Invisalign is a company that makes a tooth straightening device called clear plastic aligners, these are also known as invisible braces. When deciding if clear plastic aligners or braces are the best options for you, it is important to consider factors such as the level of your teeth that need to be corrected and your age and lifestyle.
Most importantly, you should ask your dentist what they think, as they will be able to provide you with reasoning based on the experience they have with treating other patients.
Appearance
Clear plastic aligners are much less noticeable than braces, which can make them more desirable to people who don’t like the visual effect braces have on their teeth. Clear plastic aligners fit closely to the user's teeth and are difficult to spot from a distance.
Comfort
Since plastic aligners closely fit the user's teeth, they are less likely to cause the cuts and discomfort that braces can inflict. It is worth noting that the user of clear aligners will likely still feel some level of discomfort at times because their teeth are being repositioned inside their mouth to become straighter.
Ease Of Brushing And Flossing
Braces can make it difficult for the user to effectively brush their teeth properly; plastic aligners, on the other hand, can easily be removed when the user wants to brush their teeth and put back into place once they have finished brushing their teeth.
No Need To Avoid Hard Or Chewy Foods
Since plastic aligner users need to remove their aligners every time they eat anything, users are not restricted to foods they can or cannot eat; they can simply remove their aligners and eat like they would normally.
Fewer Orthodontist Visits
Plastic aligner treatments usually take place every 4-6 weeks. However, patients with braces will likely have to visit their dentist more frequently than this.
Drawbacks Of Clear Aligners
Not For Complex Corrections
Clear plastic aligners mainly only work for patients who require very minor teeth straightening, if your teeth are too crooked, clear plastic aligners will not be the best option for you.
Must Remove Clear Aligners To Eat
The plastic used to make aligners is soft and can be easily damaged, this is why users should only wear them when eating or drinking water. Additionally, the plastic aligner can warp when exposed to too much eating and can be easily stained. Each of these is a very good reason to avoid damaging your aligners by eating or drinking while wearing them.
Requires Discipline
Plastic aligner users need to wear their appliance between 20-22 hours a day. It can sometimes be difficult for people to get used to this, particularly when sleeping. When users report wearing aligners for fewer hours, it means that the final results may be slowed or even harmed. Another concern is the fact that aligners can be taken out and accidentally misplaced or lost, which can extend treatment time and cost patients money to replace their aligners.
More Tooth Brushing
Users wearing aligners should ensure that they brush their teeth each time they eat or drink anything other than water. Users should also brush their teeth for longer periods when they are using an aligner.
May Require Visible Attachments
Depending on your circumstances, you may need small tooth attachments that connect to the clear aligners. An example of this could be a button that helps orthodontists control your tooth movements. Users who require attachments on their aligners may require more orthodontic appointments and the attachments are usually visible through clear plastic aligners.
Benefits Of Braces
Works For Complex Corrections
Braces can treat more complex tooth straightening cases, where patients may come for treatment with teeth that are too crooked for treatment with clear aligners.
Multiple Options To Choose From
When most people think of braces, they think of metal braces that go over your teeth, making them visible to others. However, there is a type of brace that can be fitted behind your teeth for a more discreet appearance.
Not Easily Removed
Braces need an orthodontist to remove them so you can’t ever forget a day to put on your Invisalign and delay the day you have your dream smile/ This means that the patient bears less responsibility for the final result and the process essentially is quicker. The patient can easily remove clear aligners, on the other hand.
Safe To Drink All Beverages
Unlike aligners, braces are heat resistant and do not stain, which means wearers can drink whatever beverage they feel like without worrying they will damage their orthopaedic appliance.
Drawbacks Of Braces
Mouth Discomfort
Metal braces are renowned for being uncomfortable, as they can often take a while to get used to and can cause cuts and irritation inside the mouth.
Appearance
Braces are much more obvious and noticeable than clear aligners, and some people may not like the visual effect that braces have on their teeth.
Food Limitations
Some foods can damage braces, including gum, hard foods and popcorn. As users cannot remove their braces while eating these foods, it means that they have to cut foods that can damage their braces out of their diet while they have braces.
Frequent Orthodontic Appointments
Patients who have braces usually have to visit their orthodontist much more frequently than those who wear plastic aligners.
Conclusion
Ensuring that you perform adequate research and ask your local cosmetic dentist in Sheffield what they think your best cause of action is will help you determine which is the best option for you. There are options now where you have braces at the back of your teeth, so if you don’t trust yourself to remember to put your Invisalign in, this is the best option but if you like the idea of being free from getting food trapped and everything else, go with Invisalign. Either way, they both achieve the same thing so choose what suits your needs and lifestyle best.