Crooked and irregular teeth are the first thing that can attract attention in the first encounter. And in addition to being a very acute aesthetic problem, it will also cause certain health problems.
Alignment of teeth is done by orthodontists in different ways. The most common methods are using traditional braces and transparent braces or Invisalign.
It is obvious that when choosing between braces and Invisalign to align teeth, people will prioritize the traditional view of avoiding pain when visiting the dentist.
It might be interesting for you to know that each of these two methods has advantages and disadvantages.
Here, we have examined and compared both teeth straightening methods from different dimensions to help you choose the most suitable one from braces or Invisalign options to align your teeth or your child’s.
Although science is always trying to invent methods that cause the least discomfort for people. Pain and dentistry are two concepts that are traditionally linked together. So, individuals have always looked for the easiest solutions.
One of the most important disadvantages of braces compared to Invisalign is the discomfort it causes in the mouth.
Maybe the reason for this is that braces are often made of metal, and putting them on the teeth and especially the contact of the tongue with it will feel unpleasant, and sometimes it may cause scratches. For this reason, long-term braces use will be troublesome for many people.
On the other hand, the hard material of braces puts more pressure on the teeth, which may cause more pain. Even though the teeth move slowly in Invisalign and may have less pain.
So, in this section, you found that the problems caused by braces and wires for the mouth and tongue will not exist in Invisalign.
But is one criterion, the amount of pain, more important than the effect of the type of treatment? Is it the only option to choose a treatment method, or should other options be considered?
In the rest of this article, we will examine in detail all the differences between these two common treatments for teeth alignment. Maybe you reconsidered your choice by reading the rest of this article. Or get more information about the method you want, which will be valuable.
When choosing between braces and Invisalign, there are several components to consider. Including:
Other treatment methods can be used in cases where teeth alignment problems are not too severe, including Invisalign.
However, if the teeth are crooked, overlapping, or wholly rotated, especially when they are bicuspid, using traditional braces is preferable. In these cases, Invisalign trays cannot move the bicuspid teeth to align. In addition, in Invisalign trays, the pressure on the tooth is focused on the upper part, while braces apply equal pressure on the entire tooth and guide the teeth from top to bottom into the proper position.
Braces are mostly made of metal and consist of brackets that are connected by wires.
Even in cases where tooth-colored ceramic braces are used, it is visible when smiling. Invisalign is made of a custom explicit thermoplastic material and is placed seamlessly over the teeth, and because it is invisible, it does not attract people’s attention quickly.
Traditional braces are fixed in place and cause problems when cleaning teeth, especially when food particles get stuck in the metal.
However, Invisalign does not have this problem and can be removed and reinserted during brushing and flossing (of course, it should be noted that this advantage of Invisalign sometimes becomes a weakness, and that is when repeated removal and insertion reduce the effectiveness of the trays in aligning the teeth).
Additionally, braces must be brushed regularly and require water toothpaste to clean, while the Invisalign cleaning system is used to wash and rinse the Invisalign trays.
Eating with traditional braces is a pain. And this pain is sometimes a release trigger that may be confused with toothache.
Food ingredients often get stuck in the metal and cause damage to the wire and bracket. That is why it is forbidden to eat some foods. However, the portability of Invisalign makes it possible for a person to take the trays out of the mouth, eat whatever food they want, and put them back in place after brushing.
Related: “How Do I Know What Kind Of Toothache I Have?“
Of course, both methods cause some discomfort because the teeth are forced to align anyway. However, the pressure exerted by Invisalign on the teeth is milder than braces. Also, the risk of cutting the gums is eliminated in Invisalign because its contact with the gums is done slowly.
Traditional braces are not removable and are worn around the clock between 18 months and three years, depending on the patient’s needs. However, Invisalign braces are removable and must be worn about 22 hours daily for six to eighteen months, depending on the patient’s needs, to work best. Also, going to the orthodontist to follow up on the progress of the braces is monthly, while for Invisalign, it is done every six weeks.
Braces are better for children and people who are not regular and severe about personal care. Because it always stays on the tooth and plays its role, and if necessary, it can only be removed professionally in the office.
Invisalign should be left on the teeth for at least 20 hours, and the teeth should be cleaned after each removal for eating, drinking, and brushing. This work requires order and precision, and not everyone can do it.
On the other hand, many people who use braces often complain about their stability. Their reason is that they face problems in cleaning their teeth. Of course, it is worth noting that cleaning problems pale compared to the benefits of braces being in place.
If the braces were removable, removing them even for one to two days could disrupt the process of gradually moving the teeth into proper positions and affect the orthodontic results.
Various factors should be considered when comparing the cost of Metal braces and Invisalign braces.
The final price depends on the severity of the existing problems, the extent of the problems, the number of trays used in Invisalign treatment, and the specialist’s skill, office location, and consultation rights. However, this cost is usually higher in Invisalign than in standard braces.
Due to the use of advanced 3D scanning technology and flexible materials in the manufacture of aligners, the cost of treatment with Invisalign will usually be higher than that of metal brackets.
Of course, according to the specific problem of each person’s teeth, it is difficult or even impossible to treat some treatment inconsistencies with Invisalign.
The orthodontist may continue the restoration process with metal brackets to correctly complete some teeth placement. In these cases, the patient’s total cost will be higher than the treatment starting with a metal bracket.
If you have Invisalign aligners, you can scratch your aligners while brushing your teeth and take care of your oral hygiene easily. However, using metal brackets will make brushing and flossing more complicated.
Also, metal brackets, stains, and plaque can be found on them if you do not clean your teeth.
As far as it can lead to the formation of cavities in the teeth. It can even cover the cavities and cause them to be ignored, and as a result, the decay spreads to the dental pulp.
Patients should follow the orthodontist’s instructions regarding brushing and flossing.
Both treatments effectively achieve straight teeth, but each option has advantages and disadvantages. Orthodontists may prefer one depending on the patient’s needs, preferences, and budget.
it is possible to switch from braces to Invisalign, but it is not always recommended or necessary.
Many orthodontists will use a combination of both traditional braces and Invisalign to achieve the desired results.
Braces can be used to correct the overall position and alignment of the teeth, and Invisalign can be used to fine-tune the details and make any final adjustments necessary.
This combination method can provide the best of both worlds, allowing for fast and effective results.
If you are unhappy with the results from traditional braces and want to try an alternative treatment, Invisalign could be an option.
It’s important to discuss your concerns with your orthodontist to determine if switching to Invisalign is the best choice for you. Your orthodontist can evaluate your individual situation and provide you with a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your medical history, dental health, and desired outcomes.
You have probably noticed that traditional braces and Invisalign braces have advantages and disadvantages; comparing them is like a tight race.
The final choice between braces or Invisalign is based on the patient’s needs or wishes, and the orthodontist puts the best treatment option in front of the person. However, the final decision is up to the individual.
It is essential to know that whatever treatment method you choose, you must be patient and follow the orthodontist’s instructions to achieve the desired result.
Whichever treatment option you choose, it is not just about improving your smile but your overall oral health. This decision should not be taken lightly, so finding the right dentist with braces and Invisalign experience is essential.
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Dr. Majid Zohrabi started treating his patients in Dubai in 2022 and continues his activities in private medical centers in the UAE.