Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You?
Straight teeth are a wish of many, and choosing the right braces is a crucial factor in the entire process. These braces not only align the teeth but also address overcrowding of teeth, gaps, and jaw alignment. Traditional braces have been around for a long time; however, with evolving lifestyles and requirements, invisible braces have made their way into the mainstream.
Understanding the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of both can help you decide which would be best for your requirements—invisible braces or traditional ones.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are metal brackets attached to teeth and connected with wires. These wires are then adjusted over time to get the desired alignment of the teeth. They have been used for teeth straightening for many years and come in a variety of bracket types, colors, and frontal and lingual braces.
Advantages of Traditional Braces
Effectiveness: Traditional braces are very effective in teeth straightening, fixing gaps between them, overcrowding, bite problems, and jaw alignment. The results provided by these braces are unmatched, which is why traditional braces have been around for a long time.
Control: Due to the brackets and wires on teeth, traditional braces provide good control to dentists for installation and adjustment. This control ensures the desired alignment and ease of work.
Durability: Made from steel or ceramic, the brackets are highly durable and last up to years without being damaged. Durability also means that you would have to invest in them only once and be rest assured of straight teeth.
Disadvantages of Traditional Braces
Highly Visible: Due to the metal hooks and wires on the teeth, traditional braces are easily visible. This visibility can concern many kids and teens, which can affect their confidence in smiling or speaking.
Lack of Comfort: Traditional braces are uncomfortable and can cause irritation and sores inside the mouth. This irritation can cause intense pain and problems in daily life and challenge dental comfort.
Dietary Restrictions: Due to the wired braces, it is often recommended to avoid hard and chewy foods like nuts, gum, and sweetened drinks. It cuts off half the food from their diet to prevent damage to braces and maintain oral hygiene. This dietary restriction might not be suitable for everyone.
Difficulty in Oral Hygiene: Braces make it difficult to brush and floss the teeth. This makes maintaining oral hygiene quite tough and may result in infections in some severe cases.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces or Invisalign are modern braces that are made from smooth plastic. These braces are easily removable and are replaced once in a few weeks to get your teeth in the desired place. Invisible braces are often clear or tooth-colored, which makes them blend seamlessly in appearance.
Advantages of Invisible Braces
Seamless: Invisible braces being seamless on the teeth, are mostly preferred by kids or teens conscious about their appearance. These aligners do the work very well without making any changes to the appearance.
Comfortable: Made from smooth plastic or ceramics, invisible braces are comfortable and do not cause any irritation or discomfort to the mouth. This can also prevent any infections caused by injury. This also means that there are minimal dietary restrictions from food that can damage them.
Removable: Invisible braces are plastic cases that can be easily removed from the teeth as per convenience without the need for any medical equipment painlessly. This removability also aids in regular changing of braces for quicker results in teeth alignment.
Convenient: Brace adjustments are less frequent for invisible braces as compared to traditional ones. This reduces the need to visit the dentist often and hence makes the treatment more convenient and time-saving.
Disadvantages of Invisible Braces
Cost: Invisible braces cost more than conventional braces. This may increase the cost of the entirety of the procedure. Also, these braces need to be changed once in a while, which also means that the cost is multiplied by the number of times it needs to be changed.
Commitment: Invisible braces, though removable, need to be worn for over 20 hours a day. This level of commitment is required to achieve the desired results of teeth fixation in the described amount of time.
Severity: Invisible aligners, though very effective, are only usable with minor misalignment of teeth. This straight-up means that treating dental misalignments with high severity cannot be possible with this type of braces.
Choosing between Traditional Braces and Invisible Braces
The choice between traditional and invisible braces depends on some factors that differ between different types of people. Here is what determines your choice of braces:
Needs: Dental issues determine the type of braces to be used. Consult a dentist to know the severity of your issue to get suggestions on what type of braces would provide the best results.
Aesthetic Preferences: The main difference between traditional and invisible braces is their look and visibility. Your aesthetic preferences about your look can also be a determining factor in choosing braces.
Lifestyle: Invisible braces require to be worn over 20 hours a day. If your lifestyle does not allow you to commit to these hours, then it is advisable to opt for traditional braces; otherwise, invisible ones are a great choice.
Budget: Traditional braces and invisible braces have a cost difference, the invisible ones being more expensive. Your budget preferences impact the type of braces you would want to get.
Diet: Braces also impact your dietary intake. However, if you are particular about your diet and cannot afford to miss out on any meal, it is suggested that you opt for invisible braces, as traditional braces would require you to restrict certain foods.
The choice between traditional braces and invisible braces depends on various factors as mentioned. As braces would straighten your teeth for a better smile and jaw alignment, all factors must be considered before committing to any one of these. Considering braces treatment in sinhagad road? Consult our orthodontist.
