Invisalign Vs Braces: What’s the Difference?

Braces have been around for several decades and are a common tool used by orthodontists to straighten people’s teeth. They are primarily used in teenagers but can also be used on adults to correct issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowding or teeth that aren’t completely aligned. Braces are affixed to the front of the teeth and then connected together with a thin wire pulled taut and secured to brackets placed on the back teeth that exerts pressure on the teeth. Over time this will force the teeth to shift and move into proper alignment to give you a normal bite while your gums adapt to the change of movement. Patients with braces will need to see their orthodontist on a regular basis, typically once a month, to check on the progress the teeth are making and ensure the brackets and wires are still firmly in place. At the same time, the wire will also be tightened slightly to keep enough pressure on it that the teeth continue to realign as needed. The entire process takes time, with many treatments taking up to 2 years of having braces, followed by several months or longer of wearing a retainer to ensure the teeth don’t shift back.

The most obvious advantage to having braces is coming out of your treatment with straight teeth. Braces provide a non-invasive process of having the teeth shift and move inside the mouth to align in a neat straight row along the jaw. Straight teeth make it easier to eat and talk, and braces help by aligning the teeth and bite. Additional benefits of straight teeth from braces include reduced risk of cavities and periodontal disease, reduction in grinding and chipping of teeth, and a reduced risk of injury caused by a protruding tooth. While the process of teeth straightening using braces can take a few years from start to finish, it is less disruptive than having dental implants or another surgical procedure to straighten the teeth. The cost of braces is covered by most benefits plans so the out-of-pocket costs are minimal, if any. Many orthodontist offices also offer payment plans for treatment as they know the time commitment is significant, which can make them more affordable.

Invisalign uses clear aligners that are placed over the teeth to provide a small amount of pressure to the teeth to force them to shift over time. The idea behind Invisalign is very much the same as that of braces; it is just done using a clear aligner tray that is placed over the teeth. The tray is removable for eating and oral care, like brushing and flossing, mitigating the challenges of food getting stuck in braces on the teeth or having to floss around the wire. As the teeth shift around patients will need to get updated aligner trays that will accommodate for the shifting that has happened and still provide that gentle pressure on the teeth that causes them to move into line.

Invisalign will straighten teeth in much the same way as braces would. However, there are advantages to using Invisalign over regular braces, provided you are a good candidate for treatment. Invisalign alignment trays are clear, so unlike metal braces, your treatment is invisible to everyone but you. The trays are also removable so patients can take them out to eat or brush and floss, or even just because they want to. However, patients need to ensure they are still wearing them for the majority of the day and night in order for them to do their job. Some people have said that the Invisalign trays are more comfortable and less painful than braces. Everyone is different though, and Invisalign might not be the right treatment for you. Talk to our team of leading dental professionals at MySmile Dental Care today about Invisalign to see if you would be a good candidate for treatment, and what you can expect from the treatment. We can help provide you with an idea of how long your treatment will take and what the cost will be, as well as any other questions you have about straightening your teeth. MySmile Dental Care is accepting new patients and you can book an appointment by calling us. If you would like to know more about the services, we provide at MySmile Dental, contact us today! We serve patients from Anaheim Hills CA, Yorba Linda CA, Tustin CA, Villa Park CA, Irvine CA, Corona CA, Orange CA, and Santa Ana CA.