Plastic Aligners vs. Metal Brackets
The aesthetics are the most apparent difference between metal braces vs. Invisalign plastic aligners. Metal braces are also known as traditional or conventional braces. Your dentist cements a bracket to each tooth then adds an archwire to connect the brackets. The archwire exerts a light force to move your teeth into their new position gradually.
Invisalign uses a series of computer-generated clear, BPA-free plastic aligners to slowly move your teeth. Because the aligners are transparent, they are virtually unnoticeable and have become the preferred choice for older teens and adults.
Traditional braces typically take longer to adjust to and can cause abrasions to the soft tissue in your mouth.
Invisalign aligners are similar to a sports mouthguard and are comfortable to wear because the plastic is smooth and thin.
Moderate Treatment vs. Complex Treatment
A key determining factor to your decision of braces vs. Invisalign may be the complexity of your case. Your dentist may recommend traditional braces if you have wide gaps or teeth sitting at different heights.
But for the majority of patients, Invisalign aligners easily correct your smile whether you have a crossbite, overbite, open bite, underbite, minor gaps or overcrowding.
So, for most patients, the choice of braces vs. Invisalign may come down to personal preference.
Months of Treatment vs. Years of Treatment
The treatment time for Invisalign is typically shorter than traditional braces. This depends on your specific case and if you are adhering to your dentist’s instructions about wearing your aligners 20-22 hours per day.
Patients can expect to wear Invisalign for 6-18 months, whereas most patients wear metal braces for 2 years on average.
Traditional braces tend to be more affordable, but the shorter treatment period can make Invisalign more cost-effective.
Invisalign also requires fewer consultations because you simply change to the next set of aligners in the series, so no uncomfortable arch wire adjustments are necessary every 4 weeks. Instead, your dentist monitors your progress every 6-8 weeks.
Your dentist can explain the differences in treatment time for braces vs. Invisalign at your consultation. The treatment duration will depend on your specific situation because everyone’s smile is different.
Eat What You Want vs. Dietary Restrictions
Invisalign aligners can be removed, so you have no dietary restrictions and can still enjoy all your favourite foods. Your dentist will provide you with a list of off-limit foods that can get trapped in or dislodge your brackets. Chewing gum, popcorn, and other sticky and hard foods are typically off-limits for the duration of your treatment.
Soaking Aligners vs. Brushing Brackets
Invisalign aligners can be removed for optimal oral health. You simply continue with your normal oral hygiene routine. Each time you remove your aligners brush your teeth and rinse your aligners in lukewarm water before placing them back in your mouth.
Gently brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and soak them once a day in a solution of Invisalign cleaning crystals to help sanitise them. Retainer Brite is another excellent cleaning option.
Traditional braces trap food and are more challenging to keep clean. Brushing and flossing can be time-consuming and even uncomfortable each time you have a wire adjustment. Using a water pick can help alleviate some of the discomforts and save you some time.
Your dentist may also recommend you book more frequent hygiene cleanings during your treatment if you wear metal braces. This ensures your teeth and gums are cleaned correctly, reducing the likelihood of cavities, staining, and gingivitis.
Invisalign vs. Braces Which is Better?
There is no right method for orthodontic treatment since the system you use is based on your smile goals. An accurate diagnosis is a great starting place and can help you decide which solution is better for you: braces vs. Invisalign.
At Advanced Dental Care, we want you to have your best smile possible. We improve your bite functionality and oral health as well as aesthetics.
We offer traditional metal braces as well as Invisalign. After an evaluation of your smile and consultation, we can determine which option is the most suitable for your case: Invisalign vs. braces.
Contact Us
Regardless of whether you choose metal braces or Invisalign rest assured that Dr Shanmugalingam and her team are skilled at giving you a perfect smile. To book a consultation, call us on (02) 6188 7103 or request an appointment online to begin your journey to a beautiful smile.
If you’re interested in Invisalign and wondering, how does Invisalign work? Here’s how the clear aligners help straighten teeth and more to transform your smile.