Invisalign Vs. Braces: Which Is Optimal

May 02, 2022

Adults seeking treatments to straighten crooked and misaligned teeth prefer the aesthetic appearance of Invisalign. However, many are compelled to opt for traditional braces after consultations with the orthodontist in Stoney Creek.

Invisalign and traditional braces are excellent appliances to straighten teeth gradually and also FDA-approved devices. Traditional braces have been around for over a century, while Invisalign made its appearance in the late 90s. However, when choosing between the two, there are different factors people must consider because the level of correction needed, age, and lifestyle of the patient determines which orthodontic appliance suits them the best.

This article delves into the factors that need consideration before deciding between Invisalign and traditional braces.

The Functioning of Invisalign

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners among many orthodontic appliances helping correct crooked teeth. Also called virtually invisible, the aligners are custom-made mouthpieces molded from dental-grade plastic to apply pressure on the teeth to guide them to the desired position. Invisalign clear aligners are a discreet alternative to traditional metal and wire braces.

People considering orthodontic treatments should understand the benefits and traditional braces to determine which option is optimal for their needs. Let us look at the pros and cons of clear aligners such as Invisalign.

Invisalign Benefits

Invisalign delivers clear plastic invisible aligners fitting snugly over people’s teeth, remaining virtually invisible from a distance. The discreet nature of the treatment is why many adults prefer Invisalign over traditional braces.

The clear aligners fitting snugly over the teeth without any metal wires or brackets will likely not cause any cuts or discomfort in the mouth as braces can. Wearers of Invisalign experience some pain when their teeth are repositioning, but their mouths insides are largely spared any discomfort.

Invisalign comes with a removable feature allowing people to eat and drink the foods they love besides brushing and flossing their teeth to maintain appropriate dental hygiene. People are not confronted with any sticky and chewy foods because they can remove the aligners from their teeth. Best of all, people don’t need to visit orthodontists every month for adjustments and tightening of the wires accompanying traditional braces. Invisalign treatment merely requires users to see their Invisalign provider once every four to six weeks to assess their progress and collect a fresh batch of aligners.

Invisalign Drawbacks

Invisalign aligners do not work for every situation and are optimal for people needing straightening mild to moderate teeth. Patients have the freedom to eat all the foods and beverages they love by removing the aligners. However, patients are restricted from drinking merely water and no other drinks with the aligners on their teeth.

Invisalign aligners must remain on the teeth for at least 20 to 22 hours every day and requires discipline among people who qualify for the treatment. Patients with improper oral hygiene practices receive advice not to wear Invisalign because the aligner can cause bad breath and cavities. Users of Invisalign are required to brush more often whenever they have any foods or beverages.

Benefits of Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have remained preferred treatments for teeth straightening and provide many benefits over Invisalign. Unfortunately, multiple downsides lead people to consider Invisalign for straightening teeth. Let us look at the benefits and downsides of traditional braces.

Braces Benefits

Traditional braces from family dentistry help treat any complicated orthodontic imperfections. The braces adhere directly to each tooth and are more powerful than clear aligners. The braces deliver a beautiful smile even in the most challenging circumstances. Unlike earlier, when the attachment of traditional braces happened on the frontal surfaces of the teeth, patients can choose lingual braces fitted on the inner surfaces of the teeth and ceramic braces, providing a discreet alternative. Patients can achieve excellent results with traditional braces despite not being aesthetically appealing.

Traditional braces do not have a removable feature without help from an orthodontist, ensuring patients do not have to exercise discipline to have the braces on their teeth. Moreover, traditional braces don’t restrict patients from having any beverages because they are stain-resistant.

Braces Drawbacks

Traditional braces are not acknowledged for their comfort, and patients require time to get accustomed to the appliance and might experience irritation inside the mouth. The non-discreet nature of traditional braces is another drawback people must endure if compelled to wear them.

Traditional braces do not permit patients to have the foods they love for fear of damaging the wires or brackets. Furthermore, they require frequent orthodontic visits to have the wires tightened. Metal brackets remain on patients’ teeth for two years or more, leaving visible stains on their teeth and might even cause gum recession if patients do not maintain proper oral hygiene as recommended by their dentist.

Finally, traditional braces require two years or more to straighten teeth, while Invisalign accomplishes the task in approximately 12 to 18 months.

Whether patients prefer Invisalign or traditional braces is a decision best determined by the Stoney creek orthodontist after examining their teeth to evaluate the complexity level. However, Invisalign and braces are optimal for straightening teeth and deliver excellent results according to individual circumstances.

Patients looking for teeth straightening with Invisalign or traditional braces shouldn’t hesitate to contact Monarch Dentistry — Stoney Creek for an evaluation to determine which orthodontic appliance-based suits their needs.