Why is Invisalign preferred over braces by most orthodontic candidates?

Everyone out there wants a perfect, beautiful smile with a set of pearly white teeth.
However, not everyone is naturally blessed with a set of teeth that are present in their ideal positions. This is a problem that can easily be fixed with orthodontic treatment. All orthodontics involves moving teeth through pressure and friction. The differences evolve when you look at the method of movement.

There are many different types of orthodontic braces, the most common types being traditional braces and Invisalign. There are many differences between Invisalign and traditional braces. Some of these differences include: aesthetics, comfort, care, and maintenance.

Aesthetics is one of the most obvious places where Invisalign wins over traditionalbraces for teeth. Invisalign is a set of custom made aligners that are created for you and only you. Invisalign uses these medical grade plastic aligners and tooth colored attachments which are used to create pressure in different ways to achieve different movements. Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of these custom made aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by Dr. Saba for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process. One of Dr. Saba’s patients told us that her husband “didn’t even notice she was wearing the aligners for several weeks”. However; traditional braces, whether ceramic or metal, are brackets that are cemented to each tooth and have a wire running through them. Even with Ceramic braces where the brackets are clear, the wire makes the presence of braces quite obvious.

Invisalign aligners have smooth, comfortable edges and do not cause tissue irritation. However, Traditional braces can be painful due to the sharp or pointy edges of the brackets or wires. Bracket wax is often recommended to avoid sores or cuts on the inside of the cheeks or lips but patients still suffer when eating since the wax does not stay on the bracket.

The biggest issue with traditional braces is the hygiene. Traditional braces as mentioned earlier are cemented to the teeth and cannot be removed. Therefore they require a lot more home care. Since there is a wire going across from one bracket to another, the patient cannot floss normally and requires a floss threader to get under the metal wire. Another oral hygiene issue with traditional braces is that a lot of food and calculus builds up around the brackets and teeth which cause gum disease and there is a risk of decalcification, so at home fluoride regimen is recommended to help prevent this. Also traditional braces require a limited diet to avoid accidentally dislodging a bracket. Invisalign in other hand can be removed for eating or drinking. Therefore there is no change in keeping your oral hygiene. Traditional braces do change your life style and smile; however, with Invisalign you can keep the same life style, diet and smile; only getting a more beautiful smile.

There are many differences between traditional braces and Invisalign. As you can see, Invisalign is an amazing option to straighten your teeth with less hassle. Everyone’s case is different and requires a unique approach. To find out if Invisalign would be the right fit for you, contact Saba Orthodontics and set up an appointment with our Doctor, our experienced Premier Invisalign. For more information and before and after pictures, please visit our website