When it comes to straightening teeth, most people choose between two primary options: Invisalign vs. braces. However, it isn’t always obvious which is the better treatment option for a given patient. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses that make them ideal for different people.
To help you with your choice, here’s a summary of Invisalign and braces’ pros and cons. They’ll hopefully give you some insight into what your smile needs most!
Invisalign
A popular procedure in recent years, Invisalign has you wear removable aligning trays to straighten your teeth. These aligners are switched out for new ones over time to support treatment progress. Once finished, your dentist will give you a retainer to wear to preserve your final results.
Pros
Invisalign has several advantages over traditional braces. Because its aligning trays are removable, you’ll find it easier to clean your teeth and eat your meals. The aligners’ clear, transparent appearance also means they’re hardly noticeable. They usually don’t require emergency care and only need adjustment every two to three months.
They’re best suited for patients looking for quick, minor adjustments to their teeth’s position.
Cons
Still, that isn’t to say Invisalign is without flaws. While the aligning trays’ removability is convenient, it means they can easily be misplaced. If that happens, you risk reducing or delaying your treatment’s success.
Furthermore, the trays’ design has some drawbacks. Some patients complain that the aligners cause them to speak with a lisp. They also offer little help for advanced alignment concerns.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are devices that semi-permanently bond to your teeth to straighten them. Their bands fix firmly around the mouth, while their brackets connect to the front of the teeth.
They have a periodically tightened arch wire to apply tension to each tooth. Over time, this tightening moves all teeth into the proper position.
Pros
Despite their age, traditional braces can compete with Invisalign. Their semi-permanent bonding keeps them from being lost or misplaced, which helps the treatment timetable. They also do not affect speech. Best of all, they’re equipped for complex tooth movements that require torque or space closure.
Cons
On the other hand, people who’ve worn braces know the downsides all too well. The device’s brackets and wires can make oral hygiene and eating more challenging. Plus, their metal appearance is usually distracting. You may end up needing emergency visits for poking wires or loose brackets. They also involve more frequent appointments every four to eight weeks.
As you can see, Invisalign and braces have different traits right for different scenarios. Talk to your local dentist to see how said traits influence your smile-straightening journey.
About the Practice
Bal Dental Centre is based in the Scarborough district of Toronto, Canada. Led by Dr. Gus Bal, the practice is a comprehensive dentistry that offers a wide range of services. These include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments and dental sedation. They ensure top-quality results from their work by using the latest technology in their procedures. For more information or to book an appointment, they can be reached at their website or by phone at (416)-613-8390.
