Deciding to have orthodontic treatment is an important choice and one that you should make after weighing up all your options. Each straightening system comes with its pros and cons. We always think it’s best that our patients are fully aware of what to expect before making the plunge and yes, even the downsides. At De-ientes Dental, we are completely transparent when it comes to dentistry. We know that metal braces are noticeable and can be fiddly at first to get used to cleaning, but they are incredibly successful at straightening crooked teeth and addressing more significant spacing issues. Invisalign may be discreet and flexible, but it has limitations. This is why we offer free consultations at our clinic. You can get all the information you need about our straightening treatments before you make the call. You’ll be able to talk to us about what's the most important takeaway for your treatment. We can then make our recommendations based on your budget, the timescales, the severity of your orthodontic need and your lifestyle.
What is orthodontics?
Before we go into the pros and cons of Invisalign and braces, it’s a good idea to get a firm understanding of how orthodontic treatment works. Orthodontics is a specialist field of dentistry that uses gradual forces to change the position of teeth. Orthodontic treatment can correct a number of issues, not just the aesthetics of a smile. The benefits of orthodontics include treating malocclusion, bite alignment, and jaw problems. A straight smile also comes with the additional benefit of being easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Orthodontics makes use of appliances which are responsible for gradually moving the teeth from their misaligned position into the desired position. There are three types of appliance - fixed braces, removable braces and clear aligners. In this article, we’ll be chiefly talking about the differences between fixed braces and Invisalign though there are other types - which we will touch on.
Fixed Braces
Metal braces have been in common use for many decades and still widely used throughout dental practices. Their wide-spread use is sign enough for their effectiveness for straightening smiles and tackling mild to major bite misalignments. As fixed braces are constantly at work, moving teeth night and day, they have a competitive treatment time - however this depends on your case. If your teeth have to achieve a lot of movement to reach the end position, your treatment time will take longer than someone with mild misalignment.
Metal braces may be the most affordable type, but they are the most noticeable. Don’t let that put you off having braces as a treatment option. There are discreet options available. Clear braces use clear plastic brackets in place of metal with tooth-coloured wires, offering a more discreet option. Lingual braces are concealed behind the teeth, fitted to the reverse side of the teeth so they aren’t visible from the front. These subtle options are, however, more expensive.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of fixed metal braces?
Pros | Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Invisalign
Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign uses removable aligners. Invisalign moves teeth differently to braces, making use of a series of aligners that gradually move your teeth towards a straighter position. Each aligner gently moves your teeth out of their crooked position and once they’ve moved as much as they can go with that aligner, you then swap to the next set. Each set of aligners is worn for around two to three weeks.
Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic so when they are worn, they’re almost invisible. This makes them a popular choice for adults who wish to straighten their smile but are conscious about how braces look. As the aligners are removable, there is no need to make any changes to your diet as you can simply remove them when you’re about to tuck into your lunch.
Invisalign is generally a quicker treatment than braces because it addresses only minor misalignments. Braces tackle more serious cases and so take longer as more work is needed.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign?
Pros | Cons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How do I know if I can have invisalign?
Your dentist will be in the best position to determine your suitability for invisalign treatment. If you need braces to treat your bite issues and teeth position, you can rest assured that there are still great options that are discreet. During your next dental check-up, ask your dentist about orthodontic treatment and they can answer your questions about whether invisalign can straighten your smile or if you will need braces to move your teeth to a better position.
Making the right decision for you and your oral health
Most importantly, whichever straightening system you decide, we need to make sure that your oral health benefits the most in the long run. Straight smiles are healthy smiles with a reduced risk of gum disease and less chance of the bite surfaces wearing down from misalignment. As a cosmetic option, teeth straightening is the best for your teeth as there is no need to touch your healthy, natural teeth to change their appearance. We simply use the teeth that nature has already given you and improve their position.
Get started on straightening your smile with a free consultation
Wish to chat in person about Invisalign vs Braces? You can book for a 20 minute consultation at our clinic for free. You can book here. Our free consultations are ideal opportunities for you to talk about straightening treatments. We can provide you with more information and also chat about our finance options. At De-ientes Dental, we offer 0% finance payments so you can spread the cost of your straightening treatment over monthly payments. We can give you a good idea of the costs you’ll be looking at, comparing braces and invisalign, so you know the full scope of the treatment.
Alternatively, if you have any questions about our orthodontic treatment, we’re happy to help. You can call us on 020 8731 9020 or contact us here using our online form.