How To Choose Between Invisalign^® And Traditional Braces

Having a smile you are proud to show off is an important part of your oral health. When your teeth are misaligned, it can affect the way you eat your food and even the shape of your face. Luckily, advances in orthodontic treatment have made it possible for your orthodontist to treat malocclusions, or misaligned teeth, with great efficacy. Some of the most efficient treatment methods include the use of Invisalign, also known as aligners, and traditional braces. But how do you know which treatment option is best for you?

Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign treatment is the use of a series of aligners that are custom-fitted to each patient and designed to guide the teeth into the desired alignment. The patient receives a new aligner every couple of weeks that progressively move the teeth into place. The number of aligners and the length of treatment depend on each patient, but in general, treatment tends to be a few months shorter than traditional braces.

• There are many positive reasons to consider Invisalign treatment:
• The aligners are removable for eating and brushing teeth
• There are fewer restrictions on the foods patients may eat
• They are clear and less conspicuous than other orthodontic appliances
• They make it easier to keep the teeth and gums cleaner
• There are fewer visits to the orthodontist during treatment
• There is no need to tighten any wires or worry about wires and brackets breaking

Clear aligners are a good option for teens and adults who can commit to wearing the appliances at least 22 hours a day and who will be proactive about cleaning their teeth. It is a viable treatment option for patients who experience mild to moderate malocclusion or misalignment of teeth and do not require extraction. In addition, retention treatment, often involving the use of a retainer, is often still necessary to ensure teeth stay in their newly aligned positions.

Benefits of Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces remain an effective and viable option for straightening teeth in young patients and adults alike. In fact, fixed orthodontic appliances such as metal braces are among the more effective teeth straightening options for those who suffer from moderate to severe malocclusion.
There are a variety of benefits to sticking with traditional braces for straightening teeth. These appliances come in myriad options besides the metal many people are familiar with:

• Metal is the most common choice for braces, and it is also the most visible, but patients can add colored bands to personalize their look.
• Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth (the tongue side) so they are not visible. However, some patients find them to be more uncomfortable than traditional braces.
• Ceramic braces are more fragile than their metal counterparts, but they are also less noticeable because they are the same color as the teeth.

Treatment with traditional braces varies depending on the patients and the state of the teeth, but it typically ranges anywhere up to two years. Following treatment, patients may need to go through retention treatment, involving wearing a retainer, to ensure their new alignment does not shift back to the way it was at the beginning of treatment.

The Right Choice for You

Every patient is different, which means there are some patients who do better with aligners and others who do better with traditional braces. One of the best ways to determine which option is best for your situation is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist at Delaware Smiles Center. Our professionals can help you create a treatment plan aimed at the smile results you are looking for. Contact us right away online or over the phone at (302) 231-3051 to schedule your appointment or consultation.