Which one is best for you: Invisalign or braces? If you’ve been wondering if Invisalign is worth it, then the answer to that question can get rather complicated. While both orthodontic treatments essentially do the same job (ie. straightening your teeth), they aren’t equivalent to one another. Which one is best for you may depend on certain factors, like severity of your misalignment, budget, and lifestyle. There are advantages to using one or the other, but before you decide, it’s vital to do some research so you can make an informed decision. Read on for a short guide to braces and Invisalign clear aligners to prepare you to make that decision.
Invisalign vs. Braces: What’s the Difference?
While Invisalign and braces do the same job, they don’t do that job in exactly the same way. Braces work by attaching metal (or ceramic) brackets to your teeth. Metal wires and rubber bands are then attached to the brackets to slowly pull your teeth into proper alignment. On the other hand, opting for Invisalign treatment entails the use of clear plastic aligners that gradually set your teeth into alignment as you wear them. To fit the aligners properly and comfortably, your dentist takes 3D scans of your mouth to ensure that the aligners achieve that comfy fit.
Benefits of Invisalign
There’s more to choosing Invisalign than just being a good candidate for it. There are certain advantages to choosing Invisalign that may entice you to select it over braces. Some of those advantages include:
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Greater Comfort
One common complaint regarding braces is that they can be uncomfortable and painful to wear. In contrast, clear aligners are designed to rest comfortably in your mouth as they work. The 3D scans are meant to precisely measure your mouth so the Invisalign aligners fit without hurting your gums. There can be some discomfort from the pressure exerted on your teeth, but otherwise clear aligners are considerably less uncomfortable than braces.
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Lower Visibility
As the name implies, Invisalign aligners are designed to be clear and invisible. Many people, particularly young people, can be self-conscious about wearing braces. Those concerns are particularly pronounced if there’s a need to wear those braces for months or years to get the job done. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to do their jobs discreetly, without calling attention to the fact that you’re wearing them. At a distance, or in photos, it might be nearly impossible to tell you’re wearing them in the first place.
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Ease of Eating
When it comes to wearing braces, there are foods you ought to avoid, like hard, crunchy foods. These foods can affect your braces, and so it’s usually best to avoid them while wearing your braces. Invisalign aligners can be removed when you need to eat or drink, so there are no real restrictions on what foods you can eat. You also get to avoid any difficulty eating after getting your braces adjusted, which is a common ailment for anyone wearing braces.
Benefits of Braces
There might be reasons to use clear aligners over braces, but there are also reasons people still use braces to this day. Here are some benefits of braces to keep in mind that may apply to you.
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Suitability for All Patients
For some patients, Invisalign may not be the right option for them. In more extreme cases of orthodontic misalignment, Invisalign may not be optimal for aligning those teeth. Braces are a universal treatment that can address a wide range of orthodontic issues. It helps that they attach to each individual tooth, which makes them a more powerful treatment with regard to pulling your teeth into their proper positions.
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Multiple Options
For many, braces still look like they have for years: metal brackets and wires attached to the surface of your teeth. However, there are also new invisible braces available that are specifically designed to be more discreet. Lingual braces in particular are designed to be much harder to notice. These braces attach to the back of the teeth instead of the front. At a glance, it’s harder to tell if you have braces, which can satisfy more self-conscious patients.
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Ease of Use
With Invisalign, the onus is on the user to keep the aligner in their mouth for 20 hours a day. One convenient thing about braces is that they’re attached 24/7. The dentist attaches them to your teeth, and they do their job of pulling your teeth into position at all times. There’s a convenience in not having to remove an aligner before eating or having to keep it on all day for it to work. Braces are “on” functionally all the time, leaving you less work to do so you can focus on your day to day activities.
When it comes to aligning teeth, the right option for you may depend. On the one hand, you might want Invisalign to be discreet and not draw attention to your teeth. On the other, braces are an option that works for everyone, especially people with severe dental misalignment. Consult your dentist to review your options and find out which one works for you. Whatever happens, just be patient, and before long you’ll have the straight, shiny smile you’ve been waiting for.
Need a compassionate, experienced dentist to help with all your oral health needs? Then give Township Dental Centre a call. We offer a wide range of dental services and compassionate care to keep you at ease while we take a look at your teeth. Contact us now at (604) 533-8475 to schedule your appointment.