Let’s face it. Even minor flaws such as crooked teeth or imperfect bite can lead to insecurities. Whether you are a child or an adult, you should not disregard the treatments that can have an enormous impact on your self-esteem.

Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has gone through innovations to be able to provide the most effective treatments that work to improve your overall oral health.  Most of the time when it comes to teeth alignment and bite problems you are left with two options — Invisalign or braces.

While both are effective treatments, what you should really focus on is knowing the option that will work for you best.  So, to help you decide, here’s an article that discusses the things that you need to know about Invisalign and braces.

Invisalign vs Braces: A Comparison

Braces are composed of brackets, bands that are attached to the tooth, and archwires that runs from one bracket to another. While years ago, braces cause discomfort and aren’t too pleasing to look at, today’s braces are more comfortable to wear and are less noticeable.

On the other hand, Invisalign offers the option for your teeth to be straightened minus the wires and brackets. Unlike braces, it only uses clear and removable aligners that are worn to straighten the teeth by guiding them to be in the right position.

But the differences don’t end there. Below is a head to head comparison to show their differences that will help you identify the cosmetic dentistry treatment that is most suited for you.

Duration of Treatment:

Dental Braces – Must be worn 24 hours a day for an average of 2 years, depending on patient condition.

Invisalign – Must be worn at least 22 hours day for a period of 6 – 9 months to 1 and a half year, depending on patient condition.

Required Care/Maintenance:

Dental Braces – Brackets, wires and teeth must be brushed regularly. Follow up visits are required at least once a month and may require ongoing use of positioners or retainers for a certain period, at night-time.

Invisalign – For regular care and maintenance, Invisalign requires brushing and rinsing trays in lukewarm water. Aligner trays must also be changed twice a month with visits to your cosmetic dentist every 4 to 6 weeks. Like braces, it may require ongoing use of positioner or retainer, worn only at night.

Colour:

Dental Braces – Metal/Silver with option to use another colour

Invisalign – Clear, invisible

Contraindications:

Dental Braces – Not suitable for patients who engage in physical/contact sports.

Invisalign – Not indicated for patients with bridgework, back teeth bite problems, and those who will require rotation of canines, premolars or those who’d want to move their teeth vertically.

Advantages:

Dental Braces – These are effective in solving more complex teeth problems and require simpler care and maintenance.

Invisalign – This appliance is more comfortable to wear and aesthetically pleasing. It is invisible and can be removed anytime. Plus, they can be worn without experiencing difficulty in eating or discomfort from wires. Unlike braces, they are not made of smooth plastic that can protect the inside of your mouth.

Disadvantages:

Dental Braces – Can cause pain, mouth sores or discomfort due to the wires, brackets used and the tooth movement that it causes. Braces can also cause tooth discoloration or breakage. People with this appliance also experience difficulty in eating sticky and hard foods.

Invisalign – May result in discomfort due to tooth movement. Requires removal prior to eating or drinking anything, except water. Strict oral hygiene is required after each meal to prevent staining.

So which option is best for you?

As stated above, both treatment options offer pros and cons and it will depend on your preferences and what you think will work for you best.

Book a free consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Sydney now.