One of the bigger decisions is braces versus Invisalign near you. Both straighten your teeth, but they do so in very different ways. Let’s break it down so you can understand which might be the most suitable choice for you.
What are Braces?
Braces are the most traditional way to straighten teeth. They consist of metal brackets attached to your teeth. All these different brackets will then be interlinked with a wire that gradually pushes your teeth into the right position. Sometimes, small rubber bands are also used to help in this process.
Advantages of Braces
- Good for Severe Cases: Braces are brilliant for more serious problems, like teeth being very crooked or bite issues.
- On Duty Always: Since the braces are glued to the teeth, they are always at work. One does not need to remember to wear them.
- Personalization: Colourful rubber bands can be used on their own to add a bit of personality to the braces.
Disadvantages of Braces
- Visible: Braces can be seen when one smiles or speaks.
- Food Restrictions: You need to avoid some food items, like sticky candy and popcorn, to keep your braces in good condition.
- Comfort: Braces sometimes prove to be painful, particularly right after the adjustment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a more modern approach to tooth straightening. It makes use of transparent plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. The aligners are made custom for you, and gradually, in a couple of weeks, they are changed to slowly move your teeth into place.
Invisalign Pros
- Nearly Invisible: The clear aligners are almost invisible, so most people won’t even realize you are wearing them.
- Removable: You remove the aligners when you eat, when you brush, and when you floss, so you don’t have any food restrictions whatsoever.
- Comfort: The Invisalign aligners are smooth and less likely to irritate your mouth.
Invisalign Cons
- Discipline Required: You have to wear the aligners at least 22 hours a day. If you forget or don’t wear them enough, they won’t work properly.
- Not for All Cases: Invisalign may not be very suitable for very complicated dental problems.
- Cost: Sometimes, Invisalign is more expensive than braces.
How Do They Work?
- Braces: Your dentist near you will glue metal brackets onto your teeth and connect them all around with a wire. Every few weeks, you visit the dentist, who tightens the braces. This keeps the pressure on the teeth and slowly moves them into the correct position.
- Invisalign: You will have a series of aligners, which you will change roughly every one to two weeks. The weight of each set of aligners in a series is slightly different from the one before it, and teeth are slowly guided into place. You will be visiting the dentist regularly to monitor your progress and get new aligners.
Which Is Faster?
This, however, will vary from case to case. Generally, braces and Invisalign in North Edmonton run almost at the same time. For some people, there can be a slight advantage in terms of speed for the braces, mainly for critical cases. The dentist will be able to give you an idea of what to expect.
Maintenance And Cleaning
- Braces: You may find flossing and brushing a bit more of a challenge with the added braces. You will really have to be careful when cleaning around those brackets and wires to avoid cavities and gum diseases.
- Invisalign: You remove the aligners while brushing and flossing your teeth as per usual. You also clean the aligners frequently so that they stay clear and free of bacteria.
Making The Choice
The best way to make a decision between braces and Invisalign is to consult with your orthodontist. They will examine your teeth and let you know what’s going to work wonders in your case. Here are a few questions to help consider:
How much do you care about the looks? If you want a less visible option, Invisalign might be better.
How disciplined are you? If you are going to forget to wear the aligners, braces might be a safer option.
What is your budget? Consider the cost difference and what the insurance will cover.
Beverly Heights Dental Can Help You Understand Braces & Invisalign
Both braces and Invisalign will give you a beautiful, straight smile. The key is choosing the one that fits in with your lifestyle and dental needs. When you know the pros and cons of each, you can begin to choose which will help you have the smile you’ve always wanted.
Speak with an expert dentist in North Edmonton at Beverly Heights Dental about your unresolved concerns, think about what is important to you, and you’ll be on your way to a perfect smile.
