Understanding Difference between Invisalign and Braces
Crooked or crowded teeth are a common dental issue seen in children, teens and adults alike. Such teeth are not just an aesthetic problem but also affect the quality of life of a person by posing difficulties in chewing and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Traditional braces and Invisalign aligners are two orthodontic options that help in resolving crowding of teeth. Traditional braces can be made of metallic or ceramic brackets that are placed on teeth to straighten them while Invisalign aligners are a series of custom made hard plastic aligners that are used to move the teeth. Both of these options have their own benefits and drawbacks which will be discussed in this article.
Being made of transparent hard plastic, aligners are nearly invisible and less noticeable than traditional braces. This makes them a perfect choice of treatment for teens and adults who are more conscious about their appearance.
No metal brackets or wires are needed with Invisalign aligners which causes significantly less irritation and pain. The patient does not have to worry about getting cuts in their mouth.
Aligners are easily removable by the patient themselves which makes it convenient for them to eat, drink, and practice proper oral hygiene.
For some cases, particularly those that do not have a severe degree of crowding, aligners may achieve the desired results quicker than braces.
Invisalign aligners are typically more expensive than traditional braces.
Patient compliance plays a major role in a successful aligners treatment. Strict adherence to the wearing schedule (at least 22 hours a day) is required for timely results.
Invisalign aligners may not be as effective for complex malocclusions or severe crowding cases as traditional braces.
Traditional braces, whether metallic or ceramic, are much more affordable than Invisalign aligners.
Traditional braces are more suitable and effective in cases with severe malocclusions.
Monthly appointments with your orthodontist help in easy monitoring and control of the treatment progress.
Metal brackets and wires can be aesthetically unappealing making the patient conscious while smiling.
The sharp ends of wires and brackets may lead to cuts and nicks on your cheeks and tongue causing irritation and pain, especially during adjustments.
Certain foods are difficult to eat with braces and may even cause brackets to dislodge from the teeth so patients are advised to avoid such foods.
Spaces between the wire and brackets often accumulate food particles and properly cleaning these spaces requires extra effort from the patient.
Invisalign aligners are relatively costlier that traditional braces due to following reasons:
1. it is customised according to your dental problems
2. it is imported from United States Of America
Consult with your orthodontist to decide the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
Attractive financing options are available with 6-18 months zero interest EMI.
The duration of the treatment varies depending on the degree of malocclusion. In cases with less crowding, the treatment might even be completed in 2-3 months. On the other hand, severe malocclusion cases may go up to 1½ to 2 years in duration.
Retainers are appliances given to the patient after completion of their orthodontic treatment. The purpose of retainers is to maintain the teeth in their final positions until the surrounding bone becomes stable. Retainers can either be wired or clear plastic, both of which are removable. Permanent retainers (wires that are bonded to the back of the teeth) are also an option for people who find it difficult to use removable retainers. Typically, patients are advised to regularly wear their retainers throughout the day for one year and then continue wearing them during the night while they sleep. Irregularity in wearing retainers and early discontinuation cause the teeth to shift from their newly aligned positions. Therefore, patients are strictly advised to diligently wear their retainers for the prescribed amount of time.
Most patients who are considering orthodontic treatment are concerned about various problems that they may face as they undergo the treatment. These include:
1. pain and discomfort during treatment
2. embarrassment while talking and smiling due to appearance of braces/aligners
3. problem in speaking, eating and cleaning
4. food restrictions
5. long duration of treatment
All these factors play a major role in the decision making process for the choice of treatment. These factors are seen in varying degrees in different treatment plans. For instance, aligners do not cause as much pain and discomfort as braces and are also not aesthetically unappealing. Patients should clarify all their doubts and concerns with their orthodontist and keep themselves motivated once the treatment begins. The long term benefits of timely orthodontic treatment far outweigh the temporary discomfort and embarrassment that a patient might experience during the course of it.
All patients need to keep themselves motivated to successfully undergo orthodontic treatment. Especially, young children need constant encouragenent and support from their parents during their orthodontic treatment as they are more prone to getting frustrated and upset when faced with embarrassment from their peers for their appearance. Pain and discomfort during the monthly adjustments are also a discouraging factor for children and may make them reluctant to continue the treatment. Proper counseling from the orthodontist along with the parents' encouragement make it easier for young children to power through their treatments.
Metal braces are the most common and recognizable type of braces. Made of stainless steel, they consist of metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected by wires. Metal braces offer excellent durability and reliability in correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. They allow for precise adjustments and are suitable for patients of all ages.
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets, blending in with the natural color of the teeth. This makes them less noticeable and more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic braces are a popular choice for individuals who desire a more discreet treatment option without compromising effectiveness. This type of braces are a popular choice for those seeking a more aesthetic option.
Lingual braces are braces that are placed on the inner surface of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. They provide a highly discreet treatment option, as they are hidden behind the teeth. Lingual braces require specialized training and customization but offer effective teeth alignment and bite correction. They offer a discreet and aesthetic treatment option but can be more challenging to clean and adjust.
Self-ligating braces use brackets with built-in clips or doors that hold the archwire in place. They eliminate the need for elastic bands used in traditional braces, reducing friction and potentially shortening treatment time. Self-ligating braces are known for their ease of cleaning, efficient tooth movement, and improved patient comfort. As they do not require elastic bands, they are easier to clean and potentially reducing treatment time.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a popular alternative to traditional braces. They are removable, transparent trays made of medical-grade plastic that gradually shift the teeth into alignment. Clear aligners are virtually invisible, comfortable to wear, and allow for easy oral hygiene maintenance. They provide convenience and flexibility, as they can be removed for eating, drinking, and special occasions. They are custom-made and gradually shift the teeth into alignment. Clear aligners are popular for their convenience, comfort, and nearly invisible appearance.
Forsus Appliances are orthodontic devices used to correct overbites or Class II malocclusions. They consist of springs and rods that apply gentle forces to move the upper and lower jaws into proper alignment. Forsus Appliances provide an effective, non-removable solution for bite correction, leading to improved facial harmony and function.
Palatal Expanders are orthodontic devices designed to widen the upper jaw. They work by gradually applying gentle pressure to the palate, expanding its width and creating more space for crowded teeth. Palatal Expanders are commonly used in children to correct crossbites and improve overall dental alignment, breathing, and facial development.
1, Dental Oasis Orthodontic & Dental Clinic 206 Western Buisness Center, 6, opposite Cakes & More, New Palasia, Indore
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