woman choice different brace on green background
The concept of dental braces has been around since at least the 5th century B.C.
Modern braces did not take on their current shape and form until the 1970s. Since then, millions of people every year use braces to correct the shape and alignment of their teeth.
In 1997, the concept of Invisalign began. This revolutionized the teeth-straightening market. This also started up the argument of Invisalign vs braces.
Both are very effective ways of straightening teeth, but they also have unique perks and disadvantages to their use. They bot also are highly dependent upon the orthodontist designing and executing the treatment regardless of the method.
Invisalign vs Braces
In the wide world of dentistry, orthodontists are the specialists who focus on how we bite and the role our teeth play into it, the growth of the jaws and face and an aesthetic beautiful smile. Orthodontists are all dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists. It requires an additional 2 to 3 years of school to become an orthodontist after becoming a dentist. If you go and see an orthodontist for treatment, they will be able to help you get your smile straight and make sure you have a healthy functional bite in the fastest time possible.
Before you ask about braces or Invisalign, let’s take a look at the benefits of both.
Clear or Metal Braces
Modern braces are much smaller and more comfortable than they use to be. This is due to their shape and advances in the wires used to move our teeth. They require less work than ever before, and they get teeth straight, a beautiful smile and a great bite. Braces can help almost any problem with teeth alignment that exists.
Braces have a much wider cost than Invisalign. In some cases, they can be much cheaper than Invisalign.
Invisalign Aligners
Plastic clear aligners have proven to be just as effective as braces in most instances. They are easy to wear and can be taken out to facilitate eating and teeth brushing. While you should wear them all the time, the option to remove them for brushing and flossing is both comfortable and beneficial.
Invisalign or Invisalign Teen is also very hard to see. They are colorless, and your teeth look natural when viewed through them. This can help make people, especially younger people, less self-conscious while wearing them.
Invisalign is designed by an orthodontist using a 3D image of your teeth which can be more accurate in some cases. The clear aligners are changed at home and require fewer visits to the orthodontist. Usually Invisalign requires a visit every ten to fourteen weeks, so you go months without a visit and there are much less emergencies.
Disadvantages of Braces
No discussion of Invisalign vs braces is complete until you look at the discomfort caused by braces. While modern braces are much better than in previous years, they still don’t hold a candle to Invisalign in terms of comfort.
Braces can cause discomfort by poking your gums or lips and can make your teeth sore. The pressure exerted by braces is sometimes higher, and therefore it puts more torque on the teeth. This is what makes your teeth sore.
Braces require more visits to see an orthodontist for adjustments of the wires, usually every 8 weeks while Invisalign requires less appointments.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
Orthodontics is all about improving bites and preventing health impacts because of them. Invisalign doesn’t work for all cases, such as impacted teeth and you won’t know if they are right for you before you visit an orthodontist. Another disadvantage of Invisalign is that it can cost more than standard braces.
Invisalign is also much easier for the patient to mess up. If you don’t follow the directions of your orthodontist, you could be in for a long treatment time. You can’t forget to wear them, or the effect they are having for your teeth will take longer than anticipated.
Analysis of Each
If we break down the relative advantages and disadvantages of each, we see that while there are some big differences between them, the goal is the same. Both will straighten your teeth, improve your bite and create a beautiful smile. Both have their place in modern orthodontics and both depend highly on the doctor you choose and their experience with both.
That being said, we also see that braces are less comfortable and more noticeable. Invisalign can be slightly more expensive and doesn’t work for all cases. It is reasonable to assume from the increased sales of Invisalign that many people are finding the advantages of Invisalign outweigh the disadvantages.
This is true in teens and adults. In the end, the most significant factor that puts Invisalign over braces is the comfort and convenience they offer. They don’t contribute to embarrassment, and they make your mouth far less sore than braces do.
An Orthodontist Consultation
Whichever way you want to go, you need to speak to a specialist. Don’t try Invisalign just because you think it can be done without going to see a doctor. If you live near Dripping Springs, Texas, or South Austin, Texas contact Dr. Jeannie Moody.
Once you have spoken to an orthodontist, you will have a much better idea of how to use Invisalign, whether or not you need braces, and why. This step can put your mind at ease while also giving you the best chance at successful treatment for your teeth.
Going through any procedure to straighten and align your teeth will take diligence and patience. Results don’t occur overnight, and the only way to make sure that you are getting the result you want is to follow the directions given to you by your orthodontist.
A Good Smile Is Always Nice
People smile all the time, and they want their smile to look nice. People notice when you have a nice smile, and they notice not just whether or not your teeth are white. They will notice if your teeth aren’t straight and properly aligned.
The first impression we make on a lot of people is through our smile. Orthodontics isn’t just about look, though, because look follows function when it comes to teeth. If you have an issue with how your teeth come together, this is called bite. An orthodontist can help you solve the problems associated with a bad bite.
Whichever way you decide to go in your treatment, remember that both forms of treatment do have their place. Don’t be upset if you need braces, and don’t go in thinking that Invisalign is the only treatment option for you. Listen to your orthodontist during your consultation.
We’ve Got You Covered Dripping Springs, Texas!
If you live in or around Austin or Dripping Springs, Texas, we can help you get the smile you deserve. Come on in and have a chat about your smile with Dr. Moody and see what we can do to help you. Dr. Moody is very experienced in both options and is a platinum level Invisalign provider. We can help you decide between Invisalign vs braces and then treat you for either.
If you are ready to start your free consultation with us, then its time to take back your smile. Don’t suffer another week with a smile that leaves you feeling bad about yourself. Get the straight, white smile you have always wanted with Moody Orthodontics.
