Battle of the Braces: Invisalign or Traditional Orthodontics

The first question that many patients ask when deciding to pursue orthodontic treatment is, “Which type of braces are right for me?” In previous years, metal brackets and wires were the only option; however, much has changed, allowing individuals to consider clearer, more subtle solutions, like Invisalign. While it’s important to remember that not everyone is a good candidate for all types of treatment, you can begin to weigh the pros and cons of each until it’s time to meet with a trusted orthodontist who can help.

Traditional Braces: What Are the Benefits and Burdens?

Before diving into the pros and cons of traditional braces, it’s important to discuss what they are. Made of metal brackets and wires, this unique system forces teeth to shift over time, so they are properly aligned and can function normally moving forward.

The brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth, and an archwire is threaded through the brackets, delivering the force and tension needed to encourage tooth movement.

Benefits

• Can address even the most complex dental issues, including severe bite misalignment.
• Can be customized based on your preferences (i.e., traditional metal, ceramic, or fun designs)
• Unlikely to cause speech problems.
• Brackets are bonded to your teeth, so you don’t have to remember to remove them before eating, drinking, etc.
• They are considered an affordable form of orthodontic treatment.

Burdens

• Protruding brackets can irritate soft oral tissues (i.e., cheeks, lips, tongue, gums), causing sores to form.
• Forced tension created by the archwire can cause increased discomfort.
• Frequent follow-up visits to the orthodontist that require time away from work or school to tighten or replace the archwire.
• Metal brackets and wires are highly visible, making treatment obvious to others.
• Oral hygiene can be challenging, as you must navigate between brackets and underneath the wire to ensure adequate cleaning.

Invisalign: What Are the Possibilities and Pitfalls?

Invisalign is vastly different than traditional braces in they do not come with brackets and wires. Instead, they are crafted using SmartTrack material consisting of clear plastic that applies constant yet gentle force to move teeth into place.

Possibilities

• Trays are more discreet because they’re made of clear plastic.
• SmartTrack material and technology ensure controlled tooth movement, reducing potential surprises.
• Aligners are designed to fit comfortably around your teeth, preventing oral sores from forming.
• Invisalign is removable, so you can easily clean your teeth and gums with regular oral hygiene instruments.
• Follow-up appointments are often no longer than 30 minutes and are designed to track your progress.
• Results are likely to be achieved faster than regular braces (12-18 months versus 2-3 years)
• Ideal solution for overcrowded, gapped, or misaligned teeth or bites.

Pitfalls

• You must be willing to comply with the 22-hour wear time to avoid delays.
• You must remove your trays before eating, drinking, or cleaning them.
• Invisalign aligners can cause a lisp to form, although it is only temporary.
• If you have existing restorations, your orthodontist may recommend alternative treatment or require a more in-depth, lengthier approach to realign your teeth.
• The cost of Invisalign in Round Rock may or may not be covered by your dental insurance.

Using the details provided, you can better prepare yourself for a meeting with a trusted orthodontist. Their expertise and evaluation of your oral health can help you decide which treatment option is right for you.

About the Author

Dr. Saba Asrar is a Round Rock orthodontist with more than 15 years of experience. Treating crooked, crowded, gapped, and misaligned teeth and bites allows her to deliver beautiful results that stand the test of time. Whether it’s using regular metal braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, she remains a top provider in the area whom patients trust. If you want to realign your smile but are unsure which method of treatment is right for you, visit our website or call (512) 828-7900 to schedule a consultation.