For people who want to straighten their smile, there are several orthodontic systems available. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, contact our practice for a complimentary consultation and together we can answer the question “Invisalign vs braces, which is better?” for your unique smile and lifestyle.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a transparent mouth tray that applies gentle force to align your teeth. They are a discrete alternative to traditional braces and are suitable for addressing a range of cosmetic and minor to moderate orthodontic issues.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a series of clear plastic trays that are worn for 20-22 hours a day and changed approximately every 1-2 weeks. Each set of aligners gently moves your teeth closer to the desired position.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are several benefits to wearing Invisalign vs braces, such as:
- Aesthetically Pleasing
Invisalign is made from SmartTrack, a clear and thin BPA-free plastic material, so they are virtually invisible, which means they are more aesthetically pleasing than other types of orthodontic devices.
- Removable
The aligners can be removed, which means no dietary restrictions and you can continue your regular oral hygiene regimen.
- No brackets or Wires
No brackets or wires means no uncomfortable abrasions on the soft tissues of your mouth.
- Fewer Consultations
Since you switch the trays yourself every 1 -2 weeks, you do not need to go to your orthodontist for adjustments. You will visit your dentist every 4-6 weeks for a consultation to monitor your progress.
- Uses iTero and CAD/CAM Technology
Due to innovative dental technology there is no need for messy moulds, because the iTero scanner takes an impression of your mouth to create your customised aligners. The 3D software enables you to preview your entire treatment plan at your consultation.
Drawbacks of Invisalign
Some of the disadvantages of wearing Invisalign vs braces include:
- Patient Discipline
Invisalign are removable, which means patients need to be diligent about wearing their aligners for optimal results.
- May be Ineffective for Complex Cases
While Invisalign is an effective treatment for crowding, crookedness and some over and underbite issues, complex orthodontic problems require braces. Invisalign is unsuitable for closing large gaps, moving teeth vertically (intrusion or extrusion) or correcting midline problems.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces work by applying constant pressure to teeth and jaws to move them along the membrane above the jaw into the correct position. Archwires and rubber bands are used to exert force, while the brackets on the teeth and used to keep the wires stable.
Types of Braces
- Metal Braces
Metal braces are the traditional style of braces that consist of metal brackets adhered to your teeth connected by metal archwires.
- Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-coloured plastic brackets and wires to blend in better with your natural teeth.
- Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to metal braces with metal brackets and wires; however they are placed behind the teeth rather than in front.
- Fast Braces
While most braces need 12-24 months to achieve the desired results, at Beyond Infinity Dental, we offer two styles of Fast Braces, Cfast and Smilefast, that can help you get a straighter smile in just 4-6 months.
Cfast treatment focuses on shifting the front teeth to fix minor cosmetic issues rather than serious malocclusions. Smilefast is a clear braces system, that is for adult patients only and also addresses cosmetic flaws.
Benefits of Braces
There are many benefits to using braces vs Invisalign.
- Fix Complex Orthodontic Issues
Traditional metal and ceramic braces are better suited to addressing complex cases of crooked teeth and bite problems including gapped teeth, overbite and crossbite.
- Fast Treatment Time
When it comes to treating complicated alignment issues, braces vs Invisalign can achieve a perfect result faster.
- Options to Address Your Specific Needs
Recent advances in orthodontic technology have expanded the range of braces options for patients, which means you have more choice.
Drawbacks of Braces
Some of the disadvantages of braces vs Invisalign include:
- Noticeability
For some patients, the aesthetic appearance of traditional stainless-steel braces can be unappealing.
- Time-Consuming Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential when wearing any orthodontic device; however, you need to modify your brushing and flossing techniques when wearing braces vs Invisalign to remove bacteria and food from the brackets and wires.
- Modified Diet
Some types of food can become lodged in your braces and can also damage the brackets and wires. This means you need to modify your diet to exclude any hard or sticky foods.
Wrap Up
If you want to straighten your teeth, call Beyond Infinity Dental on (02) 8806 3799 to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of braces vs Invisalign for correcting your orthodontic problems and let us help you find the ideal orthodontic solution for your smile.
