16 Nov

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You?

The choice between braces and Invisalign is a scientific battle that is best orchestrated by your dentist. The options have no right or wrong; they only involve making appropriate decisions depending on your dental status, your compliance, your budget, and the recommendations of the family dentist near you. While both have their pros and cons, it is best to follow the advice given by your dentist. Read on to understand  Invisalign vs. Braces—what’s best for you!

Braces and Invisalign Aligners—Understanding Your Best Option

When it comes to tooth alignment, there are two known options: aligners and braces. Each has its own considerations and distinct benefits. To discuss a few:

• Treatment Outcomes

Invisalign and traditional braces are both competent options for excellent treatment outcomes. Be it to straighten your teeth, correct cross-bites, deep bites, open bites, collapsed jaws, gummy smiles, etc., both traditional braces and aligners offer great results. 

In fact, for complex cases, dentists can use a combination of both to help achieve the best results. 

• Flexibility of Treatment and Appointments

Aligners are, no doubt, a notch more flexible than traditional braces for both, you and your dentist. Unlike braces, the Invisalign clear aligners treatment plan first offers an AI simulation of the step-by-step process. This gives both parties the flexibility to tweak the plan and customize it as per the needs. 

Moreover, there are no mandatory monthly dental visits for tightening wires or changing components. You can keep your Invisalign provider updated virtually and see him in person once every 3-4 months. 

• Duration of Procedure

Needless to say, aligners are quicker in the process, and there is scientific validation supporting it. In contrast to traditional braces, aligners envelop the whole tooth for up to 22 hours a day. While the braces and the wires apply point forces on a specific side of the tooth, aligners do it holistically, helping in quicker movements. Faster tooth changes result in quicker outcomes!

• Convenience

There is no doubt about this. In the comfort battle between braces and Invisalign aligners, the latter wins.

These are the convenient features of Invisalign clear aligners:

• They are soft, comfortable, smooth and snuggly enough to fit on the teeth
• There are no cuts, bruises, or irritation with aligners, as they lack metallic wires, chains, and loops.
• Aligners apply minor forces over a longer period of time every day. Hence, the initial pain and discomfort observed soon after braces are fixed are absent with aligners.
• There are zero food restrictions! Remove the aligners and go about biting, tearing, and chewing all your favourite crunchy, sticky, and nutty delicacies. 
• Brushing and flossing your teeth is a cakewalk with Invisalign clear aligners. You can remove them and adequately brush, floss, and rinse your teeth.

• Esthetic Concerns

Invisalign—as the name itself says—is an invisible aligner. These clear, resin, soft trays are virtually unnoticeable. Made with 3D and AI precision and high-quality material, they offer the esthetic requirements for those who are wary of the metallic smile of braces. 

 Invisalign clear aligners are ideal for:

• Adults with a well-established professional and social life
• Teenagers with a fast-moving friends group, social activities and peer pressure
• Those with client-facing roles or public speaking chores

There is no doubt that modern ceramic braces and lingual braces are discreet options compared to metal ones. However, metal wires, loops, and elastics may still be visible and cause discomfort.

• Affordability

In the financial analysis of Invisalign vs. braces, aligners emerge as the cost-effective choice. Offering affordability without compromising effectiveness, Invisalign aligners present a budget-friendly alternative to traditional braces, making your journey to a perfect smile more accessible and economical.

Conclusion

Wondering if braces or Invisalign? We hope to have cleared up the basic doubts regarding these popular options to straighten your teeth. With their respective pros and cons, both options for tooth alignment are available worldwide with enthusiasm. If you are looking for an Invisalign treatment in Waterdown, ON, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you!