We all understand the benefits of having straight, perfectly aligned teeth—better oral health, higher self-esteem, and greater chances of success. These reasons are why so many people seek orthodontic treatment; it can be life-changing!
Unfortunately, these benefits often get overlooked when a patient is considering the possibility of wearing braces for up to two years. If that’s your situation, know that you have options and that those options will be the reason you reap the benefits of a beautiful smile.
Invisalign® clear aligners and traditional metal braces are two of the most popular orthodontic options. Continue reading to learn about their pros and cons.
Invisalign
Patients who qualify for Invisalign typically have mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as:
- Gapped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
Dentists will recommend this treatment for older teens and adults who are willing and able to commit to the process.
Benefits of Invisalign
Here are the most common reasons people choose Invisalign clear aligners:
- Discreet appearance: The top reason patients love Invisalign clear aligners is their nearly invisible appearance. For older teens and adults, discretion is especially important. Putting metal braces on top of a less-than-perfect smile can add to feelings of insecurity. Clear aligners simply don’t.
- Comfort: Invisalign uses smooth, flexible plastic material that doesn’t irritate the gums and cheeks (if they are fitted properly). The brackets and wires that make up traditional metal braces often cause irritation that is painful and distracting.
- Convenience: Clear aligners can be removed at any time during the day. However, patients must wear them for at least 22 hours a day to receive desired results. Patients love that they can remove their aligners while eating or even while giving a presentation at work. This is a convenience that metal braces don’t provide.
- Easy maintenance: Proper care is an essential part of being an Invisalign patient. Thankfully, clear aligners don’t require much! Patients should clean their teeth and rinse the aligner after every meal and use a special cleaner each night as a part of their oral hygiene routine.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
Before dentists approve patients for Invisalign, the patient must commit to wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. The patient must also be responsible enough to keep up with every new aligner. They can easily be thrown away or misplaced during mealtimes!
Additionally, Invisalign clear aligners are typically more expensive than traditional metal braces because patients receive a new aligner tray about every six weeks.
Traditional Metal Braces
Initially, traditional metal braces may seem much less desirable, but the benefits of traditional braces are worth considering.
Benefits of Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces…
- are more effective for complex orthodontic issues.
- are permanent, so they won’t get lost or damaged.
- don’t require extra cleaning steps.
- are more affordable.
Disadvantages of Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are notorious for…
- being chunky and extremely conspicuous
- poky wires that irritate the gums
- getting food stuck in the brackets
- making eating more difficult
Invisalign and Orthodontic Treatment in Woolgoolga
Our dental and orthodontic experts at Magic Smiles are prepared to help patients with all types of orthodontic issues. We discuss your orthodontic needs, smile goals, and budget to create a plan that meets your specific needs. To schedule an initial consultation, call (02) 6654-0650 today.
