Weighing Up The Pros And Cons Of Invisalign Vs Braces

If you want to know whether Invisalign vs braces is the straightening option for you it helps to understand how both appliances work, and the amount of straightening they can provide. Largely speaking, both options offer a similar outcome but the two appliances are quite different from one another. Let’s take a look at how braces and Invisalign compare.

Invisalign Vs Braces: How Are They Different

Both braces and Invisalign have been created with the objective of straightening your teeth. You probably know more about and recognise braces because they been in use for a couple of decades. By contrast, Invisalign has only been available on the market since the year 2000 and has less history.

What Are Braces?

Braces use force to shift your teeth into the correct position using a system of brackets and wires. Dental braces can be used to straighten teeth and to straighten misaligned bites. They provide a gradual straightening and sometimes it can take a few years to bring your teeth into alignment.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign has been created from BPA-free plastic and considers the different positions your teeth will move into as they straighten out. Each treatment plan requires you to wear a series of bespoke aligners that fit on the front of your teeth. You will need to wear a new set of aligners every second week.

Pros of braces

• Because they have been around for longer, more information is available on braces
• Braces do not require special attention from the patient in order to be effective (whereas a patient might forget to put his or her aligners in)
• Braces offer different options if the full metal is not something you want
• Braces can help straighten more severe misalignment
• Braces do not require you to adopt any new or different cleaning techniques outside of brushing and flossing.

Cons Of Braces

• Wire and brackets can cause discomfort and irritation in your mouth
• Some foods that are too hard or too sticky must be avoided
• You will need to visit your dentist regularly for adjustments

What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?

While Invisalign is a relatively new technology, the outcomes so far have been positive. It is very important that Invisalign is worn for at least 22 hours per day to be effective.

Pros of Invisalign

• Invisalign treatment is more discreet than other types of braces
• Invisalign does not cause the same level of discomfort as braces because there are no wires to cause friction
• Invisalign trays must be removed before cleaning so the treatment is considered low maintenance
• Regular trips to your dentist aren’t required as part of your treatment
• Invisalign is ideal if you play contact sports

Cons of Invisalign

• Losing or breaking your trays creates inconvenience and will add to your expense
• If you do not wear your Invisalign for the 22-hour minimum every day it could take longer to complete your treatment
• Invisalign is not recommended for severely crooked or misaligned bites
• Some Invisalign treatments are more expensive than treatments using traditional braces

As you can probably see from the aforementioned pros and cons there isn’t an obvious winner between braces and Invisalign. Both teeth straightening appliances offer pros and cons, and an in-depth discussion with your dental practitioner will help you get closer to deciding which one to opt for.

After a consultation and in conjunction with your dentist you will make a decision based on your lifestyle needs, financial objectives and the condition of your teeth.

If you still have questions about the Invisalign vs braces debate it is always best to speak to a professional. Contact our practice today to secure the nearest available appointment:(02) 9158-6753.