Difference Between Regular Braces And Invisalign

Everyone wants a beautiful smile right? It's understandable why you would consider braces, not only does straight teeth look better, they're healthier too! When teeth are properly aligned the are easier to clean and when your teeth are clean you're less likely to need major dental care.

While the results are the same, you need to stop and actually compare the types of straightening options that are available, knowing the pros and cons of each will help you determine which method is right for you.

Traditional Metal Braces - Most common type, they are made if high grade stainless steel. Metal brackets are adhered to the teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. They require periodic tightening to gradually straighten your teeth and align the jaw as needed.

• Pros:
•  Least expensive
• Colored bands to express yourself.
• Cons:
• Most noticeable
• Pain and discomfort

Ceramic Braces - Made of composite materials. They are very strong and generally do not stain. Ligatures (tiny rubber bands) that hold the arch wire on the ceramic brackets are often clear, this looked good at first but these can stain.

• Pros:
• They blend in with your teeth
• More comfortable
• Do not usually break or come of teeth
• Cons:
• The clear bands around the bracket can stain
• More expensive than traditional braces
• Treatment can take longer, little bigger in size

Lingual Braces - Braces placed behind the teeth, therefore they are somewhat invisible. Orthodontists need spacial training to be able to treat patients with lingual braces, so not every orthodontist provides this service.

• Pros:
• No one can see them unless they look inside your mouth
• Cons:
• Tend to hurt the tongue
• More expensive than traditional brace because treatment is specialized
• Treatment can take longer

Invisalign - Great for people who do not have sever problems. Consist of strong plastic trays that are made just for you. They are invisible so no one will be able to tell your wearing them.
  Your orthodontist has only some control over your treatment. The treatment trays are computer-fabricated by Align Technologies.

• Pros:
• Invisible
• Easier to clean
• Do not irritate your mouth
• Eat what you want (Remove when you eat)
• Cons:
• Can cost more than traditional braces
• Some cases you may need traditional braces after invisalign treatment
• Orthodontist only has some control over the treatment
• Still have tooth pain (this is not a pain free treatment)
• You may not be a candidate for invisalign

*Remember, your final choice is a combination of your preference and your orthodontist's technical expertise!!