When considering an orthodontic treatment, people often ask: Is Invisalign better than traditional braces? In this article, we compare these two methods and discuss the main benefits of Invisalign.
Is Invisalign Better Than Traditional Braces?
Whether or not Invisalign is better than traditional braces largely depends on what kind of orthodontic issues you need to treat. For people with severe and complex cases of teeth and bite misalignment, braces can be a better solution than Invisalign, as metal wires can apply and withstand more pressure needed to move the teeth. Plastic Invisalign may not be strong and durable enough to produce the desired results.
That said, for minor to mild misalignment, Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional metal braces. Let us compare these two orthodontic methods in more detail.
Invisalign Is Considered More Comfortable Than Braces
Patients often report a more comfortable experience wearing Invisalign than traditional metal braces. Invisalign does not have protruding metal parts that can rub against your soft tissues and cause sores. However, some rubbing and irritation can still occur along the gumline, where the aligners touch the soft tissue, especially at the beginning of your treatment. At the same time, you are still getting used to wearing your new appliances.
Additionally, orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is often considered to cause less toothache than treatment with braces. However, you should still expect some toothache and soreness as the teeth are forced into new positions. Typically, soreness occurs at the beginning of your treatment and when you switch to a new set of aligners about every two weeks.
It Is Easier to Clean Your Teeth with Invisalign Than with Braces
Cleaning your teeth with traditional braces can be challenging, especially when it comes to flossing, and often requires additional tools like floss threaders and water flossers. Invisalign is removed when you clean your teeth, so you will not need to adjust your routine or worry about the food getting stuck in the wires.
Invisalign Does Not Require Dietary Restrictions
Since Invisalign can be removed when eating, you do not need to adjust your diet and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as is the case with traditional braces.
A treatment with Invisalign Requires Fewer Visits to a Dental Office than Braces
At the beginning of your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will provide you with multiple aligner sets, which you will change every 2 weeks. Thus, you will need to visit your dentist only every 4 to 6 weeks for progress checks. In comparison, people who wear traditional braces often need to go to the dentist for wire adjustments every week.
Invisalign Requires Strict Discipline
For your treatment to be effective, you have to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day and remove them only when you eat and brush your teeth. Otherwise, your teeth will constantly be moving back into their original positions, you will need to spend more money on additional trays, and your treatment will take longer. This regimen requires discipline and commitment, especially on days when the treatment causes pain. If you anticipate you will not stick with this kind of discipline, we recommend opting for braces that are permanently bonded to your teeth.
Get an Orthodontic Treatment at Perfect Smile Garden Grove
If you are considering an orthodontic treatment, make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Perfect Smile Garden Grove today. We will carefully examine your case and offer a plan that is most effective for you.
