Invisalign vs Braces
Invisalign is taking the world by storm, offering a sleek and nearly invisible removable option to straighten teeth. But what exactly is Invisalign, and how does it compare to traditional braces? When it comes to Invisalign vs braces, the differences go beyond appearance. From how they work to who they’re best suited for, understanding the key differences will help you make your decision.
What is Invisalign, and how do Invisalign braces work?
Invisalign braces are clear, custom-made aligners designed to move your teeth into the correct position gradually. They are effective in treating a wide range of alignment issues, including crowding, underbites, overbites and crooked teeth.
Your dentist will begin by taking records to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. Using this scan, they will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that explains how long your treatment will take and how many aligners you will need.
Once your aligners arrive, your dentist will show you how to use them and explain how they work. To be effective, aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day. One of the key benefits of Invisalign is that it can be removed while eating, drinking and brushing your teeth, making it easy to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign check-ups are typically scheduled every 4-6 weeks, during which your dentist will monitor your progress to ensure the aligners are working properly.
How Do Dental Braces Work?
Traditional metal braces consist of brackets and archwires that are secured with small elastic ties. The brackets are fixed to your teeth using dental cement and remain in place for the duration of your treatment.
Braces work by applying constant, gentle pressure to your teeth and jaws, gradually shifting them into the correct position. They are used to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve overall alignment.
Braces are typically adjusted every 4 to 8 weeks to ensure consistent pressure is applied. It's also important to attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal oral health.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Both braces and Invisalign are effective at closing gaps, straightening teeth and solving orthodontic issues such as crowding, overbite, underbite and more. Typically, the option you choose is based on preference and the severity of your dental problems.
Invisalign Clear Aligner Benefits
Nearly invisible: Invisalign aligners are clear, making them barely noticeable when worn and virtually invisible.
Removable: Many patients prefer Invisalign, as, unlike braces, the aligners are removable. This means you can eat all your favourite foods without restrictions.
Comfortable: Wearing Invisalign is more comfortable as they are custom-made to fit your mouth. There are no brackets and wires to get in the way, and most patients do not experience much discomfort.
Oral hygiene: As the aligners can be removed, it is simple to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Fewer dental visits: Check-ups are usually quicker and less frequent than with traditional braces.
Invisalign Clear Aligner Disadvantages
Not suitable for challenging cases: Invisalign treatment is not suitable for everyone. For more complex cases, traditional braces may be more effective.
Requires patient compliance: For an effective treatment, aligners need to be worn 22 hours per day.
Can be lost or damaged: One of the downsides of Invisalign is that they can be lost when removed. If you need a replacement, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Speech adjustment: Some patients may notice a slight lisp during the initial adjustment period, particularly with ‘S’ sounds. This typically resolves within the first week.
Braces Benefits
Suitable for most treatments: Traditional braces are suitable for more complex orthodontic treatments.
Orthodontist has control: Unlike Invisalign, traditional braces cannot be removed, giving your orthodontist precise control over your treatment.
Multiple types of braces: While traditional braces are usually made of metal, some orthodontists offer more discreet alternatives such as ceramic braces, which blend with your teeth, or lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth and hidden from view.
Braces Disadvantages
Highly visible: Traditional metal braces have stainless steel brackets and metal wires that are easily noticeable.
Harder to clean: Braces make maintaining your dental health trickier. Brushing and flossing can be more challenging, increasing the risk of plaque build-up, decay and gum problems.
Dietary restrictions: When you wear braces, you cannot eat certain foods. Sticky, crunchy and chewy foods should be avoided to prevent damage to the braces.
Potential for emergencies: The wires of braces can come loose or break, which can require emergency dental appointments to avoid injury.
Speech issues: Some people experience slight speech difficulties when they first have their braces attached.
Which is Faster, Braces or Invisalign?
When considering whether to get braces or Invisalign, one of the key considerations is treatment duration. The answer to which is faster depends on a few key factors, including the complexity of your case, your lifestyle, and how closely you stick to your treatment plan.
Invisalign Treatment Time
Invisalign is often faster for mild to moderate alignment issues. Most treatments take around 12 to 18 months, though some cases can be completed in as little as six months. These aligners work best when worn 22 hours per day. The success of treatment ultimately depends on whether you follow your dentist’s instructions, as skipping wear time can affect how long it takes for Invisalign to work.
Braces Treatment Time
Traditional braces can take 18 to 24 months. They are better suited to more complex orthodontic issues, which typically take a longer time to correct. Braces are fixed to your teeth, which means they are always working.
Why Choose CC Dental?
Our experienced team is conveniently located in West Leederville, just five minutes from the Perth CBD, making it easy to fit dental care into your day. With over 60 years of combined experience in a variety of general and cosmetic dentistry services, our dentists take the time to understand your dental needs.
Book an appointment with one of our expert dentists today! We believe in keeping dentistry affordable, which is why we offer various dental payment plans to help you get started today!