Braces and clear aligners are orthodontic dentistry procedures used to correct misalignments such as crowded, protruding, or crooked teeth. These treatments help improve your smile, and you can easily get them, be it braces or Invisalign® in Pompano Beach.
Each one has its own unique set of benefits and disadvantages for you. To find out which one adapts to your situation, here’s a braces vs. Invisalign beginner’s guide.
Traditional braces are brackets attached to a wire and fitted to your teeth with bands. They can be made out of metal, ceramic, plaster, or other materials. By tightening and loosening the wires, an orthodontist can adjust the pressure and guide any misplaced teeth to their correct position.
Braces are a well-known solution for malocclusion, however, let’s go over some of their key characteristics:
In the United States, braces cost around $3,000–$7,000 on average. This may vary depending on the complexity of your concerns, the duration of your dental treatment, and even your location.
Some insurance companies cover braces, especially for kids and teenagers.
Historically, patients with braces have complained about discomfort, especially in the earlier stages of the treatment. The tightness of the wires can lead to dental pain, and the metal materials can irritate the gums and tongue.
Advancements in materials and new types of braces have helped reduce the pain, but some degree of discomfort will always remain. After all, the tightness of the metal needs to be enough to shift your teeth.
Fixed braces take an average of two years to work. However, it depends on the severity of the case and the development of the patient.
Kids and teenagers have more flexible bones, which allows their treatments to advance faster than adults. Bones tend to become more rigid with time. The difference can also be noticeable between young adults and elderly patients. Because of that, it’s never too late to get braces: the earlier you can be treated, the more efficient the results will be.
Certain foods can adhere to or harm the brackets on braces, so they must be avoided by patients. For example, sticky foods like chewing gum and candy are forbidden. The same goes for hard foods such as popcorn, nuts, and apples.
Additionally, brushing your teeth after every meal is crucial to preventing tooth decay. We recommend using an interdental brush that can go between the teeth to clean your braces.
Invisalign is a removable aligner designed to avoid common problems associated with traditional braces, such as cleaning difficulties and cavities. Invisalign® aligners are transparent and easier to hide, which is why they’ve become one of the favorite options for adults who need orthodontic treatment.
When you visit the orthodontist, we will take 3D images of your mouth and a bite registration to gather data on the state of your teeth. Then, we send your imaging results to the Invisalign® labs, where technicians create your aligner from BPA-free plastic.
As Invisalign is designed to progressively guide your teeth to the desired position, you will need to change them every one to two weeks. Each new set of trays will continue the process until the desired result is achieved.
Let’s cover each of its benefits in-depth:
There’s not much of a cost difference between Invisalign and braces. The downside to invisible aligners is that they’re not as likely to be covered by insurance, but it’s always worth checking!
Unlike braces, Invisalign offers patients a higher level of comfort.
Research has shown that traditional braces produce more pain and discomfort, especially in the first weeks of the treatment, and whenever the orthodontist tightens them. Invisalign®’s plastic composition makes it soft and comfortable for the mouth, avoiding that.
Moreover, many adults opt for Invisalign, as its transparent nature gives off a natural appearance. The presence of the aligner is really hard to notice, even from a short distance.
Orthodontic treatments with Invisalign can last between 12 and 18 months, depending on the patient and the severity of their malocclusion.
In some cases, the results don’t advance as desired. Then, buttons—composite pieces colored like teeth—are added to specific teeth to improve the aligner’s adhesion. As part of your treatment, the dentist might also anticipate the need for rubber bands, which fasten to the buttons.
One of the advantages of clear aligners like Invisalign is that they’re removable. You can easily take them off to brush your teeth or eat—in fact, you should take them off. Food and drinks aside from water can damage the material, and lead to tooth decay and damaged aligners. Once you’ve finished eating, make sure to properly brush your teeth and floss.
Because of this, clear aligners are better for your oral hygiene. People who straighten their teeth with them experience fewer cavities, less tooth decay, and fewer gum problems than those with braces, as they prevent bacteria and calcium buildup.
Invisalign is mostly used to treat mild to moderate concerns. It has become an attractive solution for adults in need of orthodontic dentistry who want a more discreet device.
However, these aligners aren’t for everyone. Patients who have had previous orthodontic treatments, or with more severe cases, might not quality. Examples of these are:
Invisalign and braces are both valuable options you can find here in Park Plaza Dental for straightening teeth and enhancing your smile. Depending on your preferences—and the severity of your case, one or the other may seem more attractive.
If you’d like to know more, give us a call! We can’t wait to answer all your questions and work with you to give you a straight smile you can be proud of. Let’s get started!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
If you have any questions about the services we offer, don’t hesitate to call Park Plaza Dental. Our team is here to make your next appointment a comfortable and productive one.