Your Guide to Braces vs. Invisalign

Straight, well-aligned teeth have more to do than just aesthetics. Especially in later life teeth that are not aligned can lead to a wide range of issues that might end up in tooth extraction, so it is best if they are addressed early. If you are considering teeth correction, odds are that you are confused between opting for braces or Invisalign.  Both of these options can straighten crooked teeth, reduce or close the gap in your teeth as well as reduce crowding. In short, both these treatments help with the alignment of your teeth. While both the treatments work on the principle of applying pressure to your teeth, their mechanisms are different. Traditional braces have brackets cemented to each tooth with a wire joining them. Invisalign, on the other hand, has clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth.

Both braces as well as, Invisalign come with their distinct advantages. However, an important aspect of your choice between the two, depends on the state of your teeth and gums. Here is a handy guide to help you make the right choice.

Invisalign or Braces?

While at one time braces were the only option when it came to teeth correction, increasingly Invisalign is being preferred. They can be used even in complex cases as well as across age groups, which is a definite plus. Some of the aspects to consider in making the choice between braces & Invisalign include:

• Will I be mindful of putting the Invisalign tray or does a more fixed solution work better for me?
• Is invisibility a big aspect for me?
• What kind of customization am I looking for?

With these aspects in mind, let us look at the advantages & disadvantages offered by braces as well as Invisalign.

Invisalign- Pros & Cons

Pros

• The biggest advantage offered by Invisalign is its invisibility or inconspicuousness. Made of clear plastic material, they are preferable because of their appearance. With the Invisalign tray on, you will never be conscious of your looks.
• Since the trays are removable for eating & drinking, they score high on convenience
• With Invisalign, it is also easy to maintain oral hygiene
• They offer a high degree of comfort. The smooth Invisalign trays do not lead to cuts & sores

Cons

• Since it offers the flexibility of removing the trays, a long period of removal can mean that the length of the treatment increases. When Invisalign trays aren’t worn for the recommended hours, the additional issue is that the teeth start to shift back to the original position.
• Removal of trays can sometimes mean losing them, adding to the total cost
• Invisalign typically works for mild to moderate misalignments.
• You need to put in additional effort to keep the trays clean. Cleaning the crevices can be a hassle but it cannot be avoided as it can lead to a build-up of bacteria.
• Choice of Invisalign when braces can serve you better also has cost implications. The cost of Invisalign will depend upon how many trays are required, which in turn depends on the severity of changes required.

Braces- Pros & Cons

Pros

• They work well where extra pressure is required to align the bite. They are known for their high success rate.
• They also work well for patients who could have the tendency of forgetting to put the tray back in or losing them regularly.
• They work quickly and efficiently
• In general, traditional braces cost less than Invisalign and are generally more affordable

Cons

• The biggest con is their visibility. Sometimes they could make you extremely conscious of your toothy smile, particularly in photographs, more so in this digital age.
• They come with some difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene.
• They cannot be removed and have to be worn 24X7.
• With braces, you need to avoid certain foods like apples or chewing gum. You may also find a lot of food being caught in the braces.
• They come with a safety risk particularly if you play sports.
• They may not work well with patients suffering from gum disease.
• Braces typically require a monthly visit to the dentist while with Invisalign you may need to pick up new trays once every 4 to 6 weeks.

Invisalign vs Braces: What Will You Choose?

Here is a useful summary of the differences & use cases of braces & Invisalign:

While the jury is still out on what works better, clearly you need to look at it from your personal standpoint. A lot of it has to do with your bespoke requirements related to your expectations, the dental issues you have, diligence in wearing the trays as also your budget. While braces offer a solution that cannot be misplaced, Invisalign comes with a lot more flexibility. It will be best to consult your orthodontist who can evaluate your dental issues and lead you to the right solution.

Here’s to your confident smile!

Content provided by expert Dr. Sharda Patel who runs a family dentistry in Pleasanton, CA. She is a graduate from the Tufts University of Dental Medicines. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the American Dental Education Association. She is thorough, caring, and dedicated to patient satisfaction and comfort. You may find her reading a paperback on weekends. 

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