Straightening your teeth can be daunting and keep you from fixing your smile. Luckily, there are many orthodontic treatments available to tackle your misalignment issues. Metal braces and Invisalign® in Las Vegas are two options with pros and cons, and diving into their differences can show you which is best for you.
What Makes Invisalign® Different from Traditional Braces?
Appearance
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that they don’t change your looks. Traditional braces consist of metal wires and brackets a dentist attaches to your teeth. This contraption can be pretty noticeable and make some people feel self-conscious.
In contrast, Invisalign® aligners are made of clear plastic, which makes them virtually invisible and discrete. If you’re concerned about your appearance changing, Invisalign® might be a more appealing option.
Comfort
Another advantage of Invisalign is that they are comfortable to wear. Traditional braces need to be tight around your teeth to work, exerting pressure on your smile and making you feel pain. On the other hand, Invisalign® is custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth and correct teeth without aching or painful force.
Since these clear aligners are also made of smooth plastic, they don’t brush against your inner lips, cheeks, and gums, eliminating any possible discomfort and irritation of traditional braces.
Maintenance and Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. However, traditional braces can make brushing and flossing difficult, as food particles can get stuck between the wires and brackets.
If you don’t adopt more thorough practices and visit your dentist, you’re more prone to decay and gum disease as a wearer of braces. Invisalign® aligners are removable, which makes it easier for patients to brush and floss.
Simply take your aligners off, follow your oral hygiene routine, and then put them back on when you’re done. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss to prevent plaque and tartar from accumulating in your smile.
Treatment Time and Effectiveness
Another difference is that traditional braces might take longer to straighten your teeth than Invisalign®. Braces work by gradually shifting your teeth using wires and brackets, and results might only start showing after a year.
Invisalign® consists of a set of clear aligners to gradually move your teeth and bite toward the desired position, which can make the treatment time shorter than traditional braces.
In terms of effectiveness, both treatments do an excellent job of straightening teeth. However, traditional braces have the added benefit of being able to treat a broader range of orthodontic problems than Invisalign®. Dentists recommend clear aligners to patients who have slight misalignment issues, such as:
- Overcrowding
- Tooth gaps
- An overbite
- An underbite
Cost
Cost is a crucial factor when choosing between traditional braces and Invisalign®. The first treatment option can be more affordable than the second, depending on the patient’s orthodontic needs. However, it’s worth noting that some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for both traditional braces and Invisalign®.
Additionally, many orthodontic offices offer payment plans to help make the cost more manageable. If you believe comfort and aesthetics are a priority during your orthodontic treatment, then the cost of your Invisalign® might be worth it.
Diet
Finally, an advantage of Invisalign® over traditional braces is that you don’t have to avoid certain foods during treatment. With metal braces, certain foods can damage the brackets and wires, leading to longer treatment times and additional costs.
Since Invisalign® aligners are removable, you can take them out during meals to keep them free from harm. This benefit allows you to eat whatever you want without worrying about breaking or warping your orthodontic appliances.
You can enjoy sticky or hard foods that would be off-limits with traditional braces, such as popcorn, nuts, and gum.
Remember to brush your teeth before putting your Invisalign® aligners back in after a meal. Food particles can get trapped between your teeth and the aligners, leading to bacteria buildup and potential oral health problems. Other practices you can incorporate include:
- Visiting your dentist twice a year
- Flossing
- Not smoking or chewing tobacco
- Not biting your nails
- Not grinding your teeth
Looking to Enhance Your Smile with Invisalign® in Las Vegas?
While traditional braces and Invisalign® have unique advantages, clear aligners are usually the more attractive option for many, especially adults. Some benefits that make Invisalign® stand out are that they are virtually invisible, comfortable, easy to maintain, and don’t pose any food restrictions.
At Dee for Dentist, we provide orthodontic treatments to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile you can be proud of for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our services and book an appointment!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
