Both metal braces and Invisalign can be effective treatment options for straightening your teeth while improving your smile and overall oral health. If you’re wondering which option is better suited for you or your family member, it comes down to what will work best for your unique circumstances as both options have advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’re comparing Invisalign with traditional braces.
The Benefits of Invisalign
With Invisalign, your dentist will make a custom mould of your teeth and 3D print a series of thermoplastic aligners which correct your teeth over time as you move through each aligner. It’s an increasingly popular option for many people due to the multiple benefits it offers, including:
- Discreet and attractive appearance – The fact they are virtually invisible is the main reason why people, especially adults, love them. You can undergo orthodontic treatment without anyone noticing and you can smile in pictures without feeling self-conscious.
- You can remove them to eat – While you do have to wear Invisalign for most of the day, you can take them out while eating, meaning you don’t have to worry about getting food stuck in your braces or change what you eat.
- Easier to maintain oral hygiene – Since you can remove them, brushing and flossing your teeth is also a simple task. No need to worry about plaque building up around your braces.
- More comfortable – Unlike metal braces, Invisalign usually isn’t painful and doesn’t irritate your cheeks and gums to the same degree. Patients still feel some discomfort as their teeth move but the process is much easier than braces.
Since your aligners are printed when you start treatment, there’s no need to come into the dentist as often for adjustments. You’ll often be given multiple pairs of aligners and every two weeks; you move onto the next set.
Downsides of Invisalign
Having removable aligners comes with both advantages and disadvantages. If you’re not disciplined about how often you wear your aligners each day, the effectiveness of your treatment can be impacted. We don’t recommend Invisalign for complex orthodontic cases, but it is highly effective for patients who simply need cosmetic improvements.
Pros and Cons of Metal Braces
Braces use anchors and arch wire to pull your teeth into place. Traditional braces are a reliable method of straightening teeth, and they are suitable for patients who need complicated orthodontic work, such as realigning the jaw.
Traditional braces can be unsightly due to the metal brackets and wires. This treatment involves more visits to the dentist and additional discomfort. Brushing and flossing your teeth is more difficult and plaque can build up around the braces. Additional care is required with the food and drinks you consume to avoid breaking wires or dislodging brackets.
Your Family Friendly Dental Clinic in Melbourne
At Hawthorn Road Family Dental Clinic, we offer quality dental care services to people of all ages, including dental check-ups, dental cleaning and orthodontic treatments. We can advise you on whether metal braces or Invisalign would be best suited to your circumstances. Our professional and friendly team of dentists are happy to help you in a comfortable environment.
Book an appointment at our dental clinic today by calling 03 9533 0996 or contact us online.
