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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.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Both Options:


Invisalign Aligners Benefits:

  • Discretion:
  • 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.

  • Comfort:
  • 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.

  • Removable:
  • Aligners are easily removable by the patient themselves which makes it convenient for them to eat, drink, and practice proper oral hygiene.

  • Potential for faster treatment:
  • For some cases, particularly those that do not have a severe degree of crowding, aligners may achieve the desired results quicker than braces.

    Drawbacks:


  • Cost:
  • Invisalign aligners are typically more expensive than traditional braces.

  • Compliance:
  • 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.

  • Not suitable for all cases:
  • Invisalign aligners may not be as effective for complex malocclusions or severe crowding cases as traditional braces.

    Traditional Braces Benefits:


  • Cost:
  • Traditional braces, whether metallic or ceramic, are much more affordable than Invisalign aligners.

  • Versatility:
  • Traditional braces are more suitable and effective in cases with severe malocclusions.

  • Predictable results:
  • Monthly appointments with your orthodontist help in easy monitoring and control of the treatment progress.

    Drawbacks:


  • Visibility:
  • Metal brackets and wires can be aesthetically unappealing making the patient conscious while smiling.

  • Comfort:
  • 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.

  • Dietary restrictions:
  • 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.

  • Oral hygiene challenges:
  • Spaces between the wire and brackets often accumulate food particles and properly cleaning these spaces requires extra effort from the patient.

    Cost Comparison:

    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.

    Financing Options:

    Attractive financing options are available with 6-18 months zero interest EMI.

    Treatment Duration:

    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.

    Maintenance and Aftercare:

    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.

    Social Impact:

    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.

    Child-Specific Considerations:

    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.

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