Braces or Invisalign: What is Best for the Condition of My Teeth?

Woman Checking Teeth
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Breakthroughs in technology in dentistry have now expanded the kinds of braces for patients to avail of. The latest braces innovation out in the market is Invisalign. Researching what can address your dental needs can take time, and if you are lazy to manage tabs on your browser, then your lucky stars are aligned! This article presents the facts and comparisons about Invisalign and common braces.

But, first—how do you know if your teeth require braces? Getting your dental profile reviewed by a dentist or orthodontist can tell that. It is important to choose a reputable dental clinic or dentist to do this. Dentaleh is a great place to find all the best-reviewed dental practitioners in Singapore.

Choosing between Invisalign and braces will always come down to a number of factors. For instance some teeth are too misaligned to be corrected with clear aligners like Invisalign. For more information, consider the resource about Invisalign vs braces from the cosmetic dental website smileprep.com.

Misalignment of teeth and jaw are the common concerns targeted by braces treatment. Seeing a better version of your smile is just an added plus to this goal. Another thing about braces is that an orthodontist may also recommend them for people whose teeth are straight. This recommendation comes to address certain concerns, like teeth spacing (yes, those gaps can be a breeding ground for bacteria—yuck!) and crossbite. 

Woman with Invisalign
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Braces vs. Invisalign

Braces and Invisalign serve an identical purpose, although a few distinctions on how they deliver results exist. Which is better, you ask? Well, the answer to that actually depends on several factors. Listed below are some comparisons between the two types of braces.

Material

Braces: Stainless steel, a mixture of at least 3 metal alloys, is the foundation of metal wires. The metals used specifically are cobalt-chromium-alloy, titanium-nickel allow, and titanium-molybdenum alloy. Stainless steel, porcelain, or plastic can be the main component of the brackets. Elastic ligatures are produced from natural latex rubber or metals.

Invisalign: Durable but flexible plastic makes up the set of clear aligners for this treatment.

Appearance

Braces: The mouth can look full and lips bigger with metal braces. This appearance is created by the extra distance across your lips and teeth with the braces in between. Don’t fancy this look or have people commenting about your braces? An alternative to this is using lingual braces.

Lingual braces are basically traditional metal braces placed behind the teeth. They are kept hidden when you speak or smile. Adding color can improve the aesthetic look of metal braces. Do this by replacing metal ligatures with colorful elastics. Ceramic braces are also an option. These braces make use of tooth-colored brackets, allowing them to look slightly invisible.

Invisalign: The transparent plastic used for aligner trays is a plus on the aesthetic side because they can go unnoticed when worn. Some cases may require tiny attachments to be placed on the teeth to support the placement of the clear aligners. While the color of these attachments blends in with the teeth naturally, they may still be visible to an inquisitive eye.

Length of Usage

Your customized treatment plan adds up to the total months or years required to complete your treatment. 

Braces: Optimum results can be achieved anywhere from 1 to 3 years.

Invisalign: Results using Invisalign are reached in 6 months to 1 year. However, this will depend on whether the wearer can comply with the daily 22-hour recommended use.

Effectiveness

Basing on the period of use specified above, leaning towards getting Invisalign to straighten your teeth may sound more favorable. Put a hold on your decision first. There are some factors to note that influence the effectiveness of both appliances. It is best to get your orthodontist’s expert advice on the matter.

Braces: Traditional metal braces can handle braces–simple and complex cases. 

Invisalign: Some may not be qualified candidates for this option, especially if their orthodontic case includes other complex concerns aside from just improving the teeth’ alignment. 

Woman with Braces
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Limitations on Food Consumption

Braces: Mealtimes can be a challenge for traditional braces as your mouth will surely feel sore when they are set in place, and each time they are adjusted. Eating tough, hard, and sticky foods can be troublesome for braces wearers. These foods may be a challenge to bite or chew, and pieces can be stuck or even damage the brackets and wires of your braces.

Invisalign: Meals will be a breeze for users of Invisalign. The trays are removable, and users must remember to avoid deforming or staining their clear aligners! Also, users must be careful not to throw or leave them after enjoying a meal. If that happens, then another trip back to your orthodontist is inevitable, so you can order replacements, which can delay the progress of your teeth’ movement.

Cleaning

Everyone should clean the teeth and other parts of the mouth for good health with or without braces. 

Braces: Metal braces require extra effort and gentle care when cleaning. Plaque can develop around the brackets if not cleaned thoroughly. This can lead to gum disease and teeth discoloration. Hard bristles are a no-no for toothbrushes.

Use soft-bristled ones to gently brush over the teeth, brackets, and wires with toothpaste when cleaning. Flossing around the teeth should also be practiced, together with rinsing the mouth using an anti-bacterial mouthwash.

Invisalign: Cleaning the teeth is uncomplicated for Invisalign clear aligners. All you need to do is remove the aligners before brushing, floss, and rinse your teeth like usual. Next, brush and rinse each of the clear aligners. Remember to do this gently to avoid damage.

Cost

Invisalign, which is produced with the latest 3D technology and materials, can cost just like braces. One factor that greatly affects the price of the treatment is the number of clear aligner trays needed. Treatment can get more expensive when more trays are required.

Complications

Complications are rarely discussed with braces use, but this is significant for those who may be allergic to certain components used in the materials that make up the different parts of traditional braces.

Braces: Allergic reactions to braces are rare. Still, complications may arise for people allergic to nickel, which the wires and brackets are usually composed of, and latex, which is the material used for ligatures or O-rings.

Invisalign: Invisalign is FDA-approved. You can expect that the clear aligners are free from BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten.


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