The field of orthodontics has advanced significantly in the last few decades with the introduction and firm establishment of many different methods of teeth straightening that were not available for previous generations.

You can now choose between traditional braces and modern dental appliances such as clear aligners including Invisalign to address the orthodontic issues of your teeth.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and by taking into consideration your individual orthodontic issues and your personal preferences as well as your budget, your dentist will be able to help you choose the most suitable option for you.

If you are thinking about straightening your teeth then you need to consider the differences in the aesthetic appearance, comfort, convenience and price of the available options. In this article we will discuss both traditional braces and Invisalign in detail, look at the differences between the two and help you make an informed decision that works best for you.

Understanding Invisalign and How It Works

Invisalign has quickly become one of the most popular, modern methods of teeth straightening amongst patients of all ages across the world. invisalign uses clear thermoplastic aligners which are designed and printed using the latest in digital Dental Technology for optimal comfort and excellent results.

These aligners work in a series to gently shift your teeth into their correct positions, addressing the misalignment issues of the teeth which may be affecting the appearance of your smile as well as your overall dental health.

If you think Invisalign may be a suitable option for you then you need to speak to your dentist to find out more. Your dentist begins by carrying out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This will help them identify the misalignment issues which need to be addressed as well as look for any other underlying dental health conditions which will need to be treated before you begin orthodontic treatment.

If your dentist is happy that Invisalign is suitable for you, you will undergo a 3D scan of your mouth to create a digital image of your teeth. This image is then used to print a sequence of aligners that will push your teeth into their correct positions. These aligners should be available to you within two or three weeks and then you can begin the process.

The Invisalign process involves wearing each aligner for one to two weeks for 20-22hours of the day, after which you move on to the next aligner in the series. This continues until you have completed the process. This can take between six months to two years depending on how crooked or wonky your teeth are to begin with. It is important that you visit your dentist at regular intervals to make sure the process is coming along successfully.

Advantages of Invisalign

There are many advantages of Invisalign which makes it one of the most popular modern day orthodontic appliances. Firstly, invisalign aligners are almost invisible. They are made of clear thermoplastic which means they are undetectable when placed over your teeth.

This is why Invisalign is the preferred option especially amongst adults who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile and do not wish to draw further attention to their mouth. Many patients who undergo traditional orthodontic treatment feel self-conscious, however with Invisalign you can straighten your teeth and most people will not even notice.

Invisalign aligners are removable which means they can be taken out of your mouth and placed back in as necessary. This allows you to enjoy all your favorite foods without any restrictions. It also allows you to maintain your normal dental hygiene routine without restriction either.
Another key advantage of Invisalign is that it is more comfortable than other orthodontic treatment options. Invisalign aligners are crafted from smooth plastic, which reduces any discomfort or irritation and there is little to no risk of developing cuts or grazes in the mouth.

As mentioned, the length of treatment varies from patient to patient depending on your individual orthodontic needs. The estimated treatment period is very accurate, especially if you follow the guidelines correctly.

Disadvantages of Invisalign

As with all treatments there are also certain disadvantages with Invisalign. Many patients notice that when they begin wearing the aligners their speech may be affected. As they become accustomed to the sensation of the aligners this should subside.

Many patients notice pain each time they begin wearing a new aligner. This is because it can feel tight on your teeth but again this will subside within the first 12 to 24 hours as you become accustomed to the sensation. If necessary you can take over the counter pain medication.
A dry mouth can be a common symptom amongst patients who wear Invisalign aligners. Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day will reduce any discomfort.

Speak to your dentist if you are experiencing significant pain or discomfort. Your dentist will be able to advise accordingly. It is important that you wear your aligners according to the guidelines which suggest 20 to 22 hours of the day for optimal results, so any concerns should be addressed promptly.

Exploring Traditional Braces and Their Role

Traditional braces have been the gold standard of orthodontic treatment for many decades and have helped millions of patients across the world. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets, wires and elastic bands which work together to apply constant, steady pressure to your teeth and push them into their correct positions. Traditional braces are used by patients of all ages, and are most commonly seen in teenagers. They can be used to address a range of orthodontic issues from mild to severe.

As with all orthodontic treatment to begin with your dentist will carry out an examination of your teeth and gums. This will help them identify the misalignment issues that are affecting your teeth and look for any underlying dental health conditions which will need to be addressed prior to orthodontic treatment.

If the dentist is happy that traditional braces are suitable for you then the process can begin. This involves bonding small metal brackets to the front of each tooth using a special adhesive. A wire is then threaded through these brackets and secured with tiny elastic bands.

Traditional braces can take six months to two or three years depending on how crooked or wonky or teeth are to begin with. You will need to visit the dentist once every four to six weeks or to have the components adjusted to continue to push your teeth into their correct positions. During these appointments your dentist will make sure that the process is coming along successfully.

Advantages of Braces

Traditional braces have significant advantages which make them the preferred choice amongst dentists, especially for younger patients and those with complex needs.

One of the key advantages is that traditional braces can address a complete range of orthodontic issues including highly complex ones. This includes severe misalignment issues, overcrowding, large gaps between the teeth and complex bite disorders. The precise control over tooth movement provided by the metal brackets and wires makes them highly reliable and effective at what they do.

Traditional braces are also more affordable or cost-effective than modern options such as Invisalign, which are not available on the NHS. The components are strong and durable, minimising the need for repairs or replacements.

Disadvantages of Braces

The most common concern with traditional braces amongst patients of all ages is that they are highly visible in the mouth. This is because the metal brackets and wires are fixed to the front surface of your teeth which means every time you speak or smile they are visible. This can be a significant concern for teenagers who may be affected by self-consciousness and wish to draw less attention to their mouth. It can also concern adults who are undergoing orthodontic treatment later on in life.

Traditional braces can be uncomfortable and even painful, particularly when they are tightened. Over the counter pain medication can help relieve the pain which should subside within 24 hours. The metal components can cause cuts in the mouth. To prevent this, you can use wax to cover the wires or have them trimmed.

Traditional braces are fixed to the surface of your teeth for the duration of the treatment process. This can affect your dental hygiene as you may not be able to reach all the surfaces of your teeth correctly and can cause dental health issues. It is important that you visit your dentist regularly to have your teeth cleaned.

Fixed braces can also pose dietary restrictions. You may not have to be able to bite or chew on hard, chewy foods. You should avoid sticky foods, for example chewing gum and you should also avoid fizzy drinks to prevent any discomfort or damage to your braces.

Comparing Invisalign and Braces: Key Considerations

Both invisalign and traditional braces are popular for orthodontic treatment. They have their advantages and disadvantages but both are efficient at addressing orthodontic issues. Traditional braces are better suited for complex orthodontic issues whilst Invisalign is preferable for mild, moderate and cosmetic orthodontic issues. Your dentist will assess the complexity of your needs to help you decide which is the most effective treatment option for you.

If aesthetics and comfort is important to you then you may prefer Invisalign aligners. As mentioned, they are almost invisible in the mouth and they are made of clear thermoplastic which is more comfortable than the metal components of traditional braces. Both however can cause a certain extent of discomfort initially and also when during adjustments and changeovers. This is because of the new sensation that is created in the mouth and this discomfort should subside within 24 hours as you become accustomed to the aligners or braces.

If budget is an important factor to you, then traditional braces are often less expensive than Invisalign. This is because of the advanced digital technology and customisation involved in designing and creating Invisalign aligners. However, the cost will also be affected by the duration of the treatment. By assessing your individual dental needs at your dentist will be able to give you a final cost.

If convenience is a key concern then Invisalign may be more suitable for you. Invisalign aligners can be removed and replaced as necessary. This means there are no dietary restrictions. It also means you can maintain your normal dental hygiene routine. You can take Invisalign aligners out and replace them as necessary. Traditional braces are fixed in your mouth for the treatment period. There are dietary restrictions with traditional braces. It can affect your dental hygiene and you cannot remove them for special occasions.

Discuss with your dentist

Whether you choose Invisalign or traditional braces depends on your individual orthodontic requirements, your budget, lifestyle choice and personal needs. Invisalign is a modern method of teeth straightening. It addresses mild and moderate orthodontic issues, offers comfort and convenience and can be taken out of your mouth and replaced as necessary so there are no restrictions. Invisalign is more expensive than its traditional counterparts but is ideal for those who are looking to straighten their teeth at their discretion.

Traditional braces are suitable for patients with complex orthodontic issues. They are highly effective for teeth straightening as they are fixed in the mouth and provide constant and stable pressure to the teeth. They do cause dietary restrictions and can affect dental hygiene however by visiting the dentist on a regular basis and following guidelines they can produce excellent results. Traditional braces are more affordable than their modern counterparts.

Speak to your dentist today to find out which orthodontic treatment is most suitable for you.