Advantages of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

Invisalign® has emerged as one of the most popular alternatives to traditional metal braces. These teeth-straightening devices are virtually invisible when worn, as their name suggests, yet they can fix many of the teeth alignment issues braces have historically been used for.

Examples of orthodontic issues Invisalign can be used to fix include crooked, crowded, poorly spaced, and misaligned teeth. These clear aligners can also treat underbites and overbites.

Metal braces have been used to straighten teeth for centuries, and they remain the most effective way to address complicated bite issues. Braces can treat misalignment problems caused by abnormal jaw or teeth placement, while clear aligners only treat problems caused by poor teeth placement.

One of the main drawbacks of traditional braces has been how conspicuous these devices are. They are impossible to miss when a person has them on their teeth, and they make it look like they have a mouth full of metal.

Benefits of choosing Invisalign over traditional braces

Invisalign treatment involves improving the position of a patient’s teeth with rigid, transparent plastic trays. Like braces, these trays apply force on a patient’s teeth, moving them to the desired position over time.

Treatment involves patients wearing a series of aligner trays that gradually improve the alignment of their teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before being switched with the next set. These pairs of aligner trays work like relay teams, pushing teeth as far as they can before another set takes over from there and pushes them further.

Treatment with aligner trays can take anywhere from six months to three years, and trays must be worn for at least 22 hours daily for treatment to be effective. Some of the benefits of choosing Invisalign over traditional braces include:

1. Provides discreet teeth straightening

It is virtually impossible to detect if a person has clear aligners, allowing them to improve their bite without announcing it to the world. People who opt for braces often become self-conscious due to the stares they get from people fascinated with all the metal in their mouths.

2. Less restrictive treatment

Braces are stuck on teeth for the duration of a patient’s treatment once a dentist places them, which requires changes to their diet and how they clean their teeth. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are removable devices that can be taken out for meals or oral hygiene and easily snapped back into place.

This allows patients to continue enjoying all of their favorite foods throughout their Invisalign treatment. They can also clean their teeth properly without having to navigate around the wires and brackets that come with braces.

3. Increased comfort

It takes some time to adjust to wearing braces and clear aligners, but the latter is the more comfortable alternative. Clear aligners have a slimmer profile in the mouth since they do not come with bulky braces, so they are less likely to irritate or damage soft tissues in the mouth. Clear aligners can also be removed during moments of discomfort for relief.