Is Invisalign® Better Than Braces?

Do you have misaligned teeth? If you had a choice, would you go for clear aligners or traditional braces? Nowadays, many people choose to get clear aligners instead of braces. The popularity of this realigning and straightening option has been growing over the past 20 years or so.

What Is Invisalign?

Introduced in 1998, this is one of the best-known and oldest clear aligners. It is the brand name for a popular clear, thin aligner used to treat certain orthodontic issues. Made from a flexible thermoplastic material, Invisalign® aligners aim to make orthodontic treatments less noticeable. Although they are not completely invisible, these clear aligners fit tightly over teeth and are less conspicuous than the wires and brackets that come with traditional braces.

Which Option Is Better?

According to most people, a smile is one of the most important aspects of a person’s overall appearance. So to get a more appealing smile, many people choose to get either traditional braces or Invisalign aligners. But do you know the better option for you or your child?

Your choice will depend on several important factors. Some of these include:

• Effectiveness

Orthodontists have been using braces to straighten teeth and create beautiful smiles for decades. People with braces cannot remove them, which means that they are on for 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the recommended period.

When it comes to Invisalign aligners, the challenge is that you can remove them. Sometimes, you may not always have them on for the recommended or appropriate time of use. Also, you can misplace them or forget to put them on your teeth. Consequently, your teeth will shift when you do not have them on.

These are some of the reasons why traditional braces tend to be more effective. Furthermore, they are the ideal choice if you have severely misaligned teeth. If you have overlapping or rotated teeth, for example, you may not be a good candidate for Invisalign aligners.

• Appearance

One of the biggest differences between Invisalign aligners and braces is appearance. In this case, Invisalign is the hands-down winner every time. This is because it is virtually unnoticeable. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are quite conspicuous.

Made of metal, braces are hard not to notice. On the other hand, you need to look closely to notice someone with Invisalign aligners. Some people, especially teens, enjoy getting different colored brands of braces. But most adolescents, teens, and adults prefer getting Invisalign since they want their teeth alignment treatment to be discreet.

• Comfort

The process of straightening and aligning teeth is not always comfortable. Whether you choose Invisalign or braces, the process may be somewhat uncomfortable or even painful. But between the two options, Invisalign is significantly more comfortable and less painful than traditional braces. This is because these cleat aligners apply less pressure to the teeth.

Also, traditional metal braces have sharp edges that can cut your tongue and inner lip. Do you or your child play sports? If so, traditional braces can be a safety risk in case of incidental contact. However, over time, people get used to either Invisalign or traditional braces.

Verdict

The choice between these two options comes down to your personal choice and dental condition. You need to consult your orthodontist to determine the right option for you or your child. But whatever option you choose, you still need to get routine dental exams and practice good oral hygiene practices.

To learn more about Invisalign aligners, visit Above & Beyond Dental at our office in Bedford, Texas. You can call 817-571-1667 today to schedule an appointment.