If you are considering using braces or Invisalign to straighten your teeth or your child’s teeth, you may have a series of questions to ask before settling for either option. Which is more comfortable? Which is more efficient? No doubt you want to choose the treatment that does the job perfectly, even if it is slightly expensive. Even though the results might be the same, the treatment processes are not similar. So, which teeth alignment treatment is a better choice for you or your child? This article will discuss the pros and cons of using traditional braces vs. Invisalign.
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Braces vs. Invisalign: Understanding the Basics
Braces: This treatment is a more traditional method of aligning teeth. The procedure entails ceramic or metal brackets being glued to your teeth and tied together each month over the treatment period by tiny rubber bands and wires to straighten the teeth. Nowadays, you can easily get the brackets to match the color of your enamel.
Pros of Braces
- The treatment has been in use for an extended period, with a large number of positive outcomes.
- No multiple cleaning steps needed apart from flossing and regular brushing.
- Offered as a treatment option by almost all orthodontists.
- The ceramic and metal brackets can be easily customized to match the color of your enamel.
- It is a quicker treatment path for patients at risk of non-compliance.
Cons of Braces
- It may be hard chewing gum or eating hard/ sticky foods.
- Braces are highly visible in photographs and when smiling.
- The treatment may not be a perfect choice for those with a compromised gum-health condition or a pre-existing dental health complication.
Invisalign:
This is a more modern method of straightening teeth, which only came into use in 2000. It consists of smooth, BPA-free clear plastic aligner trays carefully molded over your teeth to gently and subtly align the teeth. The specialist uses pictures, X-rays, and impressions to create a 3-Dimensional image of your teeth and to configure the aligner trays appropriately.
Pros of Invisalign
- The plastic trays can be removed easily for brushing teeth, flossing or eating.
- The trays are less visible to others; even in photos, while smiling or during conversations.
- Maintaining dental hygiene is easier during treatment.
- The cost is relatively similar to that of braces for average patients.
Cons of Invisalign
- Not perfect for patients with severely crooked teeth.
- The trays could be lost or misplaced
- Sometimes requires replacements, which could result in additional expenses.
- Treatment may take longer for non-compliant patients who remove the trays on a frequent basis.
- The treatment may not entirely align the teeth.
- The alignment process could take too long.
In Conclusion
While pros and cons might be of help in shedding light on these two teeth alignment options, the best way to determine which one to go for is to visit a professional for a specialized evaluation. If you are looking to rotate your teeth freely, address issues with your back teeth, or even move your teeth vertically, braces might be a perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are an adult or have a child who is self-conscious, going for Invisalign might be perfect for you.
