Who doesn’t wish for straight, perfectly aligned teeth? It makes a great first impression and boosts your self-confidence. It also improves your oral health by correcting your bite and making it easier to clean your teeth.
So people who don’t have the perfect set of teeth take the help of orthodontic procedures to fix them. If you have crooked, misaligned, or other orthodontic issues, the two most popular treatment options available are traditional braces and Invisalign.
Braces have been around for more than a few decades now and are still quite popular. But over the past few years, a new treatment known as Invisalign is gaining massive popularity, especially among adults.
Choosing between the two can be confusing as they offer similar results. So we consulted Dr. Lavoyger E. Gies who runs a family dentistry in San Antonio, Tx to help understand which treatment is better.
What are Traditional Braces and Invisalign?
Traditional Braces are made up of three components- brackets, metal wires and rubber bands. They help align teeth by putting pressure on them and forcing them to move in a certain direction. Thousands of patients around the world, including children have used these traditional braces to correct their misaligned teeth.
Invisalign is a similar treatment that puts pressure on your teeth to align them. But instead of metal wires and brackets, it uses clear aligner trays. This is why it is often referred to as clear braces.
These trays are made from plastic and are custom designed for each patient using 3D imaging. The patients can wear them on their own and are given a new aligners every few weeks to continue the pressure.
The Pros and Cons
When it comes to suitability, traditional braces work for almost everyone. The treatment is affordable and can be completed in a shorter duration since the braces are irremovable. It can also help treat minor as well as major orthodontic problems.
But the metallic wires can look unappealing which makes them less desirable by adult patients. It also restricts your food choices as certain items like popcorn can get stuck in the braces. You have to pay special attention to your oral hygiene. And the sharp edges of brackets can poke and irritate your mouth making them uncomfortable.
On the other hand, Invisalign offers complete discretion to the users since the trays are almost invisible. Another huge advantage is that the trays are removable. While it is recommended to wear them for at least 22 hours a day, you can remove them before special events if you find them embarrassing.
You can also eat all your favorite foods since the trays are to be removed before meals. Cleaning the aligners as well as your teeth too is easier compared to traditional braces.
But with all these benefits come the cons- Invisalign can treat only minor orthodontic misalignments. And the cost is slightly higher when compared to traditional braces. You also need to remove them before every meal and brush your teeth afterwards to avoid plaque. So it requires discipline on your part.
What Option Is The Best For You?
Both Invisalign and traditional braces have their advantages and disadvantages. They both require proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups to monitor the progress.
But Invisalign has an edge over traditional braces due to the convenience, discretion and freedom it offers to the patient. So if you are a teenager or adult looking to fix crooked teeth but find the traditional braces ugly, go for Invisalign.
Of course, you need to consult a dentist first to see if it is suitable for your orthodontic needs. If you are looking to get Invisalign in San Antonio, Tx, get in touch with Dr. Gies at Gies Family clinic in San Antonio. He can assess your teeth and recommend the best treatment option to help improve your oral health and achieve a beautiful, confident smile. If you live in the San Antonio area, call his office today to book an appointment.