Invisalign or Traditional Braces — Which Is Right for You?

Crooked teeth are unattractive, but the problem isn’t purely an aesthetic one. They can endanger your oral health and lead to such problems as premature wear and tear, poor oral hygiene, and bad breath. Really, you have every reason to seek orthodontic treatment to get those chompers into their proper places. But should you choose Invisalign or traditional braces? Let’s take a moment to compare these two options.

Effectiveness

Traditional braces are a tried and true method for fixing all sorts of orthodontic issues. They are capable of correcting anything from small alignment problems to severe bite problems. Invisalign, on the other hand, is generally more suited for mild to moderate issues. After your dentist takes a look at your teeth, they’ll let you know if Invisalign will be able to help you or if you need metal braces to correct your smile’s woes.

Appearance

You won’t find many people who say that traditional metal braces are pretty. All those brackets and wires can make you self-conscious about the way you look. Fortunately, Invisalign uses clear thermoplastic aligners to straighten teeth. They’re not invisible, but they are extremely discreet. People will see you, not your orthodontic appliance.

Comfort

Many patients complain about metal braces because the brackets and wires can irritate the soft tissues in the mouth. It may also be painful when the braces get tightened. Invisalign is more comfortable because it doesn’t have metal parts to attack your cheeks and inner lips. Also, because you switch aligners every two weeks, the movement of your teeth is a bit gentler than it is with traditional braces.

Diet

Traditional braces are notorious for coming with a laundry list of dietary restrictions. Sticky foods, hard foods, and extremely chewy foods are out of the question. Invisalign lets you eat whatever you want. All you have to do is remove the aligner, enjoy your meal, rinse the aligner and clean your teeth, and put Invisalign back in your mouth.

Convenience

Some people choose traditional braces because after they’re installed, they remain on your teeth until the dentist removes them. It’s not necessary to remember to take anything out of your mouth or switch aligners. They’re a great solution for people who want a streamlined approach to orthodontic treatment.

However, Invisalign offers a different form of convenience. Because the aligners are removable, maintaining good oral hygiene is easy; all you have to do is brush and floss like your normally would. With traditional braces, it can take a significant amount of time to clean your teeth around all those brackets and wires.

Which Is Right for You?

For many patients, choosing the right orthodontic treatment boils down to personal preference. Many people opt for Invisalign because, in addition to the benefits we’ve already discussed, it is a bit faster than metal braces and the price is comparable to traditional orthodontics.

Your dentist will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of different orthodontic treatments and help you settle on the choice that is best for your circumstances.

About the Dentist

Dr. CJ Stec is a certified Invisalign provider and is proud to help his patients discover the benefits of a straight, healthy smile. If you would like to talk to him about getting your teeth straightened, please contact our office at 308-382-4440.