Invisalign or Braces: Which is for you?

Invisalign® and braces are both proven to align a smile successfully. The former is relatively new in comparison to the latter appliance. However, the power of either option is undeniable. Take a closer look at their advantages and disadvantages before scheduling a consultation to see which is most effective for you.

Invisalign advantages and disadvantages

Invisalign has many advantages. The major one that attracts many patients is its discreet and lightweight aligner or trays. They consist of a patented clear, medical-grade plastic called SmartTrack. This allows the custom trays to be virtually invisible while gently shifting the teeth throughout the day and night. The trays are also removable, requiring the patient to wear them for at least 20 hours a day. Therefore, patients are able and are encouraged to take them out for eating and oral hygiene practices.

Additionally, for patients who play sports and require mouth gear, the aligning trays are thin enough for the gear to fit over them. Therefore, worrying about damage is usually not an issue, but they still have the option to remove them during practices or games. Lastly, and perhaps one of the most attractive advantages of Invisalign, is that it can treat a multitude of malocclusions in 18 months or less.

While these advantages are undeniable, there are some disadvantages or limitations to consider before choosing Invisalign.The fact that the aligners are removable can be a double-edged sword in that some people can easily lose a set after removing them. While each aligner will come with its own container to keep it safe, patients, especially teens, will need to keep up with them. Furthermore, there will be an adjustment period for each new set of aligners, approximately every two weeks. The gums and teeth may feel tender or sore as the mouth adjusts to the new pressure. Lastly, while Invisalign can correct many malocclusions (misaligned bites)—around eight— they do not correct all of them, nor can they correct the most severe cases. Speaking with our dental professional will help determine whether a patient's condition is fixable with Invisalign.

Braces advantages and disadvantages

While there are four types of braces, we will focus on those considered traditional or metal. Braces were invented in the 1800s and have come a long way since then, addressing a multitude of malocclusions. When properly aligning a bite, braces can also help patients breathe better, speak more clearly, and break down food properly. Additionally, they can improve the patient's oral hygiene practice and the overall quality of their oral health. Lastly, they provide results that can last a lifetime if the patient follows all aftercare instructions, such as wearing their retainers for the recommended amount of time, practicing proper oral hygiene techniques, and maintaining biannual appointments with their dentist.

Like Invisalign, braces have some drawbacks. The most common complaint is how noticeable they are. While there is little we can do to hide the metal wires and brackets, patients can customize part of them—the ligatures. The ligatures are rubber bands the patient can change the color of during each appointment. Moreover, during each appointment, the braces will be tightened. Therefore, the patient may need to undergo an adjustment period for a few days each time, with the gums and teeth tendered due to the newly applied force.

To prevent damaging the brackets and wires, patients will also have diet restrictions and must be extremely careful when playing sports that may inflict injury to the mouth. Food that is too hard, sticky, or chewy should be avoided. Additionally, patients should break down all food into tiny portions.

Oral hygiene practices will take some time, as patients will learn how to floss properly to prevent food from becoming stuck behind the wires and within the brackets. Lastly, treatment times can take upwards of three years to complete.