Categories: Invisalign Dentist

Get Help Choosing Between Invisalign and Braces to Straighten Teeth

These days, most people choose from two options when deciding how to straighten teeth. Some choose traditional metal braces, while others go with Invisalign.

When people speak of braces, many immediately think of traditional metal braces from decades ago. While traditional braces remain one of the most effective ways to straighten teeth, they have evolved much over the years. Modern braces are a lot slicker and less noticeable than their predecessors.

Invisalign is very popular with adults looking to straighten their teeth since it is very hard to detect. Using clear aligners for treatment tends to lead to a more comfortable experience for the wearer.

Keep reading to see more differences between these two ways to straighten teeth.

Choosing between braces and Invisalign

Braces

When you are looking to deal with alignment issues by wearing braces, the first step is figuring out what type of device will work best. All variations of braces work using the same concept. A combination of wires and brackets are used to apply force on the teeth. This slowly pushes them into a better alignment.

Traditional braces utilize metal brackets and wires.

However, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest one of the modern variations of braces.

Ceramic braces: These work much like traditional braces. However, instead of metal wires and brackets, tooth-colored ceramic brackets are used with transparent wires. This makes it harder to see the braces since they blend in with your smile.

Lingual braces: These use metal brackets and wires just like traditional braces, but the brackets are installed behind the teeth. This makes them less visible but more uncomfortable.

Invisalign

You can get clear aligners from a few brands, but many people opt for Invisalign. These devices make it possible to deal with alignment issues without altering your appearance. You simply wear a plastic aligner for most of the day that slowly shifts your teeth.

It is no surprise that Invisalign is very popular with many adults who want to straighten teeth. They often fell that traditional braces will hurt their professional image or will lower their self-confidence. The clear aligners make it easy to get a perfect smile without many people noticing.

Invisalign provides many other benefits besides being a more subtle option. These devices can be easily removed for cleaning and eating. You can still enjoy your favorite meals without having to worry about something getting stuck in the device. People who wear braces often limit what they eat since certain foods can damage the braces.

Invisalign aligners are also more comfortable than braces. You will get several aligner trays, and each is worn for about two weeks. It is then replaced with another tray that pushes the teeth a bit closer to the desired position.