Orthodontic treatments are more popular than ever before, with more and more patients looking to straighten their teeth.
If you’re one of them, there are two main options available to you — Invisalign or braces.
But which one do you choose? In this post, we’ll break down both options, explaining the differences between the two.
Read on to find out which treatment is best for you.
How to Know If You Need Invisalign or Braces
Not sure which orthodontic treatment to go for? Consider the following factors before you make the big decision.
Aesthetics
If aesthetics is your main concern, Invisalign is undoubtedly the best option for you.
This is because they’re clear plastic braces instead of the usual metal wires and brackets.
They’re so subtle that no one will even notice that you’re wearing them. This means that you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. If you have to spend a lot of time in front of a camera or doing public speaking, you may prefer Invisalign for this reason.
However, if you don’t mind having some metal in your mouth, traditional braces will suit you just fine. In fact, some people prefer this look. In some parts of the world, braces are a hot fashion trend that people get for show.
Speech
Are you worried about how your braces might affect your speech?
Some patients find that traditional braces cause them to speak with a lisp. This often goes away once they’ve gotten used to the treatment. However, for those who have customer-facing careers or have to make frequent presentations for work, this can be cause for concern.
Since Invisalign is a much more slimline and subtle treatment, the chances of causing a lisp are much smaller.
Convenience
Orthodontic treatments can be rather inconvenient, requiring rigorous oral health routines and frequent visits to the clinic. That’s why it’s important to choose a treatment that fits your lifestyle.
If you decide to get braces, you’ll have to commit to regular visits to your orthodontist in order to have them adjusted. Each time, they’ll check your progress and make sure that the process is going smoothly.
You’ll also have to make sure that you keep on top of your oral health. This is because food can easily get stuck in the brackets and wires. If you don’t remove it, bacteria and plaque will build up, causing tooth discolouration or even decay.
If you opt for Invisalign, your routine will be very different. You’ll still have to implement a strict cleaning routine but in a different way.
You’ll have to remove your Invisalign trays before you eat. Then, simply brush your teeth before putting them back in again. This means that you’ll need to get used to keeping a toothbrush and toothpaste handy at all times.
One bonus of this is that Invisalign doesn’t have to limit your diet. Thankfully, you won’t have to avoid sticky or chewy foods for fear of getting them stuck in your mouth. However, you will have to take care of what you drink.
Certain drinks, such as coffee or red wine, can stain the plastic trays. That’s why dentists recommend that you remove the trays before drinking them, and only drink water or other clear liquids when you’re wearing your Invisalign.
Another bonus of Invisalign is that you don’t have to make as many trips to your orthodontist. They can give you your trays in bulk, so you don’t have to pick up new ones every few weeks.
Comfort
Braces can irritate the mouth and gums, causing sores to appear when they’re first fitted.
In order to solve this problem, many patients use plastic covers or orthodontic wax over the top of their braces. They create a barrier that reduces pain and discomfort during treatment.
Since Invisalign is made from a smooth plastic material, patients who choose this option can avoid this issue.
That’s not to say that Invisalign is entirely pain-free — no orthodontic treatment is. After all, your teeth will be completely changing positions in your mouth! Still, it’s considerably more comfortable than braces.
When you begin to wear your very first set of Invisalign trays, you’re likely to experience some discomfort. Each time you change to a new set, you’ll feel some tightness, too. As your teeth start to move and adjust, this feeling will subside.
Effectiveness
Invisalign isn’t suitable for everyone. Unfortunately, there are some cases that it can’t handle.
While it can correct crossbites, overbites, underbites, crowding, and other tooth placement issues, it’s not always as effective in very severe or difficult cases. For example, it may not be able to close large gaps, or dramatically rotate teeth that are out of place.
If your case is particularly complex, speak to your orthodontist about the most suitable and effective treatment for you.
Budget
One of the biggest differences between Invisalign and braces is the cost.
Invisalign is certainly the more expensive of the two, and many patients find themselves choosing braces in order to sacrifice the extra work for the savings.
If budget is the deciding factor for you, braces are likely to be a better fit. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more on your smile, go for Invisalign. You’ll find that the results are more than worth the cost.
Time
Braces typically take around 24 months before they can be fully removed.
Invisalign can do the job much more quickly. Most treatments only take around a year, while some patients are finished within just six months.
Of course, individual treatment times vary from patient to patient.
Straighten Your Smile the Right Way
Whether you choose Invisalign or braces, it’s vital that you get them from the right orthodontist.
At Green Lane Dental Center, we have decades of experience in transforming smiles in South East London.
We’re dedicated to providing top-notch care to our patients, making sure they get results they love.
To get started on your new smile, sign up as a patient with us and book your first appointment.
