What’s better, Invisalign or traditional braces? When it comes to orthodontic treatment, this is the most common question we face at our Calgary dental clinic, and the answer is not black and white. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of these teeth straightening options to help you decide which one is right for you.
A beautiful, healthy, and straight smile can have a huge impact on your life and self-esteem, but if you have misaligned teeth, don’t worry! There are a number of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces and Invisalign, that your dentist can use to help improve the appearance of your smile.
The benefits of such treatments include:
- Enhanced aesthetic appeal of your smile
- Improved oral health
- Better tooth function
- Better quality of life
- Higher self-esteem
Which is Better, Invisalign or Traditional Braces?
At our Calgary dental clinic, our team knows that teeth straightening is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Depending on your age, lifestyle, and unique needs, we can help determine whether Invisalign or traditional braces are the best option for you, and help you achieve the straight and beautiful smile you deserve.
Want to know how we can help you?
What is Better: Invisalign vs Traditional Braces
Traditionally, the most widely used approach to straightening teeth was metal braces but in recent years, the realm of dentistry has introduced a variety of new orthodontic technologies and techniques, such as Invisalign, giving patients greater options when it comes to their dental treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a convenient and aesthetically pleasing alternative to metal braces and consists of a set of clear, removable trays that your family dentist can custom fit to your teeth. The biggest benefit is that Invisalign is a virtually invisible method of straightening your teeth.
How it works: Your dentist will create a series of Invisalign aligners, customized to carefully move your teeth into the desired position. Every two weeks you will change your aligners and as your treatment progresses, your teeth will straighten out into their proper positions.
Benefits of Invisalign
While the right orthodontic treatment for you will depend on a number of factors, many dentists will recommend Invisalign because of the numerous benefits it presents over more traditional braces.
These include:
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Easier Cleaning
One of the biggest challenges of having braces is removing the food that gets trapped in the brackets and wires. This can often lead to plaque buildup and, eventually, tooth decay. With Invisalign, the aligners are removable so it’s easy to continue brushing and flossing your teeth the way you normally do.
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Improved Aesthetics
Metal braces are very noticeable, especially on adults, and can get food caught in them without the wearer being aware of it. Invisalign clear braces are barely noticeable. With the invisible aligners, many people won’t even know you are wearing them!
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Greater Comfort & Better Oral Health
Conventional braces contain wire and protruding bits of metal that can puncture and scratch the inside of your mouth and gums. Invisalign aligners don’t contain any sharp edges and are smooth and comfortable. Overall, family dentists often recommend Invisalign because it reduces the damage that traditional braces may cause, including cavities and gum disease.
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No Nasty Surprises
When considering Invisalign, patients undergo a dental treatment that is fully customized and computerized. This means that you will know exactly what to expect and how long you will need to wear the aligners before you begin wearing them.
Cons of Invisalign
While Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that has made teeth straightening more convenient for teenagers and adults especially, it does have certain limitations.
These include:
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Limited Deep Root Movement
When it comes to deep root movement, Invisalign is slightly inferior to traditional braces. Teeth require a strong force to grip and shift them into new positions, which Invisalign cannot do, which means that complex issues such as abnormal bites are best treated with metal braces.
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Longer Treatments
Since the plastic trays are customized and require fabrication, this can extend your treatment time. In addition, failure to wear them for the required 22-23 hours a day can result in your teeth shifting.
What Are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that are attached to your teeth and then tied together by wires and tiny rubber bands. Since they’re cemented on, they provide a constant hold over stubborn and misaligned teeth.
Some additional things to note include:
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Quick and efficient treatments. Since braces are immovable, they provide patients with quick and efficient orthodontic treatment. In fact, patients with braces often require shorter treatment periods than those with Invisalign.
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Minor speech issues. After initial placement of the metal braces, some patients may experience minor speech difficulties, which will be resolved as they become accustomed to the brackets in their mouth.
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Improved aesthetics. While traditional braces are often associated with mouth sores and discomfort, advancements in cosmetic dentistry now mean that metal braces are sleeker, smaller and much more comfortable.
When are traditional braces the right option?
While the benefits of the Invisalign system are obvious, there are certain reasons why your dentist may recommend traditional braces instead.
Braces are for complex oral issues
Unlike an Invisalign treatment, which is very useful for aesthetic purposes and simple dental issues, traditional braces work more efficiently to fix complex tooth issues.
These include:
- Closing any gaps in teeth
- Correcting crooked/crowded teeth
- Fixing an abnormal bite
- Aligning teeth for a more attractive and healthy smile
Our Calgary Dentists Help You Make The Right Choice
Deciding between traditional metal braces and Invisalign is not an easy choice. That’s why it’s so crucial to work with an experienced dental healthcare professional.
The friendly and professional dentists at our Calgary dental clinic have had years of working with both braces and Invisalign and have the knowledge and expertise to help you find the most effective solution for achieving a healthy and straight smile.
Want to know which treatment is right for you?
Contact Us
To find out more about how our cosmetic dentistry services can help you achieve a straighter, healthier, and more beautiful smile, contact our Calgary dental office today at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
