Straight Solutions: Is Invisalign Better than Braces?

Having uneven teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, but that’s not all. It also negatively impacts your oral health. It’s harder to brush them if they’re pushed together which makes them more likely to develop cavities. On top of that, a bite misalignment can wear your teeth down unevenly leaving them susceptible to chips or fractures. It’s in your best interest to straighten your smile with an orthodontic solution like braces or Invisalign, but which one is best for you? Keep reading to learn about the benefits of each so that you can make an informed decision!

How Is Invisalign Different from Braces?

Braces are the traditional method used to push your teeth back into their ideal positions. It involves installing metal brackets connected with wires and rubber bands to realign your bite or shift your pearly whites. Invisalign, meanwhile, consists of clear plastic aligner trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to move them into their perfect placements. It’s a much more visually discrete option that many patients prefer.

When Are Braces Best?

Traditional braces have been the tried-and-true solution and are great at handling more complicated cases. If your teeth are so overcrowded that one or more have turned in a different direction, for example, it will need to be turned around. Your dentist can use the brackets and bands to torque it. There isn’t an equivalent solution through Invisalign, meaning that more complex issues are better resolved with this technique.  

When Is Invisalign Best?

Many people needing smaller adjustments don’t want to deal with the hassle of bulky metal brackets. If you have slight gaps in your grin or teeth that are somewhat crooked, Invisalign can resolve the issues just as effectively as traditional braces. They’re much less visually intrusive and are often the preferred choice because they can provide effective results without self-consciousness.

What Are the Drawbacks of Braces?

The historical method does have a few downsides, including:

• Hygiene. Many patients struggle with brushing and flossing around the brackets and wires.
• Aesthetics. Most people don’t appreciate having glinting metal in their mouth for years at a time.
• Potential emergencies. Metal can be brittle and break and the wires are known to break or pop out of place and poke the inside of your mouth. Also, there’s an increased risk of injury for athletes or those who participate in high-contact sports.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

Some additional advantages to clear aligners include:

• Cleanliness. Maintaining your usual dental hygiene routine is easy. Simply remove the aligners to brush and floss twice daily.
• Appearance. You don’t have to worry about looking awkward because the clear trays can hardly be seen.
• Timing. Treatment often wraps up in 6 to 12 months, depending on your needs, whereas braces can take multiple years.

Only your dentist can assess the condition of your teeth to determine which option suits you best. Call them today and start your journey to having the perfectly straight smile you’ve always desired!

About the Author

Dr. Dominic G. Carlson provides a full range of dental services to you and the whole family, including Invisalign therapy. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Nevada in Reno and then earned his dental doctorate at Creighton University. He knows that many people don’t want to commit to metal braces and is happy to help you enhance your smile with alternative methods. You’re welcome to request a consultation appointment on the website or by calling (661) 327-7301.