Are you seeking a cosmetic treatment choice to straighten your teeth? The choice would have been simple back in the day, but modern dentistry has uncovered other cosmetic treatments which naturally makes the choice harder.
In this instance, we’re focusing on two forms of treatments to straighten your teeth: traditional braces or Invisalign. So, if you’re contemplating which one is right for you, a common question that arises is ‘how long does Invisalign take to work?
Before delving into the specifics of Invisalign, it’s essential to understand the foundational approach of traditional braces. So, let’s start by exploring ‘What Are Traditional Braces?’
What Are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces comprise metal brackets attached to the front surface of your teeth connected with wires and brackets that are designed to push your teeth gradually back into position. Braces need to be worn throughout the agreed treatment time, and you’ll need to visit the dentist regularly because the braces need to be tightened at various stages. As your teeth push themselves back, the braces will gradually loosen, hence the procedure of tightening them.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign are transparent clear aligners that are made of BPM thermoplastic worn over the biting and front surfaces of your teeth. Like traditional braces, they’re also designed to gradually push your teeth back into position. Invisalign is aesthetically pleasing and are removable. This means that at certain stages in the day, the aligners can be removed to eat and clean them. This is unlike traditional braces, which will be worn permanently throughout the treatment time. The Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, meaning you can show off your smile and the aligners wouldn’t be noticeable in the mouth.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Invisalign?
Here are some of the pros of Invisalign:
The Pros
Pleasing On The Eye
As mentioned, the retainers are virtually invisible which means those that wear them won’t be as self-conscious in comparison to wearing traditional braces.
Remove Them To Eat
As part of your treatment plan, the aligners can be removed when you need to eat. Typical Invisalign treatment recommends that you wear the aligners for at least 22 hours in a day for maximum results, but within those 2 hours, you can remove them to eat.
Brush And Floss Your Teeth Without Them In
You can also remove the Invisalign retainers to brush and floss your teeth without worrying about having any bacteria on your teeth.
Comfortable Fit
Whilst the aligners are aesthetically pleasing, they are also designed to fit snug on your teeth. Invisalign isn’t painful at all, although there may be a tinge of sensitivity with the aligners adjusting to the shape of your mouth.
The Cons
Here are some of the cons of Invisalign:
Stick To The Treatment
It’s easy to remove the aligners if you’re feeling some discomfort whilst wearing them. You need to be disciplined and stick to the treatment plan. Otherwise, the results won’t be as forthcoming.
Cost
A popular question is “are braces cheaper than Invisalign?” and this is likely, but this depends on several factors, such as the chosen material, the severity of the misalignment or if the dentist proposes lingual braces, which are more expensive.
Additional Attachments
Some patients would require additional attachments to support the aligners. This depends on the severity of the treatment, but the attachments help to grip the aligners and push your teeth back. It may look like you’re wearing braces.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Traditional Braces?
Here are some of the pros of traditional braces:
The Pros
A Fit-For-All Purpose Treatment
Traditional braces can deal with even the most difficult cases. For example, your teeth are severely misaligned amongst other dental issues. Traditional braces will fix every individual concern so that the results are exactly as you want them.
Different Types Of Braces
Traditional braces comprising of wires, brackets and bands is the popular method, but you can also choose lingual or ceramic braces, which are choices if you’re struggling with being self-conscious of your smile.
Faster Results
In comparison to Invisalign, traditional braces deliver results in a shorter timeframe because they close gaps and correct alignment faster. This is a big factor in getting the right orthodontic treatment.
The Cons
Here are some of the cons of traditional braces:
Not Aesthetically Pleasing
Traditional braces can impact your self-confidence because they’re hardly pleasing to the eye. This is another key factor to weigh up in your choice. If you’re seeking faster results, you’ll consider traditional braces, but Invisalign if you care about how you look.
Dental Plaque
You need to take care of your food choices when you wear traditional braces. Food can get easily trapped in between the brackets and wires, and this can be difficult to clean when brushing your teeth as well.
Braces Can Break
Depending on your food choices, if you eat hard and sticky foods, there’s a greater chance of the braces breaking, and you’ll need to go to the dentist to get them fixed. This can also prolong the treatment time.
Braces Or Invisalign – Which Do I Go For?
There are many factors to consider when choosing Braces or Invisalign. It’s recommended that you go through both treatment options with your dentist. The dentist can also determine which choice of treatment is right for you depending on your condition. The pros and cons of Braces or Invisalign will help you break things down when it comes to deciding.
Consult your local dentist if you’re seeking a transformation to your smile today!