May 19, 2021
No matter what our age, we want to feel confident while smiling or laughing.
However, we are very conscious if we have gaps between teeth, or crowding, or crooked / buck teeth.
Also, as we age, certain cosmetic issues may develop which were not there when we were younger.
As grown-ups, we do not want to put on braces and look like high school kids.
Thankfully, there are teeth correcting solutions available that are much less conspicuous and hardly noticeable.
Invisalign is one such orthodontic treatment one can opt for. What is Invisalign, how it differs from metal braces and the benefits it has is what we will learn in this article.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the name of a type of orthodontic device, a part of cosmetic dentistry that uses clear trays.
They are manufactured with a blend of flexible transparent plastics. It makes orthodontic treatment less noticeable or invisible from a distance.
They are a cosmetic option or substitute for wires. These transparent devices fit snugly over teeth and look like just a clear film.
Difference Between Invisalign and Clear Braces
The basic difference is that braces are made of coloured metal or resin brackets & are attached to the face of your teeth.
Invisalign, on the other hand, is made of plastics, computer-generated and tailor-made according to the patient’s teeth. Its trays are removable and transparent.
Invisalign and clear braces are comparable in that they are much harder to detect than metal ones.
Various people want to repair their smiles, but do not want to look like they’re in high school again. Both treatments can provide a solution.
You can also Read: Maintaining oral health in diabetes.
Invisalign is More Transparent
While braces are very much visible, Invisalign is transparent and virtually invisible.
Most people don’t even notice that a person is wearing them until they are told.
While they do blend into the patient’s teeth, the brackets are more noticeable than the entirely transparent aligner trays.
Invisalign is Removable
A big dilemma with ceramic braces is that eating, brushing and flossing becomes difficult with them fixed on the teeth.
Invisalign can be easily extracted, and you can maintain better oral hygiene.
It may be noted that the aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours every day.
Braces Require More Dentist Visits
Transparent trays need changing every 15 days. However, most clinics like Kirkland Premier Dentistry provide extra sets of trays so you need to come in once in six weeks to pick them up. Ceramic braces need adjustment every 4 weeks.
Transparent Braces Can Correct Many Abnormalities
Invisalign has been formulated to treat a wider assortment of mild issues. They can amend crooked teeth, gaps, overbite, under it’s, etc. and flaws of the jaw.
Clear Braces Are a Little Brittle
Made of ceramics, they are a little more prone to breakage than removable aligners, although it requires considerable force to break them. Metallic ones break often too.
Clear Devices May Irk Soft Tissue
Although you get used to them eventually, you might find them a little rough in the beginning.
It may cause discomfort to the cheeks and lips. The aligners are very comfy.
Fixed Devices May Not Repair Bottom Teeth
If you wear metal braces on the lower teeth, they may get worn down by the rubbing or grinding action of the upper teeth.
Clear braces may stain your teeth: While Invisalign does not stain, clear devices with their wires may colour them a little.
Both of these orthodontic devices are great options for somebody who wants to correct his or her teeth inconspicuously.
Still, there are stark differences between the two treatments and, depending on your case, one may be more appropriate than the other.
A consultation with a dentist can help determine what type of treatment might be best.
Conclusion
The kind of orthodontic treatment that is favorable for you requires many considerations.
When you are weighing the options of the type of braces, it depends on what you want to be corrected, what you want to look like, what the maintenance routine is, the costs, the number of dentist visits and the severity of the problem.
Speak with your orthodontist or dentist about whether Invisalign is a good alternative for you.
Accordingly, evaluate all the pros and cons before making a decision.
For any kind of dental emergency, feel free to contact us online or call the office. We are open Monday to Saturday.
