What’s the Difference Between Braces and Invisalign?

Have you been planning to have your teeth straightened? There are two major options to choose from to achieve that perfect smile. You options are braces or Invisalign. Both treatments work effectively to move your teeth into the proper position so that they function correctly and look straight. However, each treatment looks and feels different. To learn more it is best to consult a professional such as those at Brilliant Smiles Orthodontics. They will help you find out which solution is the best for your smile goals.

What is the difference between Invisalign and braces? Here are 5 major differences between these two techniques.

1. Invisalign Are Removable but Braces Are Not

Traditional braces require you to be very cautious about what you put into your mouth. This is because hard foods can dislodge the brackets and sweet drinks can cause cavities. The biggest reason why many people opt for Invisalign aligners is the fact that it’s a discreet teeth straightening option and the aligners are fully removable. This gives you the freedom to take them out at any time to eat and drink what you’d like without worrying about breaking any wires.

2. Invisalign Is Transparent but Braces Are Easier to Detect

The most obvious difference between Invisalign and braces is the appearance. As the name suggests Invisalign is almost invisible and pushes your teeth little by little to give you that perfect smile. If you feel that wires and brackets would make you self-conscious, then seeking treatment in Vancouver (or wherever in the world you may be) with clear aligners will be perfect for you as they allow you to smile freely without the worry of people focusing on your braces.

3. Braces Are More Effective at Fixing Severely Crooked Teeth Compared to Invisalign

Your orthodontic doctor will prescribe a treatment for you based on the type of straightening your teeth require. For example, if your teeth are significantly crooked or if you have teeth that are sitting at different heights, then your doctor will most likely recommend traditional braces. This is because traditional braces address the root cause of the problem, pushing the tooth into the right position starting from the root. Invisalign on the other hand is ideal for treating mild crowding of teeth and moderately gapped teeth.

4. Invisalign Is More Comfortable

Teeth straightening methods will always have a certain degree of discomfort. However, many dental patients acknowledge that Invisalign aligners are more comfortable compared to braces. Invisalign trays exert less pressure on your mouth and reduce the risk of your gums getting cut since they brush smoothly against your mouth. Braces on the other hand can cause small abrasions especially if the long wires have not been trimmed properly and can make drinking or eating very uncomfortable or even painful after a recent adjustment.

5. Treatment Duration with Invisalign Aligners Is Shorter Compared to That of Braces

The treatment duration with Invisalign Birmingham (or or a service closer to where you live) is usually short compared to that of traditional braces. Ideally, you will wear your aligners for about 22 -24 hours every day and the treatment period will last for 6 to 8 months. With braces, on the other hand, it is not possible to remove them every day and the treatment period can take up to two years depending on your teeth straightening needs.