Having uneven, crooked, or misaligned teeth can affect your appearance and lower your self-esteem. Everybody desires a perfect smile, and thanks to the advancement in technology, we have multiple options to get our teeth straightened and our smiles fixed. The specialized field of dentistry which deals with these is orthodontics, and orthodontists manage these.
Of the various orthodontic options available, braces and Invisalign are the most common non-surgical methods that are effective at straightening teeth. However, choosing between the two can be quite tricky.
Braces Vs. Invisalign: Insight Into The Treatment Procedures
If you are considering straightening your teeth, you must understand these two orthodontic treatment procedures. Nowadays, we opt for Invisalign more than braces because of aesthetic reasons but not everybody is eligible for it.
So, you must take a consultation with a Garland dentist, who can understand the severity of your problem and share his expert opinion.
Braces Vs. Invisalign: What Are They?
You must understand these two orthodontic treatment procedures if you are considering straightening your teeth. Nowadays, we opt for Invisalign more than braces for aesthetic reasons, but not everybody is eligible.
So, it would help if you consulted with a Garland dentist. He would understand the severity of your problem and give you his expert opinion.
In this article, we will discuss braces and Invisalign so you can clearly see which one to choose.
Braces Vs. Invisalign: Problems Treated
Both braces and Invisalign can help treat orthodontic problems like overbite, crossbite, underbite, open bite, and crowded teeth. But there are conditions that Invisalign cannot treat effectively. For those patients, dentists usually suggest braces.
Braces can treat excess overjet, Temporomandibular disorder, serious bite problems, improperly-shaped teeth, severely rotated teeth, very large teeth, and orthodontic problems that require raising and lowering teeth. Therefore, braces can treat complex orthodontic problems.
Appearance Of The Appliances
The most common reason why people wish to get Invisalign is that it is virtually invisible, and no one would be able to identify it. So you don’t have to worry about people commenting on your looks or how your smile would turn out in photos.
On the contrary, braces are noticeable and might make you self-conscious about your appearance. But lingual and ceramic braces are more noticeable as compared to metal braces.
Treatment Time
Invisalign takes less time in comparison to traditional braces. Although it might vary depending on the cases, on average, Invisalign treatment takes 12-18 months. On the other hand, treatment with braces takes longer and can vary between 2 to 3 years.
Braces Vs. Invisalign: What’s More Convenient?
According to the widespread notion, Invisalign is more convenient than traditional braces. However, that is not the case. Contrary to the misconception, although you can remove the braces during eating, taking them in and out can be inconvenient.
Also, you must brush your teeth when you put your aligners back. If any food particles remain stuck underneath, they can stain your Invisalign. Also, the chances of getting cavities and bad breath increase. The recommended time for wearing your Invisalign is 20-22 hours daily.
Talking of comfort levels, Invisalign is more comfortable than braces as they do not have any brackets or wires that irritate the gums or cheeks. It is common to get cuts from the brackets inside your mouth around the cheek, which makes the experience of braces painful.
Takeaway Tips To Maintain Your Dental Appliances
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is relatively easy while using Invisalign. You can remove the aligners during brushing and flossing. You don’t have to worry; you can continue brushing and flossing as you did earlier.
If not cleaned properly, there can be build-ups of plaque around the braces that can cause staining and decay. You must follow the instructions given by your orthodontist in Garland TX, on how you should maintain your oral hygiene with braces on.
Both Invisalign and braces treatment have different dietary restrictions. The Invisalign is made of soft plastic, so if not removed, the heat from the food can easily damage them. Also, it is advisable to avoid colorful beverages and foods that might stain.
On the other hand, while braces are typically heat and stain-resistant, you cannot have foods like gum, hard candy, popcorn, or other hard and sticky food which might get stuck and cause the archwire to break or dislodge the bracket from a tooth.
Conclusion!
Both braces and Invisalign are effective orthodontic treatments that can help straighten teeth and improve oral health. Braces are a tried and true method that have been used for decades, while Invisalign is a newer technology that offers a more discreet option.
Ultimately, the choice between braces and Invisalign depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your orthodontic needs, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences.
It’s important to work with a trusted orthodontist who can help you determine which option is best for you. Regardless of which treatment you choose, the end result of a straighter, healthier smile is worth the investment in time and money.
