When choosing to straighten your teeth, you’re going to come across a common question: Do you get Invisalign® or do you get traditional braces? It’s hard to see the difference between the two outside of their physical appearance, so we decided to clear things up. Here’s what you need to know about these competing orthodontic treatments.
Metal vs. Plastic
There’s a major difference in the appearance of Invisalign® and the appearance of traditional braces. Invisalign® is made from plastic, which means it’s a clear aligner tray that lays flat against your teeth for a seamless look. Most people don’t even know you’re getting your teeth aligned with the Invisalign® trays because they’re virtually invisible. Traditional braces have a signature appearance of metal brackets and wires. This may be unbecoming for some, but necessary depending on your desired results.
Years vs. Months
Traditional metal braces tend to take longer than your Invisalign® treatment. The average length of time people wear braces is anywhere between 18 months and three years, but this varies on the condition of your teeth and your customized treatment. Invisalign® usually only takes about six to 18 months to straighten your teeth so long as you wear your aligners for 22 – 24 hours a day. The only times you should take out your aligners is to clean them and eat. The amount of time you have your aligners in every day will affect how long treatment will take.
More Visits vs. Fewer Visits
When you have traditional braces, you should be prepared to see your orthodontist regularly. This means going to your orthodontist’s office every six to eight weeks for regular maintenance. With Invisalign®, you’ll need to make sure you have the time to visit your orthodontist every eight to ten weeks to pick up more clear aligners.
Limited Menu vs. All You Can Eat
Traditional braces include metal brackets being bonded to your teeth, so you want to be careful not to break them off with anything you eat. It’s recommended you avoid anything too crunchy, like apples, anything too sticky, like candies and caramel, and anything that may get stuck between your wires and your teeth, like popcorn. With Invisalign®, you’ll be able to avoid all restrictions by taking out your aligners when you do have a snack or meal. Just make sure to rinse your mouth with some water before putting your Invisalign® aligners back in.
Moderate vs. Severe
This is what it mostly comes down to in choosing your aligning treatment. If you have a moderate alignment that needs to take place and moderate jaw issues, Invisalign® may be right for you. However, Invisalign® can’t handle any severe alignment issues that you may need to be fixed. For example: if you have significantly crooked teeth and your teeth are sitting at significantly different heights, traditional braces may be your better option. However, if you have moderately overcrowded teeth, this can easily be fixed with Invisalign®.
If you want to learn more about whether braces or Invisalign® is right for you, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation today. The doctors at Savage, Sabol and Visser Orthodontics will be able to let you know which treatment is best for you and your condition.
