Have you always wanted to show off a perfectly straight smile? Not only will orthodontic treatment help align your pearly whites, but it can also make it much easier to maintain great oral health in the long run. However, you might be wondering which of the most popular methods is best for you: Invisalign or traditional braces? Keep reading to learn what you can expect from either orthodontic process.
What’s the Difference Between Invisalign & Metal Braces?
While both Invisalign and traditional braces can gradually shift your teeth into perfect alignment, their methods are quite different. Firstly, regular braces utilize metal brackets and wires that will be attached to your smile until you’ve completed your treatment process. Invisalign uses custom-made clear trays to move your teeth into their proper positions. Before choosing one or the other, consider the various advantages that come with each treatment option, that way you can decide based on your personal needs.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
Some of the reasons a person would choose to use metal braces to straighten their smile include:
- Proven Track Record: Traditional braces have been used for decades and they’re incredibly effective at resolving most minor to severe orthodontic issues.
- Can Address More Complex Corrections: Whether you have mildly crooked teeth or moderate bite misalignment, metal braces can help treat those who require more rotation and/or movement.
- Simple Compliance: Once you get braces, they’ll be stuck to your teeth until you’ve finished the process. This means that you won’t have to worry about taking them out at certain times.
- Affordable Treatment: Traditional braces can typically be more budget-friendly than Invisalign.
Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners
By using personalized clear aligners, patients undergoing Invisalign can enjoy various advantages with this treatment, such as:
- Removability: Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed at any time. This means you’ll be free to enjoy your favorite meals and treats throughout the process, so long as you remove your trays beforehand and clean them and your teeth before putting them back on. You’ll still need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every day, so just remember to put them back on to avoid delaying your progress.
- Virtually Invisible Appliances: Invisalign is named as such because the aligners are practically transparent. Most people won’t even be able to notice you’re wearing them unless you point them out. This means you can freely show off your smile without worrying about how you look!
- Improved Comfort: While metal braces can sometimes feel bulky or pointy for soft oral tissues, Invisalign aligners are smooth and more comfortable to have in your mouth.
Having a straighter smile comes with both oral health and cosmetic benefits that you can be sure to enjoy for a lifetime. Speak with your dentist about these treatment options if you have more questions, and they’ll be happy to help you determine which solution would be right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Ishwinder Saran has been providing exceptional dental care for many years and is always passionate about helping his patients achieve their best smiles. On top of being a member of various professional organizations, like the American Dental Association and New York State Dental Association, he’s also a Certified Invisalign Provider who can help effectively straighten your pearly whites. If you want to know more about Invisalign or wish to schedule a consultation, visit his website or give him a call at 718-530-6539.