Invisalign® vs Traditional Braces

Invisalign® vs Traditional Braces

Do you feel self-conscious about smiling due to misalignment or gaps? If your smile has turned into a close-mouthed grin, you may wish for an effective option to straighten your teeth. With many treatments at your disposal, picking the right method to align your smile can be a difficult decision.

At Grandon Village Dental we provide traditional metal braces and Invisalign® clear aligners. Consider the following advantages and disadvantages of each treatment:

Advantages of Each Treatment

Invisalign®

Invisalign clear braces allow freedom due to their removable design, allowing a normal diet. It is a teeth straightening method that subtly improves your smile, and can be an alternative to traditional braces. This treatment is ideal for those whose jaws have finished developing and are seeking a cosmetically-appealing way to treat minor or moderate alignment problems. Invisalign clear aligners are removable but must be kept in for a minimum of 22 hours a day. It is required that they are taken out when eating food and drinking liquids to prevent the chance that they will be stained or tarnished by food debris.

Braces

Made of metal brackets and wires, braces can be customized with colored rubber bands, making treatment fun and personalized. To increase aesthetics without forgoing the strong treatment power of braces, there are clear braces options with brackets and wires that are unnoticeable in the smile. Since brackets are bonded to the surface of your teeth, patients do not need to remember to put them in or take them out after eating or drinking.

Metal braces are essential for both preventive and proactive measures. Used for extensive phasal orthodontics, metal braces allow for reliable results due to tried-and-true treatment plans. If a patient has severe malocclusion, crowded teeth, or teeth that are rotated, this is a method that specializes in improving those conditions.

Disadvantages of Each Treatment

Invisalign®

While these clear aligners are a quality treatment due to their clear plastic, they are not effective when treating complex or severe cases of alignment issues. Patients must remember to wear clear aligners since they are removable. If they are not worn consistently, the treatment may be extended or will not result in the projected outcome. It also demands the wearer add oral cleaning steps to their daily routine because you must remove the clear braces and individually clean each tray under lukewarm water or with the Invisalign cleaning system.

Braces

Traditional braces do not have the same aesthetic appeal as Invisalign clear aligners do, and are not as comfortable either. Metal brackets and wires can cut the insides of the mouth and cheeks, especially if broken. Braces are not removable and have dietary restrictions such as avoiding foods that are sticky or hard as they can cause the brackets and wires to break. While you do not have to add steps to your daily oral care routine, you need to use special instruments to effectively and comfortably floss.

Contact Us!

Call our San Marcos practice to schedule a consultation to match the best orthodontic care to your needs. We provide both orthodontic treatments and will we make sure to reach your dental goals.