Are Invisalign® Better Than Braces?

If you are considering invisible aligners over traditional braces to straighten your teeth, you might have a bunch of questions. Invisible aligners and braces are devices that correct issues with the teeth, jaw, and bite. However, they are used to correct these issues depending on the severity. Traditional braces correct complex issues while invisible aligners correct mild ones.

What Are Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets glued to your teeth and held in place by wires and rubber bands.

Invisalign

Orthodontists design these braces to be invisible. Invisible braces are made of smooth, comfortable, and clear plastic. These aligners move your teeth gently, but the results start showing in the first weeks.

Which One Will Work Best for You?

Both technologies can help straighten your teeth, they however have their pros and cons.

Advantages of Invisible Aligners over Traditional Braces

Here are the advantages of invisible aligners over traditional braces:

Comfort: Invisible braces are more physically comfortable than traditional ones. They are not held in place by wires or brackets. Therefore, you do not have to worry about painful cuts or nicks in your mouth.

Aesthetic: Since invisible aligners are clear, they look more attractive than braces. Most people are not likely to even notice that you are wearing them. With that, you can smile comfortably without feeling self-conscious.

Removable: Unlike traditional braces, invisible aligners are removable whenever you want to eat, brush, and floss your teeth. Therefore, you can practice better oral hygiene, which reduces the risk of developing gum diseases.

Require minimal maintenance: invisible aligners can get dingy with time when you wear them. However, you can freshen them using a toothbrush dipped in water and bleach. This cleaning will remove any stains.

Disadvantages of Invisible Aligners

Unfortunately, invisible aligners also have their cons. Below are the demerits of invisible aligners:

• Getting new Invisalign trays can be uncomfortable especially when you are getting a set of aligners for the first time
• Invisible braces can be inconvenient since you have to remove them while eating. You, therefore, become subject to embarrassment while eating or brushing your teeth
• Attachments make invisible aligners more noticeable thus make you look like you are wearing traditional braces
• You are required to wear invisible aligners for at least 22 hours and remove them only when brushing and eating. Thus it means you will have to wear them even when you are going out on dates

What Is the Process of Getting Dental Braces in Houston, TX?

Your dentist will first refer you to an orthodontist. He will she will do this after checking your teeth. Upon visiting an orthodontist in  Houston, TX, he or she will determine what you need to straighten your teeth.

In some cases, if your situation is mild, your orthodontist will consider invisible aligners. During this appointment, the orthodontist will use x-ray imaging to determine the best plan of action. He or she will also make a mold of your teeth that will help in designing your braces.

After the first consultation with your orthodontist, he or she will design a specific treatment for your teeth. The orthodontist will create a model of your braces from the mold he created during the initial appointment.

The orthodontist will then condition the surface of the teeth to allow the placing of brackets. Conditioning takes up to 30 minutes and primed for the cement. The brackets are then placed based on positions that are predetermined by the dentist.

Once your orthodontist places the brackets, he or she will insert a wire. The orthodontist starts with a semicircle wire, cuts it to the right length, and sometimes insert bends to provide leverage on your teeth. Bends and kinks help the wire move faster and lie into place.

After inserting a wire into the brackets, the orthodontist will advise you on how you should take care of the braces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both technologies are effective. However, braces are more suitable when treating complex issues. Your orthodontist will advise you on the technology that is suitable for your teeth.

Finding an Orthodontist Near You

Do you want to get dental braces near you? Great Houston Dental Arts is a dental clinic in Houston, TX, that you should consider visiting. We provide services for both dental braces and invisible aligners, thus you do not have to go looking for one of the services elsewhere.