Several teeth straightening options are available, making the task of choosing the right option very challenging. It is usually difficult to make the right choice when it comes to straightening teeth. Although the different options available are effective and have their advantages, they still have some disadvantages.
Before you opt for any teeth straightening treatment, it is important to perform your research, ask questions about the treatment and consult your orthodontist. Your orthodontist can help you make an informed decision when it comes to your teeth straightening treatment.
The suitable orthodontic treatment for each patient depends on their orthodontic issue. Most persons think that Invisalign and other invisible braces are always the best options for straightening the teeth, but this is not always true, so it is vital to get an expert opinion from your orthodontist.
To help you make an informed decision before your orthodontic treatment, you need to know the up and downsides of both braces and Invisalign.
Braces
Braces consist of metal brackets and wires attached to the front of the teeth to move them to their perfect position. Different traditional braces are now available, including ceramic and the lingual braces, attached behind the teeth.
Braces require the attachment of rubber bands and metal wires to the bracket to help move the teeth and correct different orthodontic conditions.
Invisalign
Invisalign consists of clear plastic aligners custom-made for each patient using a 3D scan of the mouth. The customised aligners gradually move the teeth over a specific period into their perfect positions.
Pros of Invisalign
The following are a few advantages of Invisalign treatment.
Removable aligners – To get the best result during your Invisalign treatment, you need to wear the aligners for a minimum of 20 -22 hours every day. Even with this number of hours, you still have time to take out your aligners to eat. This means that you are free to eat anything you like during your Invisalign treatment, provided you take out the aligners first, unlike braces treatment with have several food restrictions.
Aesthetic – This is one of the major upside of Invisalign over braces. The aligners are virtually invisible and suitable for adults and professionals who want to straighten their teeth discretely. It is also suitable for self-conscious teens.
Invisalign lets you straighten your teeth without worrying about how people would see you during your orthodontic treatment. You can smile when you take pictures because there would be no metal-looking object on your teeth.
Brushing and flossing is easier – Since the aligners are removable, you are free to take them out when you want to floss and brush your teeth. This makes cleaning your teeth easier because you do not have to worry about manoeuvring through brackets and wire, common with braces treatment.
Fewer orthodontist’s consultations – Invisalign treatment does not require many visits to the orthodontist. Before you get the aligners, the orthodontist will take a 3D scan of your mouth, then send it to the lab to make the aligners. You would receive several sets of aligners, and your orthodontist will direct you how to use them.
You do not need to visit the orthodontist for several adjustments. Your visit to the orthodontist would only be to check your treatment progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary, which means you have more time to perform other activities.
Comfortable to wear – Straightening your teeth may be as painful or uncomfortable as braces, but you will experience fewer gum and mouth irritations than braces treatment. Invisalign aligners are plastic and made to fit each patient, so they do not give mouth injuries.
Cons of Invisalign
Below are disadvantages of Invisalign you need to consider before you opt for the treatment.
You need self-discipline – Invisalign aligners are removable. For most persons, this is an advantage, but for others, it could be a disadvantage. To have a successful Invisalign treatment, you need to be disciplined enough to wear your aligners for the recommended number of hours daily.
If you fail to wear your aligners, your treatment may take longer than expected, and the result may not be what you expect. One of the main reasons for Invisalign treatment failure is patients’ lack of self-discipline to wear the aligners.
Wearing and removing the aligners may be inconveniencing – You have to remove your Invisalign aligners before you eat or drink besides water, even when outdoors. You have to brush your teeth after each meal before replacing your aligners to remove lingering food particles that may stain your aligner or cause dental conditions like cavities. For most people, the process of discreetly removing the aligners to eat, frequently brushing before replacing the aligners is stressful.
Cost – Invisalign treatment involves a 3D scan and flexible materials for making the aligners. The technology involved in Invisalign treatment makes it more expensive than traditional metal braces.
Invisalign alone may not be a perfect option for some orthodontic problems, so you may have to use Invisalign, then braces to finalise your treatment which means more expenses.
Effectiveness of Invisalign vs braces
In some cases, Invisalign is not the best treatment option. Your orthodontist may not recommend it for complex orthodontic problems. Before you decide on any orthodontic treatment, you need to consult your orthodontist. An experienced orthodontist will always advise you on the right treatment for your specific orthodontic problem.
Attachments
Some people may require attachments during their orthodontic treatment to help give the aligners a better grip to move the teeth. Some people may need several attachments, while others need a few. The attachments are usually tooth-coloured, but they may make the aligners obvious like clear braces.
Pros of braces
Traditional metal braces have the following upsides.
Suitable for all orthodontic issues – You can use braces for all orthodontic problems, regardless of how complex it is. Braces can correct multiple facial and dental issues. Braces treatment involves archwires and anchors that can pull the teeth into any position.
A perfect result is possible – Braces treatment can achieve a better result compared to Invisalign. They apply more pressure to the teeth to move them to your desired positions. Invisalign teeth movement is limited.
Different options – Unlike in the past, traditional metal braces are not the only option if you want to straighten your teeth with braces. You have the option of ceramic and lingual braces, which are less conspicuous, so you can have an effective treatment and not worry about your look.
Faster Treatment – Generally, orthodontic treatment with braces is faster than Invisalign. However, your orthodontist’s expertise and skill contribute to having a shorter treatment time.
Cons of braces
The following are some downsides of braces you should consider.
Interference with appearance – Braces are obvious, and they leave the mouth looking like a train-track, especially traditional metal braces. Wearing braces make some people self-conscious about their appearance, so most teens and adults do not like them.
Difficult to brush the teeth – Flossing and brushing the teeth during braces treatment is more tasking and time-consuming. You may not be able to reach certain parts of the teeth, which increases the risk of staining, decay and plaque accumulation.
Food restriction – During your treatment with braces, you have to be careful with what you eat or drink. Eating sticky and hard food may break the archwire and dislodge the brackets from your teeth, making your braces less effective. Experiencing multiple breakages extends your treatment time.
Regular consultations – With braces, you need to regularly visit your orthodontist at least once every month for adjustments and check your treatment progress, but with Invisalign, it is once in two months.
Making the right Choice
It is important to properly weigh your treatment options by considering both the pros and cons of Invisalign and braces. Ensure you ask questions and seek professional advice.
Use search interest like ‘invisalign near me’ online to look for a nearby Invisalign provider to address your orthondontic problem and check whether you are eligible for this clear aligner or not!
