We should start this blog post by addressing the elephant in the room. There is no definitive answer without first consulting with a professional Albany orthodontist when it comes to deciding on Invisalign vs Braces. There are too many variables at play for anyone to decide anything before reviewing a patient’s medical history.
However, we will review as much information as we can on this article to provide you with all the facts you need to consider which option is best for your treatment. You should still consult with a professional before completely shutting down either option, but you will at least have more information when you go to your next dental appointment by reading this.
What the Invisalign vs Braces Debate Gets Wrong
The problem with many reviews is that they usually try promoting one of these orthodontic appliances over another. It’s far better to review what sets each appliance apart and let the patient decide when the time is right. Our readers should also note that there isn’t just one type of dental braces, so you should consult with your preferred orthodontist about what options are available to you.
Any person considering starting orthodontic treatment should understand that both Invisalign and Braces work on the same principle: using the right amount of force to move your teeth and realign your jaws. You have to choose between these options because you are hoping to solve a problem.
People may decide to initiate orthodontic treatment purely for cosmetic reasons; after all, orthodontic treatment can improve a patient’s self-esteem when successful. Still, this dental treatment offers much more to your dental health than some patients ever consider.
Patients who undergo this type of treatment will usually achieve a greater quality of life and better dental health for years to come. Consider that the primary purpose of Orthodontia is to align your teeth and jaws properly, meaning that when you consider the argument surrounding Invisalign vs Braces, you are choosing between a couple of options with the potential to impact your life positively and permanently.
So regardless of your choice, opting for orthodontic treatment provides you with benefits that far outweigh any momentary discomfort or nuisance.
Let’s check what each orthodontic appliance brings to the table then.
Where Invisalign Shines
Invisalign® clear aligners are increasingly popular nowadays. Patients tend to focus on this appliance’s primary two characteristics: Invisalign aligners are removable trays, and they are near invisible to the naked eye.
Safe Clear Aligners
Invisalign uses non-BPA materials to manufacture its trays, meaning you can safely use these aligners for the duration of your treatment. A significant benefit to using these aligners is that patients can wear them, smile, and talk, and people may not even notice them.
Teenagers in need of treatment will be glad to know that they can start wearing their clear aligners to school, either in person or online, and most people won’t even notice the orthodontic appliances. We should remind all our readers that their first, second, and third concern should be their dental health when considering orthodontic treatment.
Other people’s perceptions of how you look should not be the driving factor in choosing to engage in this treatment or not. However, we understand how teenagers are particularly susceptible to their classmate’s opinions and how Invisalign offers a solution to this matter.
Adults might also consider the importance of first impressions within a professional setting. Your choice of an orthodontic appliance and dental appearance could play an essential role in the way others perceive you in the office or other professional environment, as suggested by this study.
Removable Trays
Yes, that’s right. Your Invisalign trays are removable. You can take them off whenever you want, although you shouldn’t take them off so often. Invisalign’s official FAQ reminds all patients to wear their trays anywhere from 20 to 22 hours per day.
Because they are removable, patients have a much easier time cleaning their teeth and their Invisalign trays after a meal. Some people may decide to momentarily remove the trays to take a picture or in an extraordinary moment. We would advise you to take off your clear aligners even when you drink anything that is not water. Still, remember what we said before: you still have to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day.
Why Braces Aren’t Going Away Just Yet
The idea of wearing braces has marked the field of orthodontics as early as the 18th Century. We have made significant progress in using appliances to modify our teeth alignment, but braces have remained a reliable and durable resource in any orthodontist’s arsenal.
Highly Efficient
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel for brackets and archwires. This material is durable and resistant to most forms of wear. You can continue most of your daily activities and keep to most of your regular diet during treatment without breaking any components. Even if they are not the flashiest or prettiest option out there, it is undoubtedly one of the most efficient.
Many parents choose this method for their children because they know that compliance can be tricky. An orthodontist will always bond individual brackets to your teeth at the treatment’s beginning, preventing patients from removing any piece. Considering how vital patient compliance is to ensure treatment efficiency, having non-removable appliances can mark the difference in treatment length.
What Invisalign vs Braces Means for Dental Hygiene
You need to keep in mind two things whenever you decide on either of these appliances for your treatments. Regardless of your choice, you will have to follow some dietary restrictions, and you will need to maintain or improve your dental hygiene habits if you wish to have healthy teeth.
Do you remember we mentioned that clear aligner trays were removable? Well, you should keep that in mind whenever you go take a quick bite or drink anything other than water. Some soft drinks can severely stain your Invisalign aligners, defeating the “Clear Aligner” point.
Patients opting for traditional braces, or braces of any kind, should also be careful of what they eat. Hard foods like popcorn or hard taco shells can break away your brackets and archwires in a very alarming situation that can put anyone on edge, especially if you are new to these treatments.
If you decided to use traditional braces, you should also be careful with drinking cola, black tea, or coffee, as they can easily stain your teeth.
It would help if you also were very attentive to brushing after every meal, flossing daily, and rinsing your mouth to maintain good oral health.
A Professional Can Help You Decide on Invisalign vs Braces
Get help from a professional like Dr. Laurie Estes on these matters. Years of experience and a commitment to helping her patients really make all the difference if you are looking for orthodontic treatment here in Albany.
Get in contact over the phone at (510) 525-1772 or set your next appointment right here.
