Braces Vs Invisalign

When you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, it can be hard to work out which method will be better for you. The best way to decide is to do your research. This way, you can find out what methods are available to you. We also recommend seeking professional advice, as the type of suitable orthodontic treatment will depend on the kind of problem you wish to have corrected. During your appointment, your dentist can recommend the best treatment to help you achieve your desired results.

Here at Oldbury Smile Spa, we understand how stressful choosing the correct teeth straightening treatment can become. Ensuring you select the right treatment for your personal situation is vital for achieving your desired smile. Invisalign won’t be effective for everyone so it’s best to seek advice from your dentist. We’ve compared the pros and cons of Invisalign aligners and traditional braces, to help with your decision.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign treatment uses clear, plastic aligners. These aligners are customised for each patient after completing a 3D scan of their mouth and teeth. These aligners will move your teeth in small steps until your desired position is reached. Aligners should be changed every few months to a new fitting.

Different Types of Invisalign Braces 

• Invisalign i7 – Invisalign i7 braces are used to fix minor teeth misalignment issues and are ideal for aesthetic improvements with minimal treatment.
• Invisalign Express – Invisalign express is the best solution for minor overcrowding or spacing. It addresses limited problems with a shorter treatment time.
• Invisalign Lite – Moderate or Class 1 malocclusion cases are resolved with Invisalign Lite. In these cases, the individual has a normal bite but the upper teeth slightly overlap the teeth in the lower front.
• Invisalign Full – Invisalign Full aligners are used for more severe cases, usually including an over or an underbite. This Invisalign treatment is most frequently prescribed by oral healthcare professionals.
• Invisalign Teen – Invisalign Teen is exclusively meant for teenagers. Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign Teen braces includes tooth eruption tabs. The average duration of teeth straightening treatment using Invisalign Teen is one year although that differs from case to case.

 

Invisalign Benefits 

Invisible Appearance 

Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic, making the braces invisible. Invisalign’s aligners are actually made of a thermoplastic, medical-grade material that was designed by NASA. Invisalign aligners are a great option for patients who are conscious about the appearance of braces. Invisalign aligners are also a perfect option for nervous patients due to minimal invasion during fitting. Invisalign braces are perfect for people who want to live life without the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces.

Improved Cleanliness

Invisalign braces are removable. This means the trays themselves can be cleaned to avoid plaque build-up. The removable tray also allows you to access all of your teeth fully when brushing for effective cleaning. A clean mouth is a healthy mouth. The better care you take of your teeth during your Invisalign treatment, the better results you will see from your end smile. Regular hygiene appointments are a great way to keep on top of your oral hygiene and ensure you’re getting the best from your treatment.

Comfort

As mentioned previously, Invisalign trays are made from clear plastic. This makes them much more comfortable than the traditional brace method. With no wires or sharp extruding edges, you should experience minimal discomfort. Invisalign aligners are custom made to fit your teeth and mouth so over time you should barely be able to notice them in your mouth.

Eat Whatever You Want 

One of the worst parts about teeth straightening is the food restrictions. With many orthodontic options, some of your favourite foods are off-limits. This is not a problem when you choose Invisalign. Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat whatever you want without any hassle or discomfort.

Saves Time

Invisalign aligners only need to be maintained every 6 weeks on average. Other teeth straightening options can take much more time and many more appointments. Choosing Invisalign means you are able to spend less time at the dentist.

Better Dental Health

Straight teeth are better for your gums and dental health. Gaps and crowding can make it difficult to successfully clean your teeth. Teeth in awkward positions are more prone to plaque build-up and decay.  Better dental health leads to better overall health.

Beautifully Straight Teeth

Invisalign leads to beautifully straight teeth and a wonderful smile. Possibly the best reason to use Invisalign!

 

Invisalign Cons 

Patients Need to be Disciplined

Being able to take out your aligners is both a pro and a con. You need to be disciplined enough to remember to put them back in after brushing or eating. You should also try and avoid removing them due to discomfort in the first few days/weeks of your treatment.

 

Taking Aligners in and Out Can Be Inconvenient 

Your aligners need to be removed whenever you eat or drink anything except water. After removal, your teeth should be cleaned before replacing them. Food particles can stop your teeth from moving and can stain your aligners. You are also at increased risk of cavities and bad breath.

 

Effectiveness 

Invisalign is not always the best teeth straightening option. In more complex orthodontic cases Invisalign aligners may not work effectively. It is always best to contact your dentist when considering teeth straightening options to ensure you’re receiving the right treatment for your personal needs.

 

Cost 

Because of the advances in 3D scanning technology and the flexible material involved in making the aligners, the cost of Invisalign can be similar to braces. Depending on the specific problem, some treatment is difficult if not impossible to achieve with Invisalign alone.  Your orthodontist might discuss the possibility of finalising tooth positions with braces. This could result in a more expensive overall treatment cost.

 

Braces 

Traditionally, braces are made of metal and attached to the outside of the teeth. Metal wires and rubber bands are attached to the brackets to manipulate and straighten your teeth to correct orthodontic problems. Typically, these are used for the most severe teeth-straightening cases.

However, there are now more options such as ceramic and lingual braces. Ceramic braces are made from translucent materials and have a more discreet appearance. Lingual braces are typically fitted to the back of the teeth. A great dentist should be able to advise you on the best kind of teeth straightening treatment for your perfect smile.

 

Braces Benefits 

Suitable for Most Treatments 

With traditional braces, it doesn’t matter how complex your alignment issues are. You may have multiple issues that need correcting – braces can be used for each one so you end up with a beautiful smile at the end of your treatment. Braces use anchors and an archwire to pull the teeth into place. They are the most powerful treatment method in aligning teeth into the desired position

 

Perfect Results

Braces have more force to move and align teeth. There are no limitations on positions and corrections that can be achieved with the traditional braces method.

 

Multiple Styles to Choose From 

There is a range of brace options to choose from. You can get ceramic braces to make the appearance less noticeable. You can also get lingual braces that are placed on the back of the teeth to further hide your brace appearance.

 

Braces Cons 

• Brace Aesthetics
  Some people worry that they will become self-conscious of their braces. This can be because they do not like the look of metal braces and worry about how it will affect their overall appearance.
• Diet
  Some care needs to be taken when it comes to consuming food and drink with braces. Hard, sticky and chewy foods may damage the wire of your brace, requiring an emergency trip to the dentist. Multiple breakages can prolong your treatment time.  This means that you could be waiting longer and potentially spending more money to achieve your desired results.
• Brushing Your Teeth
  Brushing and flossing your teeth can become difficult with braces. This is due to the brackets and wire that are attached to your teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to staining and decay once the treatment has been completed. You must strictly follow your brushing guidelines from your dentist to avoid this. You could also book regular hygiene appointments with your dentist, to ensure you are cleaning and caring for your teeth efficiently.
• Regular Dentist Appointments
  Braces require more regular trips to the dentist. Your teeth should be checked monthly for movement, and your braces should be adjusted accordingly.

 

Teeth Straightening Options

To start your teeth straightening journey, contact Oldbury Smile Spa today. Our team are highly trained and experienced in all aspects of teeth straightening. We have a variety of options and can advise you on the best course of treatment for your personal situation. Free teeth whitening and retainers are offered with all braces and Invisalign treatments. We also offer general and advanced dentistry, as well dental bonding and dental implants. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and have generated a wealth of outstanding reviews from our patients.