Many patients have options when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Often, the decision comes down to Invisalign vs. traditional braces. Which is the right choice for you? Dr. Brigham Baker at Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ, is available to help you determine which treatment is best, but these details will jumpstart your decision-making.
Deciding Between Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Adults and teens alike can qualify for Invisalign treatment. However, just because you are a good candidate, that doesn’t mean these removable braces are the right orthodontic option for you. Some patients will be better served by traditional braces that are locked in place for the duration of treatment while others will function well with removable braces.
When you qualify for both Invisalign and metal braces, you’ll have a decision to make, and it will largely be one of preference. How visible do you want your braces to be? How much freedom do you want to maintain?
Benefits of Invisalign
The perks of Invisalign are many and these discreet trays do not draw attention to your orthodontic treatment, which is one of the biggest draws of Invisalign for adults and teens alike. Other benefits include:
- No food restrictions: Eat whatever you want, whenever you want, as long as you take your trays out first and clean them and your teeth before they come back together again.
- Easy to clean: Brush and floss normally and clean your trays as recommended by your Chandler Invisalign provider. This only adds a few minutes of effort to your daily routine and doesn’t require any special tools other than a cleaning formula for your trays.
- Efficient: On average, Invisalign takes about one year to complete – sometimes the treatment will be even shorter. The trays move teeth a few – both tooth root and crown – until your smile is in complete alignment. Traditional braces can take twice as long.
- Comfortable: Aligners are smooth and slim, so they fit snugly against the teeth and allow the lips to move right over them.
The Reality of Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are considered a rite of passage for many teens. What if you’re an adult who wants to straighten their teeth? You don’t really want to be a metal mouth at your age. This treatment is effective, but it isn’t exactly discreet. Here are some pros and cons of traditional braces:
- Consistent: Metal braces get the job done. They are on your teeth 24/7 until your treatment is complete and there is no room for error, no accidentally leaving your trays out too long or misplacing your aligners and interrupting treatment.
- Versatile: If you don’t mind the look of traditional braces, you can highlight your personality with colorful elastics. Or, if you want to make the brackets as hard-to-see as possible, you can request ceramic or clear braces that blend in with your tooth enamel and are harder to see.
- Uncomfortable: Metal or clear braces take some getting used to. Brackets and wires of traditional braces will feel foreign at first and are known for snagging the cheeks and gums and causing discomfort.
- Food restrictions: Wearers of traditional braces have limits about the types of foods they can eat without damaging their brackets or wires. Nothing sticky, crunchy, chewy, or hard.
- Careful cleaning: Food easily gets caught in the wires and brackets of traditional braces and you will need special brushes to clean in and around the hardware to ensure that it isn’t damaged and that your teeth are not overexposed to food particles or bacteria.
Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
No matter what kind of orthodontic treatment you undergo, you should be applauded for aligning your smile. Not only will you have straight, beautiful teeth at the end of it, they will be healthier and stronger for it. Aligned teeth are easier to clean and less likely to develop cavities or other problems.
Find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brigham Baker at Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ