Do you have misaligned teeth? A lot of dental problems may result from your teeth being in improper alignment. If you notice that your bite doesn’t occlude properly, it is always best to visit an orthodontist. Braces are a popular option for shifting teeth into the right position, but there is another orthodontic treatment that has been gaining a lot of attention: Invisalign!
It is only natural to wonder which option between Invisalign vs. braces is better. So, in this blog, we will discuss the possible pros and cons of both Invisalign as well as braces, so you can decide which treatment seems better. Keep reading to learn the factors separating Invisalign and braces!
Pros & Cons Of Invisalign Vs. Braces
In simple terms, braces are metal appliances attached to your teeth with the help of brackets that push your teeth into the proper position by applying a constant force. Usually made of metal, braces are quite effective in treating minor to severe complications related to dental malocclusions. Invisalign, too, helps in treating minor misalignments. They’re invisible and easy to remove, which is why many prefer them over braces. However, your orthodontist can help you understand which is the better choice for you.
Here are some differences between Invisalign and braces:
- Removable
Braces have different parts, and the wires are attached to the surface of your teeth with the help of brackets to apply continuous pressure. Invisalign, on the other hand, is easily removable due to its convenient design. Moreover, you are supposed to wear Invisalign 20 to 22 hours per day, which means you can take them out when you’re eating or brushing. - Duration of Treatment
Since you can use braces for treating almost all kinds of dental malocclusions, the length of treatment will vary depending on your issue. In general, though, braces can take around 2 years to shift your teeth into proper positions. In comparison, since Invisalign targets minor misalignment, it will take 6 to 24 months to move your teeth into the correct positions. - Appearance
Braces are pretty prominent; since they are composed of metal, they might compromise the appearance of your smile. Although you can choose ceramic braces, they are still noticeable and fragile compared to metal braces. With Invisalign, however, you do not have to worry about that. Made of plastic, Invisalign is also known as a clear aligner because of its transparent appearance. Thus, they are not visible like braces — you’ll not have to compromise the aesthetics or appearance of your smile. - Brushing & Flossing
It is extremely important to maintain your oral hygiene in general, but even more so with braces and Invisalign. It can be quite challenging to brush and floss with braces, and the stuck food particles can make it even harder to do so. This is not an issue with Invisalign — you can easily brush or floss by just removing your aligners. So when it comes to easy brushing and flossing, Invisalign takes the lead.
What is the Takeaway?
Both Invisalign and braces show promising results, but it depends on your dental concerns which one is more suitable for you. Visit Lake Elsinore Dentistry for an expert opinion. Get in touch with us at (951) 579-1010 to book an appointment. You can also come to our dental office located at 31581 Canyon Estates Dr #201, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532.