Invisalign vs braces: Everything you need to know

Are your teeth not as straight as you would like them to be? Do feel self-conscious about your smile? Braces or Invisalign could be the solution. To help determine the best treatment for you, it’s important to know the difference between Invisalign vs. braces. While both procedures can be used to straighten teeth, Invisalign is an alternative to braces that are invisible and removable. Traditional braces are metal brackets that are glued to the teeth and connected with wires and rubber bands. Choosing between the two, depends on the condition of your teeth and several other factors we will discuss in this blog.

The main difference between traditional orthodontics and Invisalign is how each treatment works to change the alignment of your teeth and bite. If you’re looking to fix gapped teeth or an overbite/underbite, Invisalign might be a good option. However, some cases require more time or involve other factors to fix your teeth. That’s where traditional orthodontics may be a better option.

To look at each option in more detail, here we have outlined the pros and cons of braces and Invisalign:

	Braces	Invisalign
Pros	·       Better for more complicated issues ·       May cost less than Invisalign	·       Invisible ·       Removable ·       No difficulty eating ·       Shorter duration than braces
Cons	·       No need to clean beyond flossing and brushing ·       Not as aesthetically pleasing, although, white brackets are available and less visible	·       Needs to be removed before eating ·       Extra cleaning ·       Temptation to remove, not wear constantly

Braces tend to work faster for correcting more complex alignment issues. Invisalign is best for someone with minor issues, like gapped or crooked teeth, but if you have aa severe overbite or underbite traditional braces are the better way to go.

Invisalign is not recommended for children because their teeth are still changing. Both treatments will lead to a straighter, healthier smile, and with each treatment plan patients must be willing to maintain proper hygiene and adhere to regularly scheduled check-ups.

The duration of the treatment will vary by individual case, but most patients will wear Invisalign for seven to 18 months, while braces stay on typically for at least two years. Orthodontic check-ups are every 5 to 7 weeks for Invisalign and every one to two months for traditional braces.

To find out what option is best for your case, it is important to consult a professional with orthodontic training. Dr. John Dougherty and Dr. Prabhidi Adhikari are both trained in orthodontics, allowing our dentists to not only take care of your oral health, but also provide cosmetic and orthodontic treatments to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Call Artistic Dental at (602)840 - 5400 or book a free consultation online to find out whether Invisalign or traditional braces is best for you.