Invisalign VS Braces: Pros and Cons

If you want to straighten your teeth, there are two primary options available to you: Invisalign and traditional metal braces. The type of orthodontic treatment that is best for you will depend upon the condition of your teeth. Essentially, if your teeth are severely misaligned, then Invisalign treatments might not effectively straighten your teeth. In other cases, however, traditional braces can very easily be swapped for clear, plastic Invisalign retainers. We work closely with a number of specialist orthodontists and can provide referral if necessary. In this article we enter the Invisalign vs braces debate and discuss the pros and cons of each treatment.

What Is Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment uses clear, plastic aligners to gently push teeth back into place. Custom aligners are manufactured following a 3D scan of the patient’s mouth. They are worn up to 22 hours per day and require consistent evaluation to ensure they are doing their job correctly. Multiple aligners are generally used over the course of treatment; as teeth begin to move into the desired position. As teeth begin to adjust, subsequent retainers will be provided in order to complete the treatment.

Pros of Invisalign

The most noticeable benefit of Invisalign aligners is that they are essentially invisible. Patients need not feel self-conscious wearing their aligners because they are hardly noticeable. Any photographs taken during treatment will simply show the progress of the correction process.

Furthermore, Invisalign aligners can be taken out when eating. This means there need not be any dietary changes while undergoing treatment, which isn’t the case with braces. Aligners may also be removed to brush and floss teeth. Despite this, aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per week.

Invisalign treatment requires fewer dental consultations than braces treatment does. Aligners should be changed at the request of your dentist, but there is no need to visit the dentist for adjustments.

Finally, Invisalign treatments are generally more comfortable than braces. They can be initially uncomfortable, however because the aligners are custom-fitted, there is less propensity for cuts to appear on the inside of cheeks and the gums.

Cons of Invisalign

Invisalign aligners require discipline in order to work. Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day and only taken out to eat or to brush or floss teeth. If patients forget to wear their aligners after eating or cleaning their teeth then the progress of treatment will slow down considerably. Similarly, patients must take care not to lose their aligners, which can be difficult when eating in a public place. A carry case can be used to safely store aligners when Invisalign patients are eating or brushing outside of the home.

What Are Braces?

Braces are made of metal and are attached to the front of teeth. Metal wires and rubber bands are attached to the brackets to slowly adjust teeth into their correct positions. Recent orthodontic innovation means ceramic and behind-the-teeth braces are now available. These braces function in the same fashion as traditional, metal braces, but are less easily noticed.

Pros of Braces

Braces are suitable for any situation where teeth need to be straightened, regardless of the complexity of the condition. Braces are the most powerful treatment method for correcting the position of teeth because they can apply far more force than Invisalign aligners. In addition to this, braces treatment tends to work a lot faster than Invisalign treatment.

Cons of Braces

In contrast to this, traditional, metal braces are rather noticeable and some patients find their aesthetic unappealing. Also, brushing and flossing with braces can be a little difficult. If patients do not brush properly, they risk plaque building up around the braces which can lead to stains and decay. When wearing braces, some care needs to be taken when choosing a diet. Hard or sticky foods can cause the wire to break or dislodge from brackets. This requires emergency visits to the dentist and can slow down treatment process. Finally, braces treatment requires regular visits to the dentist to evaluate the progress of correction. Your dentist will ask you to schedule monthly consultations to check how much teeth have moved and to tighten wires.

The Cost of Invisalign VS Braces

Due to advancements in 3D scanning technology, the cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to the cost of braces treatment. The only difference is that some conditions may be too severe for Invisalign aligners to work effectively.

Contact CB Dental Centre

If you are self-conscious about the condition of your teeth and wish to investigate the Invisalign vs braces debate further, mention it to us during you’re check up appointment to see if you are suitable for orthodontic treatment and we can organise a referral to a specialist orthodontist. We are open for business Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Call us on 07 3216 1100 or reach out via our contact page to ask for more information.