Many people think that orthodontic treatment is best for teenagers or young adults, but this is a common misconception. Our teeth continue to shift and move as we age, so people of many ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Are you wanting to improve your smile, perhaps by correcting an overbite or adjusting crooked or overcrowded teeth? It’s helpful to know what your options are for improving teeth alignment, and what are the different features and benefits of traditional braces Vs Invisalign aligners.
Traditional braces have brackets made of metal which are attached to the outside of the teeth. Metal wires and rubber bands are then attached to the brackets and over time are tightened and manipulated, causing the teeth to move to new positions.
Invisalign is a clear alternative to braces, and uses clear plastic trays, or aligners, which are customised to each patient by taking molds and scans of the mouth. Adjustments are made to the aligners over time, so that the teeth move to new positions.
There are some other differences to consider, which are best discussed with your dentist to determine the right option for you:
Treatment Suitability
One of the first considerations when deciding between traditional braces or Invisalign is the specific issue or issues you are wanting to correct. For more complex orthodontic issues, traditional braces may be the best option. Other considerations are alignment issues, treatment duration, and aesthetic preferences. If you have misaligned teeth and/or jaws, it may work better to have traditional braces, at least at the beginning of your orthodontic treatment while this is corrected. In terms of aesthetics, Invisalign are much less obvious than traditional braces, which is an important factor for many patients.
Visibility and Comfort
In terms of visibility and comfort, you can expect some mild discomfort from both traditional braces and Invisalign, especially when your braces have just been tightened or your Invisalign aligners have recently been changed. This is because the teeth and jaw are adjusting to the teeth being moved to new positions. Invisalign is designed to be more gentle and comfortable than traditional braces, and they are also much less obvious visually. Learn more about Invisalign at Lillybrook Dental here.
Treatment Effectiveness
One of the benefits of braces is that regardless of how complex your needs are, they have more force than Invisalign to move teeth to different positions so can correct multiple issues. Because they have more force, treatment with braces may take less time than when using Invisalign. This is often a consideration for patients, who want to see results as quickly as possible. Invisalign is limited in terms of how much teeth can be repositioned at one time so may be more suitable for less complex issues and patients who are happy to take more time to achieve their desired result.
Maintenance and Care
Invisalign can be removed for a couple of hours a day. This is especially recommended while eating and drinking. Because traditional braces are not removed by the patient, there is the risk of the braces becoming damaged or dislodged by food, particularly hard or chewy food types, which can mean an emergency trip to the orthodontist to have your braces repaired. Because Invisalign can be removed by the patient, it is easier for you to take care of your teeth and gums. Plaque can build up around the brackets of traditional braces so extra care should be taken when cleaning teeth. For athletes who play contact sports, Invisalign might be preferred as the metal of braces could cause injury.
Cost and Affordability
As with most treatments, there are financial aspects to orthodontic treatments. For both traditional braces and Invisalign your orthodontist will need to take some images and molds of your mouth to fit your appliances to you. If you break your braces or break/lose your Invisalign aligners, there will be repair and/or replacement costs to consider. Some insurances cover orthodontic work, so it would pay to check with your provider. We also have a range of payment options so you can smile now and pay later.
At Lillybrook Dental we can help with ways to help straighten your smile, book an appointment today to discuss your needs and we will make a plan that works for you.
Disclaimers:
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Lillybrook Dental can consult with you to confirm if orthodontic treatment is right for you.
References:
How does Invisalign Treatment Work? Accessed Wednesday 14th August 2024 from https://www.invisalign.co.nz/
Learn more about Orthodontic Options. Accessed Wednesday 14th August 2024 from https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/
Overview-Misaligned Teeth and Jaws. Accessed Wednesday 14th August 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553375/#:~:text=Severe%20misalignments%20can%20cause%20problems,aligned%20properly%20is%20%E2%80%9Cmalocclusion.%E2%80%9D
