Two of the major paths toward orthodontic treatment are traditional braces and Invisalign. While both tools aim to perfect one’s smile by straightening teeth, they differ significantly in approach and aesthetics. Take a look at the following post as it helps you make an informed decision between the two options. Key points highlight what one should consider for dental professional insights on getting Invisalign near you. Understanding such a difference is important, as the choice will affect dental health and also daily life during the treatment period, which in most cases takes several months to a few years.
Explanation of Invisalign
Looking to take care of your smile, Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment that offers progressive moves of teeth with the use of a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners. Advanced 3D computer imaging is required for the fabrication of these nearly invisible trays. A full treatment plan using 3D computer imaging technology provides a series of aligners, from the initial to the final desired position of your teeth.
- Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks before progressing to the next in the series.
- For optimal results, aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day.
- You can remove the aligners for eating, drinking, and brushing or flossing your teeth.
- Each new aligner makes slight adjustments to gradually move your teeth into position.
- Consistent wear is crucial; missing hours can extend your overall treatment schedule.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Pros of Invisalign
- Invisalign aligners are characterized by an almost invisible appearance and are highly recommendable for grown-ups and self-conscious teens.
- They can easily be taken out for eating, drinking, or any special occasion so that you can enjoy all kinds of food without limitation.
- Oral hygiene is easier to maintain since you can brush and floss as usual without having to work around brackets and wires, even when it comes to Invisalign with crowns.
- Generally speaking, Invisalign is more comfortable as compared to traditional metal braces since it doesn’t include any sharp metals that might irritate your mouth and cheeks.
- Digital planning will let you preview your expected results in advance, even before the start of the treatment, to get a clear idea about the transformation of your smile.
Cons of Invisalign
- It is also taken into consideration that Invisalign usually tends to be more expensive than traditional braces and may not be fully covered under dental insurance.
- Absolute conformity is essential, and aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours daily for the treatment to take good effect; this requires very good discipline.
- Invisalign might not be indicated in all cases, especially for severe orthodontic problems that may require traditional braces.
- These aligners are very easy to misplace or damage and may require additional costs to replace, possibly further delaying treatment.
- In some instances, it might be necessary to have attachments on your small, tooth-coloured ridges that can make the aligners more obtrusive than one may imagine.
Explanation of Traditional Braces
Unlike Invisalign or Invisalign with implants, traditional braces have been one of the most commonly used orthodontic appliances to align teeth and adjust occlusion. They include the attachment of metal brackets to the teeth, joined together by wires that, in time, move the teeth into place.
Here is the breakdown with a dental expert addressing a patient:
- Components: Conventional braces include metal brackets, wires, and, in some instances, elastic bands to help apply pressure and adjust tooth alignment.
- How they work: Brackets are bonded to the teeth, and the wire exerts light pressure in gradually changing the position of the teeth.
- Duration: Treatment duration ranges from 1 to 3 years; however, it depends on the complexity of the case.
- Adjustments: You will need frequent visits to the orthodontist for the tightening of wires and follow-up progress.
- Indications: Conventional metal braces are best suited for use in cases involving severe crowding and spacing, large overbites, and underbites.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Braces
Pros of Traditional Braces
- Effective for Complex Cases: A good option for treating severe misalignments, overcrowding, and malocclusions overbite, underbite, etc.
- Strength: They are manufactured using metals that are durable and seldom break.
- Personalization: Brackets can sometimes be personalized with colourful elastic bands that are appealing to juvenile patients.
- Permanent Results: If treatment goes well, post-treatment, the results are permanent; results should be followed up properly with a retainers course.
Cons of Traditional Braces
- Aesthetics: However unlike invisalign or invisalign with implants metallic braces are quite noticeable, while clear aligners and ceramic braces can be used much more discreetly and might greatly influence self-confidence.
- Discomfort: Can cause mouth irritations, soreness, and sometimes even cuts, especially in the period right after adjustments have been made.
- Dietary Restrictions: Not being able to enjoy sticky, hard, or chewy foods because this may lead to damage to the braces.
- Dental Hygiene: Poor cleaning of brackets and wires encourages plaque buildup and probably more caries.
- Frequent Adjustments: It takes quite a bit of time to regularly visit the orthodontist for tightening and maintenance.
Visit Saskatoon Smiles
While both Invisalign and traditional braces have their merits in providing a straighter smile, they cater to different needs and preferences. So it depends on you too, the first thing is your preferences and the other important thing is discussing it with your professional expert. Traditional braces will be the preference for complex orthodontic issues. Both have stood the test of time over so many decades. This will always depend on your very own dental needs, your lifestyle, and your treatment goals. Visit Saskatoon Smiles, your trusted dentist in Saskatoon. We will be able to help you make an informed decision that best suits your circumstances in order to achieve the perfect smile you have always dreamed of.