even start wearing the aligners. A 3D scan of your teeth is used to make custom retainers, and you change them according to your orthodontist’s instructions. There’s no need for frequent adjustments, which means fewer trips to the orthodontist and less time off work.
Comfortable to Wear
You might be thinking, “Are braces or Invisalign more painful?” Invisalign can be uncomfortable, similar to traditional braces, when it comes to moving your teeth. However, Invisalign tends to cause fewer mouth and gum issues. Invisalign retainers are made from a special plastic and custom-fit to each person’s mouth. Unlike braces, Invisalign typically doesn’t result in cuts on the inside of your cheeks or the need for special mouthwashes.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
While Invisalign has its benefits, there are also some drawbacks of Invisalign vs. braces. Here are some cons of Invisalign vs. braces:
Discipline Required
Using Invisalign requires discipline. You must put your aligners back in your mouth after eating or brushing for at least 22 hours daily. If you’re not diligent about this, your treatment may also not work. Lack of patient compliance is a common reason for Invisalign treatment not achieving the desired results.
Inconvenience
Invisalign aligners have to be taken out before eating and drinking anything except water. You need to discreetly remove them in public and make sure not to lose them. Afterward, you must brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in. Food particles can hinder teeth movement and stain the aligners. Plus, not following these guidelines can increase the risk of cavities and bad breath.
Cost Comparison
People often wonder whether braces or Invisalign is cheaper. Thanks to advancements in 3D scanning technology and the materials used for making aligners, the cost of Invisalign can be similar to braces.
However, the specific issue you have might require braces in addition to Invisalign, which can make the treatment more expensive. In some cases, lingual (inside) braces are also compared to Invisalign because they provide an almost invisible look. Like Invisalign, lingual braces are fully customized, making them pricier than traditional braces.
Attachments
Some Invisalign patients need attachments to help the aligners grip and move teeth. You might require just a few attachments on most of your teeth. These button-like attachments, while similar in color to your teeth, can make it seem like you’re wearing clear braces instead of aligners.
Advantages of Braces
Traditional braces, including newer lingual braces, offer several advantages:
Suitable for All Treatments
Braces are versatile and can address even complex cases. Whether you have multiple dental and facial issues that need correction, braces can effectively treat them, leaving you with a beautiful smile. They use anchors and archwires to move teeth into their desired positions, making them a powerful treatment method.
Potential for a Perfect Result
Braces have the ability to achieve better results than Invisalign. They provide more force to move teeth where they need to be. Invisalign has limitations on how much movement can be achieved at one time.
Various Types of Braces
Braces aren’t limited to just traditional metal brackets and wires. Patients can choose from options like lingual and ceramic braces, which are less noticeable. So, you can benefit from the effectiveness of braces without the prominent metal appearance if that’s a concern for you.
Faster Treatment with Braces
When it comes to closing gaps and aligning teeth, you might wonder whether braces or Invisalign are quicker. In general, braces tend to be faster in these aspects compared to Invisalign. The speed of treatment is often a significant consideration because many people want to complete their orthodontic treatment as quickly as possible. The expertise and experience of the orthodontist also play a role in achieving consistently faster treatment times.
Disadvantages of Braces
While braces offer many benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider among Invisalign vs. braces:
Aesthetics of Braces
Some people are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces and may feel self-conscious in certain social situations.
Brushing Your Teeth
Cleaning your teeth can be more challenging with braces. Improper cleaning can lead to plaque buildup around the braces, resulting in staining and decay. Patients must follow their orthodontist’s instructions on how to brush and floss correctly with braces.
Diet and Food Precautions
You must be careful about the food and drinks you consume with braces. Hard and sticky foods can break the archwire or dislodge a bracket from a tooth. When this happens, the braces won’t be effective until the damage is repaired. Multiple breakages can prolong your treatment time.
Regular Consultations
Braces require more frequent visits to the orthodontist for progress checks and adjustments. About once a month, your orthodontist will assess how much your teeth have moved and make necessary changes to continue guiding your teeth in the right direction.
In contrast, Invisalign patients visit the orthodontist less frequently because their aligners are already made and can be changed without in-office adjustments.
Conclusion
The blog guides you on Invisalign vs. braces. Always consult your dentist for treatment options to align your teeth. Select the treatment that suits you the best. Contact Dentalsway for more information on Invisalign vs. braces.
