Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign Treatment: Which Option Fits Your Needs?

Both traditional braces and Invisalign have benefits. It may be difficult to know which type of brace is ideal for you and looking up various braces online can cause more confusion. Seeking professional advice from your orthodontist is crucial and allows you to make an informed decision about the ideal solution for you.

What are Traditional Braces?

This is the classic way of straightening teeth using brackets that are bonded to the teeth and wires that move misaligned teeth into the correct position. The brackets can be made of stainless steel, gold plated or ceramic. They are affordable in comparison to other braces for teeth straightening. The treatment time with traditional braces varies depending on the complexity of your case but is usually 12-18 months. It can be as short as 6 months if very minor tooth straightening is needed.

What do You Know about Invisalign Braces?

Invisalign braces consist of a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth without the need for traditional brackets and wires. The Invisalign aligners are made from an innovative SmartTrack material that offers comfort and predictable tooth movement. Accurate 3D digital scans of your teeth allow your orthodontist to customize the ideal treatment result for you.

The treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your crowding and your bite. Treatment time can be as little as 6 months but more usually 12-18 months on average.

Understanding the Differences between Invisalign Treatment and Traditional Braces

There are some differences between using traditional braces and Invisalignfor tooth straightening.

1. Flossing and Brushing

Maintaining an excellent level of oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment in order to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.

Traditional braces pose more of a challenge when it comes to brushing and flossing but with good dexterity, the right toothbrushes and a few extra minutes good hygiene can be achieved.

Invisalign aligners are removable and therefore maintaining an excellent level of oral hygiene is relatively easy with a good toothbrushing technique and flossing.

2. Appearance

Traditional braces can be more subtle when ceramic brackets rather than metal brackets are used however the brace and wires are still visible. In comparison, Invisalign aligners are much less noticeable than traditional braces. Tooth coloured attachments are bonded to your teeth to help guide tooth movement. These attachments are very small and discreet.

3. Treatment Time

This varies depending on the complexity of your case and will be discussed with you prior to commencing treatment. Time in traditional braces and Invisalign braces can be similar however, if you wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day then your orthodontist may ask you to change aligners every 7 days rather than every 14 days. This is completely safe to do and dramatically reduces your overall treatment time.

4. Diet

Eating hard and chewy foods can be a challenge with traditional braces and your diet may need to be slightly altered for the duration of your treatment to avoid breakages of the brackets or wires. Reducing the intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks is also crucial to avoid tooth decay.

Given that Invisalign braces are removable, you do not need to change your dietary habits. You do however need to reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks to reduce your risk of developing tooth decay.

5. Comfort and Painless Treatment

Traditional braces are painful and uncomfortable when you wear them. During the setting process, you may experience pain. However, Invisalign is a comfortable and easy process to use to make your teeth straight. Invisalign is made of special plastic that can easily fit in your mouth. You won’t find any cut inside your cheeks if you select Invisalign. To maintain Invisalign, you can deal with salt washes. You can enjoy the painless solution with the easy and comfortable treatment. Invisalign has no risk of losing braces.

6. Cost

The cost of both traditional and Invisalign braces varies depending on the complexity of your case and on the type of brace you choose. Various third partyfinance options are available to make orthodontic tooth straightening more affordable for you whether you opt for traditional braces or Invisalign aligners.

In Summary

Make sure you take time to think about the type of brace that would best suit your lifestyle. You can share this information with your orthodontist who will then discuss all the suitable brace options after a thorough consultation. Give us a call on 02030022501 or email: [email protected] to find out more and to book your orthodontic consultation.