Invisalign® is an excellent alternative to braces, but it isn’t a replacement for the technology. There are certain cases where Invisalign® simply won’t cut it. Conversely, there are cases where braces would be overkill. Each technology fills a niche gap that gives patients the option to make the best choices for their aesthetic goals and long-term health needs. However, the benefits and drawbacks of each aren’t necessarily clear, and that can cause confusion and frustration when it comes to taking your oral health into your own hands.
We want to help clear things up so that you can be the most informed patient you can be.
1. Severe cases shouldn’t use Invisalign®
The severity and complexity of your case will ultimately determine which treatment you need. While Invisalign® will straighten your teeth, if you have severely rotated, gapped, or misaligned teeth, then braces are going to be the better option for you. Braces are much better at treating complex dental issues.
2. If you’re rotating teeth or moving them vertically, you need braces
Like the above point, if you want to rotate your canines or premolars or wanting need to move your teeth up or down, Invisalign® simply won’t be efficient.
3. Invisalign® requires a lot of self-discipline
When comparing Invisalign® and braces, it is important to take into account the self-discipline required to make the treatment effective. With braces, the brackets are glued to the enamel of your teeth, making it really easy to let your braces do the work they need to do all the time. However, because Invisalign® aligners are removable, only people who can commit and remember to wear them at least 22 hours a day should consider the treatment. If you aren’t diligent about wearing your aligners, you will prolong treatment and it won’t be as effective.
For this reason, aligners aren’t always the best options for teens—although, technological advancements have been made to ensure that the aligners are being worn for the appropriate amount of time.
4. Invisalign® requires a little more cleaning
Metal braces can be difficult to clean. Because of all the nooks and crannies with the metal brackets and the wires, brushing and flossing can be a little more tedious, but all you need to do is stick to your brushing and flossing routine.With Invisalign®, however, care requires brushing your teeth after every meal. In addition to brushing your teeth regularly, you also need to brush your aligners.
5. Braces aren’t as attractive
This one is obvious. Braces are clunky. Invisalign®, however, is virtually invisible. If aesthetics is one of your primary concerns, then you shouldn’t consider traditional braces.
6. You’ll visit your dentist more often with Invisalign®
If you opt for braces, you will probably visit your dentist’s office every 4-6 weeks. On the other hand, with Invisalign®, you will need to replace your aligners every 2 weeks, meaning that you will likely end up spending more time at your dentist’s office.
Objectively, neither Invisalign® nor braces are better than the other—it all depends on what you are looking to fix.
If you are ready to take the next steps toward the smile you’ve always wanted, call Amazing Dental today for your consultation!
