If you think about it, our teeth aren’t just for chewing. They function as part of a system to help us break up food so it can be swallowed and digested. Sometimes, though, our teeth or jaws get out of alignment, and we find ourselves at the orthodontist with a choice to make: Invisalign vs. braces?
Invisalign and braces are two tools of cosmetic dentistry that work to straighten crooked teeth and realign jaws. In doing so, Invisalign and braces improve our health, as the teeth function better, and builds self-esteem through a reconfigured smile.
Whether you’re looking for help from an Invisalign dentist in Johns Creek, GA, or another nearby professional orthodontist, you’re correct to wonder: What are the merits of Invisalign vs. braces?
Getting into Alignment
Invisalign and braces serve a similar function: To re-align your teeth to take away any unsightly gaps or to straighten those that have come in at an angle. Invisalign and braces also help keep your jaws aligned.
Braces are an older technology that utilizes wires, brackets and rubber bands, and/or headgear to tug teeth in the proper position. Invisalign, developed about 20 years ago, relies on plastic aligner trays to the same effect. The trays are designed based on a mold of your mouth from either a 3D scan or a putty impression.
A typical Invisalign treatment will require numerous aligner trays — probably a new one each week or two. That schedule is based on how your teeth respond.
Invisalign vs. Braces
Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. Braces are typically used in more complex cases. But if you are an orthodontist patient, it pays to know a little about Invisalign vs. braces.
- Looks. Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and are hard to spot. Braces are made of wires and brackets and present a sparkling shine.
- Ease-of-use. Invisalign trays are removable. You can take them out to eat and drink and brush and floss. Braces require recurring visits for adjustments
- Materials. The plastic of Invisalign is more attuned to allowing wearers to continue with most of their activities. People wearing braces who, say, play a sport, need to worry about getting hit in the mouth.
- Time. Generally, Invisalign treatment is shorter than dental braces, but again, every case is different.
- Post-alignment. One big similarity in evaluating Invisalign vs. braces: both require the patient to wear a retainer after the main treatment is concluded. Teeth tend to want to revert to their original positions.
Interested in information about dental braces in Johns Creek GA or other types of straightening services? Contact your local dentist or orthodontist today.
Importance of Straight Teeth
Invisalign and braces are two of the tools available in connection with orthodontic treatment services. Orthodontics is a dental specialty that exists to correct any dental “irregularities,” such as gaps in teeth, or misaligned and crowded jaws.
One of the things to think about in evaluating Invisalign vs. braces is the importance of straight teeth. It’s about much more than aesthetics — though having a nice smile can certainly leave you feeling good about yourself, which is nothing to minimize. Having a strong, confident smile can lead to more success in work or school.
But straightening teeth comes with other benefits. By aligning jaws, you can better address speech irregularities. You can also lower the risk of cavities, as you’re giving food fewer places to hide when it comes to brushing time. Better alignment also results in fewer headaches.
Making the Right Choice
When it comes to realizing some of these benefits, you don’t necessarily have to choose between Invisalign vs. braces. Both have a record of delivery. Invisalign is a newer technology that uses plastic alignment trays to get your teeth to behave better, while braces have helped millions over the years through brackets, wires, and rubber bands. Contact your orthodontist today for a consultation to find out which system is best for you.
