Invisalign vs. Metal Braces

Invisalign vs. metal braces.

You may be weighing up these two options and wondering which is right for you.

On one hand, Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners correct a number of dental problems and are a popular alternative to metal braces. Invisalign recently announced a record-breaking total of 15 million patients who’ve begun this innovative treatment.

On the other hand, metal braces represent the usual method of straightening teeth. You may be considering whether you should go down the normal route.

While metal braces do have their merits, there are a number of benefits traditional braces simply can’t match compared to Invisalign. To help you decide whether Invisalign or metal braces are right for you, here are a few things to consider.

#1 Invisalign shifts the focus away from your orthodontic treatment.

Most individuals desire straight teeth so people don’t notice their crooked smile. The whole point is to avoid negative attention.

Metal braces won’t correct this problem, at least initially. As an adult wearing metal braces, you’ll probably receive a bit of attention—the kind you don’t want.

For some people, this may be fine. For others, it’s a problem.

Here are some situations that could present difficulty for your appearance if you choose metal braces…

• You enter a critical business presentation. You suddenly notice that your stakeholders are distracted by your metal braces.

• You’re at an important dinner when you notice someone staring at your teeth. You later discover you have lettuce stuck in your braces.

• You attend an important event and end up in a picture. There you are…you and your braces.

Invisalign vs. metal braces?

When it comes to maintaining a professional image, Invisalign definitely has the edge.

#2 Invisalign allows you to maintain oral hygiene.

Oral hygiene is critical to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile. You’ll want to choose an orthodontic treatment that achieves this goal with minimal work for you.

After all, you’re a busy adult and don’t need any extra tasks to complete.

If you choose to correct your dental problems with Invisalign, you’ll find that maintaining dental hygiene is easy. Before you sit down to eat a meal, simply pop out your clear aligners and, afterwards, brush your teeth.

On the other hand, metal braces significantly increase the time you’ll need to carve out to clean your teeth. To brush and floss, you’ll have to navigate around brackets and wiring, which means there’s no possibility of a quick tooth scrubbing.

What’s worse is, if you’re in a rush, you may be tempted to skip cleaning your teeth altogether. The fact is your difficulties are going to increase with traditional braces.

If you don’t have time to deal with the extra hassle, your better option is clear plastic aligners.

#3 Invisalign helps you avoid demineralisation and mouth damage.

When it comes to Invisalign vs. metal braces, there is a third factor to consider—demineralisation.

Demineralisation and braces sometimes go together. Metal braces won’t directly create demineralisation. However, braces make it easier to have poor dental hygiene, which causes demineralisation to occur.

A recent article in the journal Seminars in Orthodontics reports some sobering facts about orthodontics and tooth demineralisation:

• Demineralisation affects the enamel of your teeth.

• It can cause the surface of a tooth to collapse.

• After only 1 month of braces, you may experience demineralisation.

• In orthodontics, 50% of patients experience some form of tooth demineralisation.

Demineralisation is not the only risk you’ll run with metal braces. In addition to teeth problems, you’ll find that metal braces can hurt and damage the inside of your mouth.

When it comes to your public image, oral hygiene and tooth health, it’s time to end the Invisalign vs. metal braces debate. Invisalign’s clear aligners offer you the best way to straighten your teeth while keeping these important goals intact.

You can see if you’re a candidate for straightening your teeth with Invisalign’s innovative technology when you visit a MiSmile provider. Contact your nearest MiSmile Invisalign provider to schedule a free consultation.