Patients and parents sometimes ask us if Invisalign is really better than regular old braces. It’s a question that gets asked a lot and it’s understandable because both choices really can work and it can be tough to pick one over the other. To be honest, the best answer will depend on the individual, their teeth, their lifestyle and what they hope to get out of the treatment. Invisalign aligners gently move teeth into alignment without metal braces. Each Invisalign tray is clear, comfortable, and custom-made, allowing patients to remove them easily for meals or brushing. This treatment offers a discreet and effective way to achieve a confident smile.
Braces have been around for a while and have a long history of being able to fix a whole range of problems. They work by attaching metal brackets to the teeth and then running wires through those brackets. As time goes by, the wires are swapped out to gradually shift the teeth into place. Because they get bonded to the teeth, you don’t have to worry about the patient forgetting to wear them. They just work away quietly all the time and that means they can be a good option for more complicated cases where there are problems with crowding, or a lot of spacing issues, or where you need to make a really precise adjustment to the bite. Invisalign Teen gives younger patients a flexible and comfortable way to straighten their teeth. The aligners are nearly invisible, easy to wear, and perfect for active teens. Invisalign Teen also includes wear indicators that help track progress throughout treatment.
Invisalign does things in a completely different way. Instead of brackets and wires, they use a set of those clear plastic trays that are custom made to fit your teeth perfectly. As you go through the process, each new tray slowly moves your teeth a bit further forward. At Marrecau Orthodontics we get a lot of patients saying how much they like the fact that they’re so discreet, most people will barely even notice they’re in unless they take a close look.
Lots of people like the fact that Invisalign can be taken out. That’s really helpful for people who are worried about having to change their daily routine too much. You can take them out to eat, to brush and floss, so you don’t have to worry about messing with all the normal stuff you do. When you have braces, it’s a bit more of a hassle to keep clean, you really have to take extra time to get round the brackets and wires, and you have to avoid certain foods too. Invisalign tends to be a better option for people who just want to keep on going about their daily life as normal.
Of course, the fact that they can be taken out also means you have to be pretty disciplined, you need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. Leave them out for too long and the treatment gets held up. Braces, on the other hand, just do their thing all the time.
So is Invisalign better than braces in Parkland? Well, to be honest, it all depends on who you are. Invisalign is probably a good option for grown ups or older teenagers who have fairly mild alignment problems and are prepared to put in the work. But for younger kids or more complicated cases where you need to make a lot of movements, braces might be the safer way to go.
Cost is another thing to think about. Prices for both procedures depend on how complicated the case is, and how long it’s going to take to sort out. We go over all that with you at your consultation at Marrecau Orthodontics, so you know exactly what you’re in for.
And it’s also worth talking about comfort. Invisalign trays are made of smooth plastic with no sharp edges, so they’re a lot easier on people’s lips and cheeks than braces, which can be a bit more uncomfortable, especially when they get adjusted. Moving teeth is painful in both cases, but the day to day experience is a bit different each time.
Is Invisalign better for you than braces in Parkland? We can give you a much better idea of that after we take a look at your teeth and have a chat with you about what you want to get out of the treatment. Give us a call and we’ll help you decide which way to go.