Braces vs Invisalign: Which One Is Better For Teeth Straightening 

Having straight teeth is more than just an aesthetic goal for anyone. They also play a crucial role when it comes to maintaining your oral health. When we have a flawless smile, performing oral care, such as brushing and flossing also becomes much easier. That way, we can easily avoid dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and even jaw problems. Braces and Invisalign are the two most known options that orthodontists recommend to achieve a straight smile. While both options are effective in achieving desired results, if it comes to comparing their pros and cons, making a decision will become even more challenging. That’s why here we are about to offer a detailed comparison of Braces vs Invisalign. Read on to find out which one will suit your unique needs the best.

What Are Braces and How Do They Work?

These are the traditional options for teeth straightening treatment. Here, your orthodontist attaches small brackets to your teeth and then connects them using wires. After that, adjustments are made to these brackets from time to time to realign your teeth to a new position. In general, this treatment takes around 18 to 24 months to achieve results. However, a fixed timeline will be provided by your orthodontist only.

Now let’s find out how braces work to fix your teeth alignment issues:

• Treat Complex Issues: Braces are most effective in those cases where your teeth need major adjustments. Complex issues commonly include severe crowding, gaps, and bite problems. 
• More Precise and Targeted Treatment: Your orthodontist has complete control over each tooth in your mouth, and they can target them to make more precise adjustments. 
• 24/7 Working Option: Braces are fixed to your teeth, and there is no option to remove them. It means they will keep working day and night to bring your teeth to new alignment.
• Customization and Reliability: As braces are always preferred for complex cases, they are also known to be a more sturdy and reliable option. Furthermore, you also enjoy the perks of customization with some options for braces, such as ceramic braces.

While you get to enjoy all these advantages of braces, they are not a discreet option or teeth alignment, and they will be visible in your mouth all the time. Additionally, it can be a hassle to manage oral care with them as it gets harder to brush and floss your teeth with braces on.

Is Invisalign A Better Option?

If you feel dissatisfied with braces due to the concern of their constant visibility in your mouth, Invisalign can turn out to be an excellent solution for you. This treatment is novel and aims to offer a more discreet and nearly invisible option for teeth alignment. No brackets or wires will be fixed to your teeth. Rather, your orthodontist will use a clear aligner encasing to fit perfectly over your teeth. The best part is you can take Invisalign off in times of need.

Invisalign treatment usually takes around 12 to 18 months to show results, and during that period, you will be provided with multiple sets of aligners that will be made as per your reformed alignment. Here is how Invisalign works to straighten your teeth:

• Invisible Fit: Since these alingers are made using clear plastic material, it becomes nearly impossible to notice them. Hence, you can smile freely even during the treatment without worrying about Invisalign showing in your mouth.
• Comfortable Option: All the materials used in Invisalign making are smooth. Therefore, they don’t feel harsh on your gums or cheeks even when you wear them constantly throughout the day.
• Easy to Remove: If you are worried that food might get stuck in your Invisalign while eating, You can always take them off. Also with Invisalign, performing your daily oral care becomes much easier compared to other options of teeth alignment treatment.
• Less Maintenance Needed: After every two weeks you are provided with a new set of Invisalign as per the new adjustment of your teeth. Therefore, it doesn’t take much to care for their maintenance.

While all these advantages of Invisalign make it a suitable option for teeth alignment treatment, it is not a favored option in case you are dealing with much more complex orthodontic issues. Also, you will need to wear Invisalign for at least 22 hours a day to achieve results. Negligence to follow through orthodontist guidelines can make Invisalign ineffective.

How To Decide On Your Teeth Alignment Solution?

The comparison of Braces VS Invisalign is easily understood by weighing down their pros and cons. Nonetheless, the final decision can depend only on multiple reasons. Generally, an orthodontist will consider your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle before suggesting an option. 

The following are some of the most common considerations that can affect the final decision:

• Your Concerns Regarding Visibility: There is nothing wrong with being concerned about the visibility of braces in your teeth. After all, you are about to go through a long-term treatment, and braces can bring your confidence down if they are visible to others each time you smile or eat. Therefore, if you need a more discreet treatment, Invisalign will be your ally.
• The Complexity of Your Case: Each orthodontic issue is differentiated based on the severity of the case. While both options of teeth alignment work in most cases, in most complex cases of teeth alignment, braces will be preferred over Invisalign. You can always go with Invisalign in case your orthodontic issues are mild or moderate.
• Patient’s Commitment: Braces are fixed to your teeth, and there is no option to remove them. Also, they take around two years to offer results. On the other hand, Invisalign needs you to go through a 22-hour-a-day wear discipline and they also take around 18 months to show results. In the end, it all depends on where you can show the most commitment.
• Comfort Preferences: Braces tend to be a less comfortable option during and after the treatment. It can take some time before you get used to them in your mouth. Whereas, Invisalign is comparatively a more comfortable option. They fit firmly over your teeth and in case of discomfort, you can always take them off.
• Budget Considerations: The final consideration in your selection will be your budget. Braces are cost-effective and efficient. On the other side, Invisalign comes with more flexibility and offers a more aesthetic appeal, but they can cost a little extra compared to the classic braces.

So, Which Option Is Best For You?

Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, getting a perfectly aligned smile will be achievable with both options. You can always take all the points mentioned here under consideration before finalizing your decision. In case you need a more personal consultation for your concerns, Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics can always help. Their team of orthodontists can offer you a more personalized solution that works best for you. Remember, no matter which option you choose, investing in your more confident, beautiful smile is always worth it.