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10th Jul 2024

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You?

If you turn back the clock by 25 years, fixed braces were the norm for straightening teeth. Although this type of appliance has evolved over the years, similar fixed appliances have been used for centuries. 

This was until Invisalign was invented. Invisalign is a revolutionary clear aligner system that uses removable appliances. In many ways, aligner treatment improves the comfort, convenience, and aesthetics of teeth straightening. 

As straightening your teeth is a big life change, you should understand what you’re committing yourself to. So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment?

If you’re undecided about whether to choose Invisalign or traditional fixed braces, read on for an honest discussion on the pros and cons of each. 

How Does Teeth Straightening Work?

Teeth straightening treatments rely on constant gentle force to gradually move misaligned teeth. This is true for both fixed braces and removable clear aligners. There are differences in how this is achieved, which can impact the treatments’ comfort and effectiveness. 

How Traditional Braces Work

Fixed braces use a wire held in position by brackets. Tension along the wire pulls the teeth toward a better position. During treatment, a dentist will adjust the tension on the wire, helping move your teeth further toward their ultimate goal. 

How Invisalign Works

Instead of having anything attached to your teeth, you’ll wear a custom-made aligner tray over your teeth. Each aligner is made from SmartTrack, a comfortable material that creates force. 

During your treatment, you’ll change aligners fortnightly. This avoids the need for adjustments. 

What Can We Treat?

Both Invisalign and fixed braces can treat crowded, crooked, and gappy smiles. They can both address bite alignment problems, including: 

  • Overbite –  Your upper front teeth overlap the lower set
  • Underbite – Your lower front teeth extend beyond the upper row
  • Crossbite – Your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth
  • Open bite – Your upper and lower teeth don’t come into contact with each other when your mouth is closed

What Can Traditional Braces Fix?

Fixed braces can treat mild to severe orthodontic issues. Although this technique has remained relatively unchanged over the years, it is effective.

What Can Invisalign Treat?

Invisalign can treat mild to moderate cases. We can achieve predictable outcomes because Invisalign treatments are pre-planned using the latest technology. 

Comparing the Experience of Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Effectiveness and outcomes are important, but if you’re wearing braces or aligners for long periods, your experience is something you need to really consider. 

Are Fixed Braces Comfortable?

Traditional fixed braces have brackets bonded to your teeth. A wire runs through these brackets, which are usually held in position with small elastic bands.

Fixed braces can rub against the inside of your cheek. Some people choose to use orthodontic wax to make their brace more comfortable. Although you’ll usually get used to wearing braces after a while, they’re more noticeable when speaking or eating. 

You will also experience constant pressure on your teeth and jaws, particularly after an adjustment. This is a dull sensation, but it’s usually more noticeable at the start of your treatment or when your brace is adjusted. 

If you experience discomfort, you can take regular painkillers. 

How Comfortable Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is made from smooth, BPA-free plastic. It’s easy to get used to wearing an aligner, as it’s lightweight and won’t rub against your lips or cheeks. 

After wearing your aligner for a while, you’ll quickly forget it’s there! This is perfect because you will need to wear it while sleeping. Don’t worry—it’s perfectly safe and won’t interfere with your getting a good night’s sleep! 

Because your aligner isn’t fixed, you can take it out. Remember to put it back in, though, as you’ll need to wear it for at least 22 hours each day to get the intended results. 

Eating With Fixed Braces

Having braces fixed to your teeth at all times means you need to think about what you’re eating. Certain foods could damage your braces, while others can easily get trapped under the wire or build up around the brackets. 

Soft foods are fine, but anything crunchy or chewy will need chopping up into smaller pieces before you take a bite. 

Invisalign at Mealtimes

You should remove your aligner whenever you eat or drink anything. Keep the aligner in a case when it’s not in use. 

Removing your aligner makes Invisalign treatment convenient, as you won’t have to think twice about enjoying your favourites. 

Brushing and Flossing With Traditional Braces

During your orthodontic treatment, hygiene becomes more important than ever. Bacteria and food debris can quickly accumulate around your appliance, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease

Because a fixed brace cannot be removed, you need to learn how to brush and floss around it. Interdental brushes can help, but perfecting the art of brushing your teeth when you have braces takes time and patience. 

Invisalign and Dental Hygiene

You can easily remove your Invisalign whenever you brush your teeth, so you won’t have to make any changes to your technique. Don’t forget to floss! 

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: The Aesthetics

You may worry straightening your teeth will make you self-conscious, particularly when considering how long you may need to wear your appliance. Treatment aesthetics are a vital factor to think about!

How Subtle Are Fixed Braces?

Traditionally, fixed braces have been made from metal, meaning they are very visible. These days, you can get tooth-coloured or clear braces for a more subtle look. Despite these improvements, no brace fixed to the front of your teeth will ever be invisible.

How Invisible Is Invisalign?

Although nothing is truly invisible, Invisalign comes close. Aligners are made from a translucent material and are formed to fit the shape of your teeth perfectly. The aligners’ low profile design and clarity means they’re easily missed when anyone looks at your smile. 

Because Invisalign is removable, you can take your aligner out for short periods, like when posing for a photo or enjoying a coffee. 

Consultations, Checkups, and Adjustments

Every tooth straightening treatment requires visits to a dentist, and it’s important to know how often your appointments will be and what to expect. 

Visiting the Dentist When You Have Fixed Braces

Before you get braces, you’ll visit the dentist for an assessment. Once your treatment is confirmed and planned, you’ll have another appointment where your brace is attached. 

Throughout your treatment, you’ll return to check your progress and have adjustments made to your brace’s tension. 

Finally, at the end of your treatment, you’ll return to have the brace removed. 

What To Expect From Invisalign Appointments

The Invisalign process is more straightforward. After a thorough initial consultation, we’ll send your digital scans and treatment plans to the laboratory. Soon after this, you’ll get your first aligner. 

There’s no need for any adjustments. Instead, we’ll provide you with replacement aligners fortnightly and check that you’re on track for success with simple checkups throughout the treatment process.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

Treatment lengths vary depending on the method, your age, health, and the severity of your alignment issues. Both fixed braces and Invisalign can take between six months and two or more years. 

Because there are no obstructions to your view, you’ll see the changes clearly as your Invisalign treatment progresses. These changes are less apparent with fixed braces. 

Invisalign in Stone

Invisalign is a comfortable, convenient, and discrete option for straightening your teeth. Although fixed braces are effective, you can enjoy many of the same benefits with Invisalign, but without the hassle. 

Contact us today to book your consultation and find out whether Invisalign is the right option for you.

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