Orthodontics has gradually become a popular sector in dentistry with many people seeking to correct or restore their smiles. For ages, braces were the only option for people looking to realign their teeth. Thanks to advancements, the introduction of Invisalign has picked pace. Both techniques work effectively in aligning teeth to desired positions over time. However, they have multiple differences that could sway your decision-making criterion when choosing between braces and Invisalign. This piece aims at revealing these crucial differences.
Structural differences
Braces are usually made of brackets made from ceramic or metal material. Metal brackets are visible compared to their clear ceramic counterparts. These brackets are glued to the teeth and interconnected using wires and tiny rubber bands which work together to shift teeth into desired positions. During dental appointments, the rubber bands are tightened or changed, but the brackets assume their position until completion of the treatment.
On the other hand, Invisalign details a clear aligner tray composed of BPA-free plastic. The tray fits onto your teeth from a special technique that uses impressions and x-ray images of your teeth to create an exact 3D model of your teeth. The trays are removable, and you are required to put them on at least twenty hours a day to achieve straightened teeth.
Maintenance
With Invisalign treatment, regular brushing and flossing of teeth should be an ongoing process. The trays are removable, giving the patient time to carry their oral hygiene practices. The aligners should be washed daily with clean water. Braces are permanent, which forces the patients to brush and floss in the presence of the brackets.
Aesthetic differences
Invisalign is clear in structure and fits the teeth perfectly. This factor makes it hard for people to notice ongoing treatment, which preserves your natural teeth’s looks. Braces have come a long way in changing their structural look. Unlike traditional braces that held large brackets, today metal braces have smaller brackets although still visible. You can get clear brackets for the braces that aren’t are evident as the metal option. Nonetheless, clear braces are still apparent when up close.
Convenience
It’s no secret that the brackets method takes some time to get used to it in your oral space. After the installation, you may suffer from sores from irritation from the metal and wires leaning on the inside part of the cheeks. Eventually, your oral space will get used to having braces and the sores will heal. They also come with a set of dietary restrictions. For instance, biting into apples will have some debris sticking underneath them and chewing on hard food may be painful. They permanency status makes comfort rare.
The aligner options have no dietary restrictions. Patients only need to remove the trays when it’s time to eat and drink. You will continue to brush and floss as you previously did without the aligners. Orthodontists recommend only drinking water with the trays on to prevent staining. Invisalign treatment requires replacement of the trays every two weeks which can cause pain but it eventually wears off. The overall convenience with Invisalign is better.
Adjustments
The goal here is to keep shifting teeth to a position they seem aligned. As teeth move both braces and the Invisalign will become loose over time. With braces, the rubber bands become loose and may need replacements or tightening. Your orthodontist will make these adjustments every check-up throughout the treatment procedure. Usually, braces will take an average of two years to achieve results, although it varies depending on a patient’s alignment disorder.
Invisalign trays must be replaced entirely after every fortnight. As teeth shift, some space is left empty, which may leave the tray loose and useless. Follow-up visits will ensure that the replacement fits the specific alignment to continue with the process. The treatment takes typically six to eighteen months, depending on the severity of the misalignment. It is believed they take a shorter time to achieve alignment goals.
With this information in your hands, the ultimate choice boils down to what you feel will work best for you.
