Invisalign®️ or Braces: How To Know What's Best For You?

Straighter teeth give you a beautiful smile and significantly improves your oral function and health. Besides, straighter teeth are easy to clean, protecting you from oral infections like decay and gum disease.

Your dentist will likely recommend orthodontic treatments when looking to straighten your teeth. Traditional braces and Invisalign are two of the most popular orthodontic treatments for misaligned and improperly gapped teeth. Contact our dentist in York Harbor, ME, for orthodontic treatment.

Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign

Let’s look closely at Invisalign and traditional braces to help you decide which treatment is right for you.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign® is a type of clear braces. It consists of invisible, smooth, comfortable, and BDA-free plastic aligners or trays. The aligners are custom-made and worn over the teeth like a mouthguard. They move the teeth gently and gradually to the desired position.

To make the aligners, your dentist will use digital images, x-rays, and impressions to create a 3D image of your teeth, making customized aligner trays. Invisalign aligners are removable but should be worn for about 20 – 22 hours daily.

What are Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are the most commonly used orthodontic treatment for teeth misalignments. These braces consist of metal brackets glued to the teeth using wires and rubber bands. Fortunately, nowadays, you can get braces from a ceramic material, making them more discrete, unlike metal brackets.

Invisalign or Braces? Factors to Consider 

While both Invisalign and traditional braces are highly effective, they’re different in several ways.

• Appearance 

The appearance is perhaps the key factor why most patients opt for Invisalign over traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are made from clear and invisible plastic, making them virtually invisible to notice. It makes them a superior choice for individuals looking for secrecy.

Traditional braces comprise metal wires and brackets, making them highly noticeable. It is often a concern for patients looking to keep their treatment secretive. Fortunately, experts have come up with esthetically appealing braces made from ceramic or a combination of ceramic and metal.

• Length of the Treatment 

Invisalign shows results much quicker than traditional braces for minor to moderate teeth misalignments. However, this will depend on the patient’s compliance with the Invisalign aligners for at least 22-24 hours daily. On average, Invisalign treatment lasts 6 – 18 months, while traditional braces take 18 months to 3 years.

• Oral Care and Hygiene 

Good oral hygiene should be a priority whether you have Invisalign or braces. The brushing and flossing process is typically challenging with braces since you have to work around the wires and brackets.

Since Invisalign is removable, you can brush and floss normally. Invisalign comes with additional work. If you remove your trays to eat or drink, you must brush your teeth before wearing the aligners. Also, the trays should be cleaned daily and rinsed regularly to eliminate bacteria and plaque. It can be a hassle, especially if you’re away from home.

• Diet restrictions 

Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you don’t have to worry about food restrictions. You can consume anything if you clean your mouth after eating or drinking. With traditional braces, you should take precautions when it comes to eating. Eating hard and sticky food items can easily dislodge or break your braces, causing the need for repairs and probably prolonging your treatment. When using braces, be mindful about what you eat. You can consult your nutritionist for diet recommendations.

• Effectiveness 

Generally, both braces and Invisalign are effective. When it comes to Invisalign, the effectiveness of the treatment majorly depends on the patient’s compliance and the severity of the condition. Invisalign won’t be effective for severe misalignments or if you don’t wear them as directed.

If you have minor to moderate misalignments and wear your aligners 22 – 24 hours daily, you can quickly see results. Traditional braces are highly effective for severe or complex misalignments, unlike Invisalign. Similarly, since they aren’t removable, therefore results are guaranteed.

• Cost

The actual cost of braces or Invisalign depends on the condition’s severity and the treatment’s length. Still, Invisalign is typically more expensive than traditional braces.

Final Verdict

In general, both Invisalign and braces are safe and effective for correcting teeth misalignments. The best treatment will depend on your condition, needs, preferences, and your orthodontist’s recommendations. For more information about braces and Invisalign in York Harbor, ME, contact York Dental Group.