Is Invisalign More Effective Than Braces?

December 31, 2020

Nowadays, dentists can straighten people's teeth in several different ways. Two of the most popular ways, however, are Invisalign and traditional braces. Both of these treatments come with their own set of pros and cons. Therefore, it can be difficult to pick the right choice in your quest for a more attractive smile and straighter teeth.If you are considering these dental treatments for your kid's teeth or your own teeth, you may want to know which is more effective. You may also be thinking about the cost. Ultimately, however, you need to choose the treatment that will deliver the best results, even if you have to pay a bit more. The last thing you want is to go through the whole teeth-straightening process again.

Invisalign

Both of these treatments aim to straighten teeth while improving your oral health and smile. Invisalign does not have the same history as braces because dentists started using it in 2000. However, it is still alluring to many people. The flexibility and subtlety of this treatment make it very popular, especially among adult patients.Designed to be invisible, Invisalign features clear aligners made of comfortable, smooth, and BPA-free plastic. You wear these aligner trays over your teeth to gently and subtly move your teeth. This is why adult patients prefer this teeth-straightening option. They fear that traditional braces are an embarrassment.However, sometimes, it is better to go with the tried and tested traditional braces. This is because Invisalign does not solve all orthodontic problems. According to studies, fixed braces tend to keep teeth straighter for much longer. Also, Invisalign trays have a hard time holding rounded or cylindrical bicuspids without slipping.

Braces

Braces are metal brackets glued to a patient's teeth and tied together by tiny rubber bands and wires. Today, you can get more discreet brackets that closely match the color of your enamel. If you are more daring, you can choose colored ones to make a fashion statement with your smile.If you have seriously rotated teeth, traditional braces are the best choice for you, especially if your teeth are bicuspids. If your teeth alignment issues are not so severe, other treatment options, such as Invisalign, will work just fine. With traditional braces, turning rounded or cylindrical bicuspids into their proper position is not a problem. They are not likely to slip.

Shifting Teeth From the Root

Orthodontic treatments shift teeth by applying force to them. Braces use a certain level of force to pressurize even the root of the tooth, allowing for movement. Invisalign, on the other hand, will not shift your teeth from the root. Rather, Invisalign aligners apply more force on the tooth's upper part. This makes this treatment option less effective than braces when it comes to shifting teeth from their roots.From the above, it is clear to see that Invisalign is not for everyone. It may not keep teeth straight several years after the end of the treatment. The effectiveness of Invisalign also depends on the patient's motivation. This is because patients can remove them any time they want. You need to wear them for at least 22 hours each day for them to be effective.Other limitations of Invisalign include:

  • Invisalign traps bacteria and food.
  • You may need refinements after beginning the treatment.
  • It may be more painful than traditional braces.

To learn more about Invisalign, visit Relaxation Dental Specialties at our offices in Breckenridge or Salida, Colorado. You can also call (970) 453-4244 or (719) 215-4150 to book an appointment today.