To achieve the perfect smile many people look towards ways of straightening their teeth that can also help them maintain their dental health. Most dentists recommend either braces or a relatively newer orthodontic treatment called Invisalign. Both treatments are different in the following ways:
- Braces are made of metal brackets and wires that are fitted on to the teeth and can be clearly seen. On the other hand, Invisalign is a treatment that uses customized aligners that are made of BPA-free plastic, worn over teeth and are virtually invisible.
- Braces are glued to your teeth for the duration of your treatment, whereas Invisalign can be removed for an hour or two for cleaning and eating.
- Invisalign is removable so there aren’t any food restrictions, but those with braces need to be careful while eating sticky or very hard food; some doctors might not allow you to eat certain foods.
- Cost wise, Invisalign is (in most cases) slightly more expensive than braces.
It is difficult to say which one is better than the other. Which one you choose depends on many factors like the problem you want the treatment for, your lifestyle and what you can afford. Invisalign cannot solve some teeth problems and patients with bridgework or back tooth bite issues have no option but to opt for braces. Furthermore, Invisalign needs a little more effort to maintain, as aligner trays have to be changed every two weeks (as your teeth adjust). So if you are someone who is very busy or forgetful, Invisalign might not be for you. According to many dentists, braces are still biochemically superior to Invisalign, especially in severe cases, as metal can apply more force (as compared to plastic) to control tooth movements. Moreover, many people opt for clear braces, as they are less visible (than metal braces), more effective and more affordable (than Invisalign).
Before you decide on what treatment you want for yourself or your loved one, it is essential to have a dentist who is aware about your dental health and lifestyle. Dr. Anup Naik at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry of Los Colinas believes in building the right relationship with you so that he can give you all the right treatment options for alignment, gapped teeth, crooked teeth or any other problem that keeps you from having a perfect smile. We offer both Invisalign and braces at our state of the art dentistry in Irving, Texas and make sure that you get the best dental treatment there is. At every appointment, a supportive team who seeks to provide a unique patient-centered experience will guide you. Every member of the team will focus on you as an individual and will provide you with an experience unlike any dental experience.
