Braces VS Invisalign Clear Aligner
Orthodontics - the art and science of straightening and preserving the alignment of teeth into the finest positions has long-developed methods and systems. From traditional metal braces to modern-day Invisalign clear aligners—from the early dentists to contemporary orthodontists—the devices have a long journey of designs to shift misaligned teeth into a more beautifully uniform alignment.
Over time, people can develop malocclusion (crooked teeth or a poor bite) due to heredity, feeding habits, thumb-sucking, tooth loss, or injury. If the jaw space is too roomy or narrow, the teeth may grow crowded or crooked and drift out of place. Individuals with maloccluded teeth may experience trouble eating, speaking, gingivitis, and tooth cavities. Therefore, dentists have developed orthodontic braces to remedy these mandibular maladies and unsightly teeth and provide desirable, healthy teeth.
Modern Orthodontics
Traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners are two popular orthodontic treatments to straighten teeth over time with clinically proven results. Both are FDA-approved safe appliances that can yield a stunningly-looking smile. Factors to choose between braces or Invisalign treatment are the complexity levels of the teeth problems, age, and lifestyle.
Braces
Braces are one of the major dental innovations of the last century. The appliance consists of brackets bonded to the front surface of your teeth and connected by thin wires applying gentle pressure to the teeth to guide them into a straighter position. Braces are best to help fix moderately to severely crooked teeth, overlapped teeth, and misaligned bites while regaining functionality.
Nevertheless, braces require excellent oral hygiene since the unmovable bracket attachment can cause dental plaque from trapped food particles. Though the cost is more affordable than the clear aligner, it takes approximately 24–28 months to complete the entire course of treatment.
Invisalign Clear Aligner
Invisalign augurs in a new millennium of orthodontic treatment advances. The clear aligner is a series of BPA-free, custom-calibrated, medical-grade crystal-clear plastic appliances. They gently and painlessly reposition your teeth while discreetly straightening mild to severely misaligned, crooked, and gaped teeth without sharp edges to irritate your oral lining.
Invisalign is removable, comfortable, and virtually invincible, as well as practical for brushing, flossing, and maintaining oral hygiene routines while providing a natural yet professional look without any self-consciousness, perfectly fitting all lifestyles. Invisalign is known for its precisely predictable treatment timeline. Unlike traditional metal braces, the entire Invisalign treatment process takes approximately 8–24 months, making it a short time frame with just a few visits to the orthodontist.
Braces VS Invisalign Clear Aligner - Which Suit You Best?
Both traditional braces and Invisalign can correct a wide variety of orthodontic issues. Most dentists still recommend conventional metal braces instead of clear aligners to treat severely crooked teeth with complicated malocclusion.
However, Invisalign offers many advantages. It is more effective and time efficient in reaching and achieving the goal of improving teeth alignment and bite function. It minimizes issues associated with orthodontic braces, such as slurred speech, difficulty chewing, and unsightly appearance.
In conclusion, orthodontic treatment is an ingenious invention and scientific advancement that enables dental professionals to realign teeth issues precisely and accurately into improved functional and aesthetically pleasing positions. The aesthetically pleasing result can make an incredible contribution to a lifetime of dental health with a great smile.
Start Your Teeth Alignment Journey with an Orthodontic Specialist
To determine whether you are the right candidate for orthodontic treatment, you should schedule an appointment with an orthodontic specialist in a reputable hospital equipped with advanced digital dental technology. After a thorough oral examination and reviewing your X-rays, a board-certified orthodontist can determine whether Invisalign or braces are better for achieving your treatment goals.
Article by
Dr Chaiyapol Chaweewannakorn, DDS.
A dentist specialist in Orthodontics
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