Looking to straighten your teeth? Nowadays, many patients struggle with deciding between Invisalign and traditional braces.
Every case is different, and there are many factors to consider.
Here’s some information to review before making a choice.
How Much Do You Want to Avoid Visible Wires?
Invisalign’s biggest benefit is that it can offer you a straighter smile without metal brackets and wires. Invisalign uses clear, BPA-free plastic aligners that go virtually unnoticeable. However, modern braces these days also offer clear brackets and white wires, they are not clear but they are certainly less noticeable.
How Much Would Your Diet Be Restricted?
As Invisalign trays are removable, this orthodontic treatment has no diet restrictions. However, there are a lot of things you can’t eat with traditional braces. It’s worth taking the time to look at the diet restrictions for braces. Then you can see how much of a difference that will make in your daily life.
Would Your Activities Put You at Risk with Braces?
Contact sports and other activities can put you at risk with traditional braces. The metal wires and brackets can cut your cheeks and may interfere with your mouthguard. As Invisalign is completely removable, you can wear your mouthguard as normal without interference. This is a major plus.
Will Oral Hygiene Routines Change?
We all know that metal braces are a pain to clean. They add a lot of time and effort to your daily oral hygiene routine. It’s important to note that with Invisalign, you can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. As such, you do not need special tools to brush around wires or brackets, like braces. This is because you can remove the trays. Therefore, the “removable” factor with Invisalign is a huge advantage to the treatment. The overall convenience around taking the trays out affects hygiene routine, food, and playing sports. However, it also helps for special occasions, taking pictures, and getting that perfect selfie. It’s great that you can take them out, but make sure you use your “take out” time, wisely!
The “Forgetful” Factor
Speaking of taking your aligners out, if you are forgetful by nature, Invisalign might not be the option for you. Some patients remove their trays and then forget where they are. Others have thrown their aligners in the garbage by accident. In order to get to your straighter smile, you need to wear the aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day. Losing your trays will affect this, too. Many who are “forgetful” tend to take their Invisalign case with them everywhere they go. That way, if they remove the trays and place them in the case, they are less likely to misplace them.
Some Types of Tooth Movement Are Harder with Invisalign
Invisalign and traditional braces tend to have similar quality of results, treatment times, and other measures. However, you can also choose a quicker treatment option in the form of Invisalign Express.
Still, the two orthodontic treatments are not exactly equal when it comes to all kinds of straightening issues. Although Invisalign is getting better over time, it still can’t accomplish all tooth-movement needs. Especially for functional orthodontics, your Columbia dentist is likely to favor traditional braces.
Do You Have Plastic Allergies?
Invisalign trays are plastic. Therefore, it is possible to have an allergic response to them. It is uncommon, and the symptoms tend to be minor, some may include mouth sensitivity or a tingling/itchy sensation on their gums, mouth, or tongue, it is rare but it does happen. Some patients may have an issue with saliva. That is, they don’t produce enough moisture in their mouth. Therefore, wearing Invisalign can aggravate it, as it further prevents saliva circulation. Others experience irritation from the plastic in the product. If you suffer from allergies, your gum, teeth, the inside of your mouth, and tongue can experience a reaction.
The good news is, Invisalign can make aligners out of many different types of plastic. If you are allergic to specific material, an alternative can be arranged. If you have allergy concerns, talk to your dentist in Columbia. They can provide advice and guidance on how to proceed.
Can’t Choose Between Braces or Invisalign? Talk To Your Dentist In Columbia, SC.
All the above are important considerations for you to think about. Still, the best way to decide between Invisalign and traditional braces is to talk to a dentist in person. Here’s where Smile Columbia Dentistry can help. Our dental office has vast experience working with Invisalign, where we can answer all your questions and address any concerns.
To get you to a straighter smile in no time, schedule an appointment with us today. You can call (803) 781-9090 or book a consultation via our website.
