What Are the Differences Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces?

We all want that perfect smile; however, our teeth don’t always cooperate with our wishes. Through no fault of our own, our teeth can grow in crowded or crooked, leading to a loss of confidence. At Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry in Champions Gate, FL, we offer a number of methods for straightening crooked teeth to give you back your smile confidence, such as traditional braces and Invisalign.

What Are the Differences Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces?

There are several differences between these two methods of straightening teeth. It is not possible to describe one or the other as the superior method, as both have their own particular strengths. When you come to us at Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry, we believe in giving our clients all the information they need to make an informed decision about their oral and dental health, and you can rest assured that we will give you a recommendation suited to your own unique case and goals.

Appearance

The most obvious difference between traditional braces and clear aligners is the way they look. With clear aligners, there are no wires, brackets, or elastics. Instead, the aligners are made of transparent plastic that fits over the whole surface of the teeth. From a distance, other people will not even be able to tell that you are wearing them.

For many clients, this is one of the key reasons for choosing clear aligners over traditional braces. While traditional braces are commonly seen in teens and students, it is less common to see adults with them, which can lead to feelings of shyness or social anxiety around smiling. When you use Invisalign you can be confident that you can get straight teeth without it being obvious.

Issues Treated

Many orthodontic issues can be treated by either traditional braces or clear aligners. Many cases of crooked teeth, gaps or crowded teeth, underbites, overbites, and crossbites can be treated with either method. However, this does not mean that every single case is suitable for Invisalign. If you have more severe orthodontic issues, then it is possible that the only suitable treatment for your situation will be traditional braces.

When you come for a consultation, we will be able to assess which methods will be effective for your teeth and make sure you are fully informed of your options.

Time

How long any individual orthodontic treatment takes is unique to the patient and their teeth. However, in general, treatment with traditional braces will be quicker than that with clear aligners. This is because the wire and bracket structure of traditional braces makes them able to bring more force to bear in moving your teeth.

However, this is not the only time consideration that you may have. Though traditional braces may move your teeth more quickly than clear aligners, you will need to come in regularly to have them tightened and adjusted. If you have a very busy job, you may find that it is more convenient to use clear aligners, where you simply use a new aligner as your teeth move, and will only need to come into our office for check-ups infrequently.

With clear aligners, you must commit to wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours every day, or you may not see results. For those who are likely to forget to put their aligners in or may lose them, such as younger teenagers, traditional braces which cannot be forgotten or lost may be a better choice.

Practicalities

Clear aligners can be removed to perform your daily oral hygiene routine. This can make keeping your teeth clean easier, as you can take them out to brush and floss. However, it is important to remember that you must also take them out whenever you are eating and when you are drinking anything apart from water. This may not seem like a problem, but if you consistently forget to put them back in afterward, you may not end up wearing them for the required minimum of 22 hours per day, which will delay your progress.  

You must also commit to cleaning your aligners regularly or they may become stained, damaged, and may even cause damage to your teeth. It is also important that you do not smoke whilst wearing your aligners, as this can cause staining to the aligners and the teeth underneath. If you smoke a lot, then there is a danger that you will not wear the aligners for the required amount of time each day. You may find that wanting to get your teeth straightened with Invisalign gives you the motivation you need to give up smoking for good.

The wires and brackets of traditional braces can make brushing and flossing a little difficult at first, while you adjust to cleaning around them. However, you can buy special brushes to make sure that you are able to get to all of the surfaces of the tooth to clean them, and use a water flosser instead of traditional floss. There may also be foods that you should avoid while you are having your teeth straightened with traditional braces, such as very chewy candies which may pull the wires out of alignment.

Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate for Invisalign?

Along with those who are unable or unlikely to commit to wearing their aligners for the necessary amount of time each day, there are a number of other habits or conditions that may make a person unsuitable for this treatment. If you do not yet have all your adult teeth, then you will need to wait until you do before we can begin your alignment. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, then we will need to fix those issues before you can get started with any other treatment.

Get Your Perfect Smile

You shouldn’t have to be shy about your smile. Getting straighter teeth can boost your confidence and your outlook on life. Find out more about which method is most suitable for you when you get in contact with us at Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry in Champions Gate, FL.