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Invisalign vs Braces: Which One is The Better Choice?

In the world of orthodontics, for many years the only possible way to straighten your teeth in order to achieve the confidence and smile you wanted was by using traditional braces. Many patients, however, shied away from the concept of having these conventional brace forms. This is because of the way they looked – they made people feel very self-conscious. Braces, however, have improved over the years, and Invisalign has become available as a new choice for those wishing to straighten their teeth. In recent years, modern braces have also grown and are now considerably more discreet than they used to be.

Advantages of Invisalign Braces

The fact that they are almost invisible is one of the main benefits of Invisalign braces, and one that makes them very desirable to many people. This makes them much more discreet and therefore very common with adults who, as a teenager, may have put off getting their teeth straightened. This feature of Invisalign braces ensures that adults are more comfortable with braces and do not feel self-conscious for the duration of their treatment. There are, however, plenty of other reasons why someone might want to invest in Invisalign:

• Since there are no wires and less scratching, Invisalign braces tend to give the wearer less pain.
• Invisalign braces are very easy to use and are much simpler to deal with when it comes to cleaning than conventional braces as they can be removed for eating, etc.
• They are low maintenance and thus require fewer dentist trips.
• Invisalign braces are similar to regular braces when it comes to pricing.
• The ability to remove Invisalign braces can be a real help for those individuals who play contact sports.

Advantages of Braces

Traditional braces are the type that is applied to the teeth and stay in place until they have had the desired effect of realigning your teeth. These braces are very effective, but much more evident than Invisalign. Traditional braces should not be removed because of the manner in which they are attached to the teeth, except by a dentist. Because of this, they must be worn at all times, including when you are eating, which can result in the trapping of tiny pieces of food that would then need to be carefully removed. They also cannot be removed when playing sports, so it is important that you discuss your lifestyle with your dentist so that they can recommend you braces that will be the most suitable for your lifestyle.

Traditional braces are often used due to their price point as well, as they are often more affordable than Invisalign, which is why they are still the first choice of brace for teens. They are also more effective at treating more complex issues which makes the better alternative for anyone who requires a severe correction that goes beyond the limits of what Invisalign can achieve.

Your dentist will, of course, be the best person to advise you on whether Invisalign or traditional braces are the better choices for you as they will take all the relevant factors into account such as cost, treatment time, and your individual needs. To find out more about the Invisalign and traditional braces options that we offer, or if you have any questions, get in touch with us today!