Invisalign vs Braces

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Fortunately, both Invisalign at Edgerton and Glenn DDS and braces are effective methods for straightening teeth, however there are times when a person is better suited for braces and times when Invisalign is the better option. If you are considering having your teeth straightened and debating between dental braces and Invisalign, consider the following factors:

Methodologies: The most common type of dental brace straightens teeth by gluing metal brackets to your teeth which are tied together by tiny rubber bands and wires that are frequently adjusted. Invisalign straightens teeth using custom made aligners that are worn for two weeks at a time, after which the next aligner is placed. As this process is repeated, your teeth make incremental shifts until they are straight.

Treatment time: The length of treatment will depend on the severity of your case, but on average dental braces will need to be worn for two years 24/7 to complete the straightening process whereas Invisalign treatment time typically takes between 6-18 months wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day.

Removable/fixed: One of the benefits and drawbacks of Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed, as opposed to braces which cannot. While it can be nice to have the option of removing your aligners for certain situations, this also increases your risk of not adhering to the treatment as closely as you should, which can impact the overall success of the treatment. Removing your trays for every meal and having to brush following each meal before putting the trays back in to avoid staining can also be an inconvenience, so much so that some people prefer the simplicity of braces.

Appearance: One of the most appealing aspects of Invisalign is that it is practically invisible. Although braces are typically silver in color and easily seen while worn, there have been advancements made in their design, making it possible for the brackets to more closely match the natural enamel color of your teeth. Additionally, if you want to make a fashion statement, you can also select a distinct color for your brackets, but either of these modifications will increase the overall cost of treatment.

Proven results: Unlike dental braces, which have been used to straighten teeth for quite some time, Invisalign first became a treatment option in 2000. Both treatment methods have been proven to be effective in straightening teeth, but because Invisalign is a newer method, it does not have as long a history of proven results.

Which Is Right for Me?

To help determine which method is best for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist or periodontist. During this evaluation, they will assess your teeth to determine which treatment option is best suited to your unique needs. Although Invisalign is often a viable treatment option, there are cases when it will not be suitable for your needs. For example, if you have teeth that need to be rotated, moved vertically, or back teeth that require correction, it is likely that you will not be a viable candidate for Invisalign and will need to have traditional dental braces instead. On the other hand, people who play high impact sports or who are concerned about feeling self-conscious while wearing braces are likely better candidates for Invisalign.

Regardless of which method you use, straightening your teeth is a gradual process that will take time and commitment to complete, which is why it is important to select a treatment option that has the highest likelihood of providing you with the results you want.

More information on Invisalign : How Does Invisalign Work?