Traditional Braces & Invisalign : How Are They Different?

#traditional braces #invisalign

Sep 28 • 3 minute read

If it’s time for you or a loved one to get braces, there are a number of factors to consider before deciding which treatment option is best. Today, the two most popular treatments for straightening teeth are traditional braces and Invisalign. Education is critical when it comes to making any healthcare decision, so to help you in the process, we’ve broken down some of the main differences between these two treatment methods.

How do they work?

Though alignment is the goal of both traditional braces and Invisalign, the way these methods achieve alignment is different. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets glued to your teeth and tied together with wires and small rubber bands. In contrast, Invisalign uses aligner trays made of smooth, BPA-free clear plastic worn over teeth.

Invisalign trays focus much of the pressure on the upper part of the tooth. Traditional braces, on the other hand, exert equal pressure on the entire tooth. This pushes the tooth into the right position from top to bottom, including the root.

Is one method better than the other?

Traditional braces and Invisalign each have pros and cons. Some patients’ dental profiles and alignment needs preclude the use of Invisalign. However, if you have the choice, ensure you consider the following when making a decision.

Activity level – Invisalign is an excellent option for patients who participate in sports. Most sports have an element of contact or, at the very least, the chance of impact to the mouth that could cause damage to the patient and their braces. With Invisalign, patients can wear a regular mouthguard while safely stowing aligners in their case until after the game.
Oral Hygiene Routine – Oral hygiene is especially important with braces. In addition to brushing and flossing their teeth, patients with traditional braces also need to brush their brackets and wires regularly. Some find water picks or floss picks to be helpful in keeping these areas free of food. In contrast, Invisalign aligners are removed for brushing and flossing. The trays can be cleaned with the Invisalign Cleaning system, or by brushing and rinsing in warm water.
Dietary Restrictions - With metal braces, there are a number of foods that should be avoided. These include anything with a tendency to get stuck between hardware (i.e., gum, caramels, popcorn, hard cookies, and crackers). Patients should also avoid biting into hard foods with their front teeth, as this can cause damage to metal braces. Conversely, Invisalign trays are removed when eating, so dietary restrictions aren’t necessary.

Required Maintenance - Patients generally schedule follow-up visits for traditional braces every 4-8 weeks. During these adjustment appointments, the bands that are attached to the brackets will be changed, and the wire will be changed and/or tightened. Patients can expect some residual soreness after each appointment, but it should subside in a day or two. Office visits for Invisalign users usually range from every 4-6 weeks. In addition, patients will also need to switch out aligners every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the shifting of teeth.

Treatment Time – Depending on patient needs, traditional braces are worn for an average of two years. In comparison, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day, anywhere from six to 18 months.

While multiple considerations should factor into your decision, your orthodontist will recommend the best treatment for your individual needs. Additionally, it’s worthwhile to note that straightening your teeth is a medical procedure and should be overseen by a licensed medical professional for the duration of treatment to ensure the most efficient and effective outcome.

Contact Us With Questions

Our team is here to answer any questions you may have regarding treatment options. We encourage you to contact our office to setup a consultation.

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