Have you finally decided to start your smile transformation? Align those small gaps?
When it comes to correcting a misaligned smile, patients are often torn between the two popular options – Braces and Invisalign.
Although it is difficult to determine the best option before your consultation, both come with their own benefits. Deciding which one is best for you will depend on several factors. Read on to discover the main differences between the two and make a more informed decision.
The Basics
Braces are traditionally made of metal and attached to the outside of the teeth. Having said that, our clinic is equipped with a variety of other options, including ceramic and lingual (behind the teeth) braces to meet a range of patient demands. The system of brackets and wires applies constant pressure to move the teeth into their set position gradually.
It seemed, up until the start of the 21st Century, braces were the only option for those who needed to straighten and correct their teeth. However, the industry was transformed just before 2000 with the release of Invisalign. Founded in 1997, the cultural phenomenon sparked by this new treatment option began as two Stanford students with no experience in orthodontics created the first effective metal-free alternative.
Invisalign treatment uses clear, plastic aligners. The aligners are made to order for each patient using a 3D scan of their mouth. The customised aligners are then made to move the teeth in small steps until the correct position is reached.
Advantages of choosing Invisalign
- Invisalign’s biggest benefit is the lack of interference with your daily life. The retainers are virtually invisible, so no one can tell you are undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment.
- You Can Take the Aligners Out to Eat
A commonly asked question is, ‘Do I have to wear the retainers all the time?’ and the answer is ‘No’. You can take the aligners off during meal times, but be sure to put them back on as soon as possible after eating.
However, to achieve the desired results, Invisalign does need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. This also means that you are not required to change your diet. In comparison, wearing traditional braces may sometimes make chewing some foods difficult or uncomfortable.
It’s Easier to Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Similarly to eating and drinking, you can remove your Invisalign retainers to brush your teeth. With nothing on your teeth to worry about, you can continue brushing and flossing as you always have.
Fewer Consultations Required
As much of the orthodontic work occurs before you receive your retainers, physical visits to the dentist can be kept to a minimum. The 3D scan of your teeth is used for making all the customised retainers in a laboratory, which should only be changed approximately every two weeks. A CBCT exam makes the accuracy of your smile design unmatched. We at Maida Smiles can provide this with the latest Kavo OP 3D Award Winning 3D Scan.(This may vary)
In comparison, the effectiveness of traditional braces depends on regular visits to our clinic, where we’ll be able to adjust their tightness and closely monitor your progress. This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable or steady method of getting to our clinic or would like to limit your social interactions due to COVID.
The Advantages of Braces
Traditional braces, or newer lingual braces, have a lot going for them. Some of their benefits include:
1. Braces are Suitable for All Treatments
Depending on the specific problem, some treatment is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with Invisalign alone.
Braces on the other hand, are known to achieve impeccable results regardless of the number of dental and facial issues that need correcting. Braces use anchors and an arch wire to pull the teeth into place, making them the most powerful treatment method in moving teeth into a desired position.
2. Achieve a Perfect Result
Braces can sometimes surpass the results achieved by Invisalign retainers. This is mainly because they have more force to move your teeth into the desired position. If you need to address issues with your back teeth, rotate or move teeth vertically, Invisalign is unlikely to be a viable option. Metal braces are often the best treatment for solving complex tooth and jaw issues.
3. Multiple Types of Braces to Choose From
With recent advancements in the orthodontic industry, braces are no longer just traditional metal brackets and wires. Patients have a variety of choices including lingual and ceramic braces to ensure the braces are less noticeable. You can customize your brackets by making the wire colour similar to your enamel so they appear natural and seamless or choose from a range of colours and have fun! (Perfect for teens).
4. No daily commitment
Many people find braces are easier to manage because they don’t need to be removed when eating or drinking. This is a better option for patients who are less inclined to stick to removing and reinstalling the Invisalign aligners after each meal. If daily commitments are not your strongest suit, we recommend using traditional braces.
So, which one is best? The truth is, when comparing braces vs Invisalign, it’s a close race.
Both treatments are highly personalised, and the choice depends entirely on you. One thing is for sure, all of our patients here at Maida Smiles deem orthodontic treatment an investment worth making.
If you’re leaning one way or another, do not hesitate to get in touch! Call 020 3974 1777 to book your orthodontic consultation with one of our specialists today.
