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| Invisalign vs braces for teeth |
Invisalign vs Braces
Knowing the difference between braces and Invisalign will help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is clear and virtually undetectable, and you won't have to worry about food restrictions. At the same time, braces are highly reliable and can effectively help you get the desired results. However, there are some things you should know about both Invisalign and braces before you decide what's better for you.
While discussing Invisalign and braces, it's vital to know which one is best suited for your oral health, what's cheaper Invisalign or braces, and which option you feel comfortable with. It's advisable to seek your dentist's guidance or visit a well-experienced dental clinic near you. When choosing between Invisalign and Braces, it is essential to understand the different treatments available.
Read along to know the difference between braces and Invisalign:
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is nearly invisible and custom-made to fit over the teeth. They are an excellent replacement for traditional braces. These aligners are designed to provide the teeth and move them over time. It is mainly made of a plastic material that will impact your teeth into proper alignment. The pressure from the aligner will be enough to move most teeth into the appropriate position. However, if your teeth are difficult to move, an attachment may be necessary to guide them into place.
Invisalign treatment is customized to fit your mouth and your treatment plan. The dentist will create a 3D model of your teeth, which allows them to see every aspect of your mouth and determine what needs to be fixed. With this information, they will design a customized Invisalign treatment plan for your specific needs. While Invisalign will not work in every case, it is an excellent option for people with minor to moderate crooked teeth and gaps.
Advantages of Invisalign
Virtually Invisible
Invisalign is a highly effective treatment for gaps between teeth. It is entirely invisible and discreet. You will not feel embarrassed about socializing while wearing it. Because they are hidden, you will not feel conscious about your dental treatment and will be able to flaunt your smile with confidence.
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| Invisalign is easily removable |
Easily Removable
The advantage of clear aligners is that you can remove them for eating, brushing, and drinking. They do not limit your diet in any way and are much more comfortable than metal braces. Invisalign can be easily removed during your meals, before you sleep, and even before playing some outdoor sports.
Cost-Effective
In addition to being more comfortable, clear aligners are more affordable than metal braces. The cost of clear aligners depends on how long you need to wear them and how many trays you need. The longer your treatment takes, the higher the price.
Comfortable Enough
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign is highly comfortable and can be readily removed whenever you want. Because it is designed using high-tech technology as per the 3d model of your teeth, they fit well and provide the utmost comfort during your dental treatment.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
Difficult to Care
While Invisalign requires you to clean the aligners daily, this can be difficult for those prone to misplace things. Invisalign demands special care and attention. It needs to be cleaned regularly. And if not handled with care, Invisalign can break or be misplaced.
Less Effective for Complex Issues
Invisalign is best-suited for less complex dental problems. Invisalign may be less effective for people with complex issues. People with overcrowding and severe rotation of teeth may not be the best candidates for this treatment.
Takes Longer Time
Dental Invisalign is a relatively new teeth straightening method that uses clear, custom-made aligner trays. While Invisalign treatments are comfortable, they are time-consuming and may take several months to get the desired results.
Requires Significant Patient Commitment
Although this procedure can be affordable, it does require a high level of commitment from the patient. Patients must clean their dental Invisalign devices regularly and store them safely when not in use. Proper care must be taken while removing or wearing these devices.
What are dental braces?
While discussing the difference between braces and Invisalign, it's essential to know what they are and how they work. Dental braces are orthodontic devices that straighten, align, and position teeth so they bite properly. Dental braces have been helping patients develop healthy smiles for decades. The main goal of dental braces is to improve dental health. In addition to enhancing a person's appearance, dental braces are also effective for improving dental hygiene.
Metal braces are the most common option for adolescent and child patients. Connected to each other with a wire and secured to the braces with elastic ties, the archwire applies maximum pressure to the teeth while aligning them. The archwire is the central part of the brace, and it is adjusted frequently to keep teeth aligned. There may be soreness in the mouth after the adjustments.
Advantages of Braces
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| Woman wearing braces to correct her teeth |
Long-term Health Benefits
In addition to helping your smile, braces can improve your overall health. A poorly aligned bite also causes discomfort and can lead to problems with your digestive system. Wearing good-quality braces can help you overcome and even dodge several diseases.
Effective For Complex Dental Issues
Traditional braces are among the best options for repositioning teeth. They can also correct more complex orthodontic problems. Unlike Invisalign, braces are considered a more reliable and comfortable treatment for complex dental disorders.
Suitable at any age
Braces can be easily used by anyone, irrespective of the patient's age. Braces are an excellent choice for children, and They can correct various problems affecting the teeth and jaw, including misalignment, grinding of teeth, troublesome jaw, or soft tissue injury.
Require Less Time
Braces take less time to get you the desired smile. Compared to Invisalign, braces work fast and effectively treat various dental problems. They align teeth, straighten the bite, and improve the smile. They can also be used to correct overcrowding.
Disadvantages of Braces
Impact on Chewing
Braces do have some adverse effects on your chewing. Chewing complex objects can cause teeth to decay because they loosen the wires in your braces. You can also cause inflammation in your mouth, leading to expensive repairs and longer orthodontic treatment.
Impact on Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing are essential; you should brush at least twice daily. Unfortunately, your braces can create areas where plaque can collect. This can result in problems with your teeth and gums, including bad breath and cavities. This is the significant difference between braces and Invisalign.
Food Restriction
Knowing that some foods can damage your braces and affect your ability to chew correctly is essential.
Avoid chewing:
- hard candy,
- nuts,
- or crunchy foods.
Can cause gum disease
While braces can improve the aesthetics of your smile, they can also lead to gum disease. Braces can make it difficult to brush and floss properly and cause tooth decay and gum recession. In addition to these negative aspects, braces can also cause dental plaque to accumulate.
Key Takeaways
When deciding between braces and Invisalign, it's essential to consider the patient's lifestyle. Don't decide only based on what's cheaper Invisalign or braces, but give careful thought about your oral treatment. It's advisable to discuss the difference between braces and Invisalign with your dentist to know more about such treatments. Choose wisely, as you will spend around 12 to 20 months wearing these dental devices.
Having a straight and even smile can improve your confidence. This will translate to better social interactions. Your smile is also a big part of your overall health, so it's no surprise that many people find this procedure beneficial. Whether you're embarrassed by crooked teeth or want to improve your smile, proper dental treatment through either Invisalign or braces can make a huge difference.
AUTHOR: Emma Perry is the Lead Marketing Manager at Muir Hills Dental, the leading center for preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry in Pleasant Hill, CA. They are known throughout the region for creating healthy and beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.