Are You Planning To Switch From Braces To Invisalign This Year? The Ultimate Guide

Teeth straitening treatments like braces and Invisalign are great ways to align your bite for a more beautiful, functional, and healthy smile. As both treatments have been proven safe and effective, you might wonder which method suits you. This guide highlights everything you need to know to decide between braces and Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used to correct orthodontic problems like tooth gaps and misalignments. Invisalign aligners are custom-made from medical-grade plastic and fit snugly against the teeth, gently guiding them to the desired positions. Thanks to the transparency and perfect fit, Invisalign is a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.

The Invisalign aligners should be worn daily for at least 20 – 22 hours for about 6 – 18 months. You can dedicate 2 – 4 hours to eating, brushing, and cleaning your aligners. Every two weeks, you have to wear a new pair of aligners.

Invisalign: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Virtually invisible: Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are made from transparent plastic and fit closely to the teeth. This makes them nearly invisible from a distance.
• Comfort: Invisalign aligners fit snugly against the teeth without causing severe discomfort or cuts like metal braces. However, it’s possible to experience some minor discomfort or soreness in the first few days of your treatment.
• Easy oral hygiene: With traditional braces, you have to brush and floss around the wires and brackets, which can be challenging and lengthy. Since Invisalign trays are removable, you can remove them and brush and floss as you normally do.
• No food restrictions: People who wear braces should avoid certain foods like popcorn, nuts, and bagels to avoid irritation and damage. Since you should remove your Invisalign tray when eating, you can eat whatever you want.
• Quicker treatment and few appointments: Invisalign has proven to be more effective for mild to moderate misalignments. Similarly, you don’t need to visit your dentist for regular appointments like braces.

Cons

• Not ideal for complex orthodontic treatments
• You must remove the aligners when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing as well as when cleaning them
• Requires discipline to wear the aligners for 20 – 22 hours daily. You must also clean them daily and be careful not to lose or break them.
• Invisalign may require visible attachments to control teeth movements
• Often more expensive than traditional braces

What are Braces? How do They Work?

Braces are fixed orthodontic devices attached to teeth to correct orthodontic problems. While traditional metal braces are the most common and affordable, you can choose other less noticeable options like ceramic and lingual braces.

Braces: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Effective for complex orthodontic problems: Braces are universal and perfect for minor to complex cases. Since they cling to each tooth, braces are more powerful than Invisalign, giving incredible results even in the most complicated cases.
• Not removable: Unlike Invisalign, braces are fixed on the teeth and can’t be removed without the help of a dental professional. You will have them on when eating, brushing, flossing, and everything else.
• Some options are discreet: Ceramic and lingual braces are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
• Less expensive: Braces are relatively less costly than Invisalign.

Cons

• Metal braces tend to be more uncomfortable than clear aligners.
• Braces, especially metal braces, are highly noticeable.
• Food Limitations. People with braces should avoid hard and sticky foods that can easily get stuck in the braces or damage them.
• Frequent visits. Braces require routine adjustments.
• Braces can cause teeth stains.

What to Choose, Metal Braces or Invisalign?

Generally, both methods are effective. Invisalign aligners are perfect for mild to moderate misalignments. Thanks to their invisible nature, Invisalign is an excellent option for people seeking discreet treatment. On the downside, they require excellent discipline and are relatively more expensive than braces.

Braces are perfect for mild to complex orthodontic treatments and are cheaper than Invisalign. However, the highly noticeable nature of metal braces can be a concern for some people. Visit our dental office in Calgary if you need more help choosing your treatment.

What Types of Dental Issues Can Invisalign Correct?

• Crooked or misaligned teeth
• Overbite or overjet. It occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the front lower teeth.
• Underbite. It occurs when the front lower teeth overlap the front upper teeth when you close your mouth.
• Open bite. It happens when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when you close the mouth.
• Crossfire. It happens when your upper teeth rest right inside the lower teeth instead of on the outside.
• Large teeth gaps between teeth.
• Crowded teeth

Are you interested in Invisalign treatment in Calgary, AB?

For more information about Invisalign near you, contact East Hills Dental Clinic.