Who wins the fight between traditional braces vs Invisalign? If you have a misaligned smile and need orthodontic treatment, perhaps you’re asking yourself this very question. Not to worry! We’re here to clear up this hot topic.
What are these two treatments?
Both of these treatments can be exceptionally effective for all patients. Before we put them head-to-head, let’s explain the ins and outs of these treatments:
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are an innovative way to straighten your smile. They are comfortable, clear, removable aligners that fit snugly over your teeth, almost like a mouthguard.
Metal braces
When you think of metal braces, the words ‘train-track’ might spring to mind. The aligners have earned this reputation due to their metal brackets and wires - but despite their appearance, they have many unparalleled benefits.
How do the treatments work?
Invisalign
For Invisalign treatment, we take digital impressions (or scans) of your teeth, which we will use to create between 20 to 30 aligners of different sizes. You will change these throughout your treatment.
As you switch them around every two weeks, they gradually move your teeth towards the position outlined in your treatment plan.
The comfortable, smooth, SmartTrack plastic squeezes your teeth in tiny increments until they reach your desired position.
Metal braces
Metal braces, however, work using small metal brackets bonded to the front surface of your teeth.
Thin metal archwires connect these brackets, and small elastic bands (ligatures) are placed around them. These parts work together to apply gentle pressure to your teeth to move them into position.
Okay… so who wins the fight between braces vs Invisalign?
The truth is, it depends on your teeth! We will help you to choose between the two, but here are some of the main benefits of each:
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are often the perfect option for discreet, convenient treatment. If you’re looking for braces as an adult, perhaps you want a subtle solution that your colleagues or friends won’t detect. In this case, Invisalign is your best choice.
Why? Because the aligners are nearly invisible – there are no brackets or wires involved, just a series of aligners that are changed every two weeks to inch your teeth towards the final position.
As well as being nearly invisible, your Invisalign aligners are also removable! This means no food stuck between brackets and wires. Plus, you can take them out to brush and floss your teeth.
Invisalign braces tend to straighten your teeth in less time than others. Remember, the length of your treatment will always depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Metal braces
There are multiple reasons why they might be your orthodontic treatment of choice - even if you’re looking for braces as an adult.
For starters, they are one of the most effective methods of moving crooked teeth. If you have a severe misalignment, metal braces are the most likely to give you your desired result.
Metal braces are the most versatile orthodontic treatment because they are suitable for practically everyone. Unlike other braces and devices, they can produce a large amount of movement and work for most complex cases.
Although they might seem the least discreet option, the system has come a long way in recent years and is more subtle than ever.
I’ve made my decision!
Wonderful news - we’re glad we could help. At M Dental, we offer both metal and Invisalign braces, and we’re now welcoming new patients!
If you want to know how we could straighten your smile, just book a consultation at our patient-friendly, modern dental practice in Canada Water.
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