Whether its invisible aligners like Invisalign or clear braces, orthodontic braces are a great way to straighten teeth and improve the look of your smile. Gone are the days of a mouth full of embarrassing and unsightly metal braces. These days most teeth braces and aligners like Invisalign are almost invisible thanks to modern technologies.
Clear Braces
One option for teeth braces is ceramic braces which are very discreet because they can either be clear or matched to your teeth colour, helping them to blend in effectively. Another option is lingual braces. While lingual braces still use the traditional metal that we used to see, they are placed out of sight on the back of the teeth, again making them like invisible braces for less obvious teeth straightening.
Invisalign
Most people have heard of Invisalign as a top choice for teeth straightening. These clear aligners use a transparent, removable aligner to reposition the teeth. The clear aligners are changed every couple of weeks to the next stage and straighten the teeth based on a plan your dentist will develop using a model of your teeth and special computer software.
So which option is better, clear braces or Invisalign?
Teeth Cleaning and braces care: Because they are removable, Invisalign and other clear aligners are easier to keep clean than clear braces, which require excellent oral hygiene by the patient. Braces can also restrict eating of certain types of foods which can become stuck or damage the braces. Invisalign does however require the patient to clean their teeth after eating and before putting the clear aligners back into their mouth.
Dentist Appointments: Both teeth straitening options require appointments every few weeks, either to progress to the next level of clear aligner or to have the teeth braces readjusted to maintain the correct level of tension. Braces, however, will need a longer appointment with an orthodontist to adjust them, whereas clear aligners will all be made for you at the start, meaning they can be changed over without seeing an orthodontist.
Braces Cost: Most people are surprised to learn that these days clear braces and invisible aligners are not always super expensive compared to traditional metal braces. Often the cost of braces depends on the level of teeth straitening needed and therefore how long you will need to wear the braces or aligners. The other cost factor is of course the type of braces or aligners you choose and lastly whether you have health insurance to cover some of the braces cost. Don’t forget you can ask us about our dental payment plans to help with the cost of braces too.
Braces Pain: While both Invisalign and clear braces can be painful (you are moving teeth around after all), clear aligners are made of plastic and specially fitted to the patients mouth, so can be more comfortable. With braces, there can also be cuts inside the mouth such as the cheek area which can be painful and require cleaning with salt washes.
Level of commitment: the main disadvantage of Invisalign is that patients need a high level of diligence in ensuring they are worn for approximately 20-22 hours a day. They need to be taken out for eating and drinking anything other than water, which can be a good thing for ease of cleaning compared to braces, but can become annoying and inconvenient to remove your aligners discreetly and not lose them. With clear aligners you also need to brush your teeth before putting them back in so this can be difficult if you are out in public.
Making a decision between braces and clear aligners
In the end, it is best to book in with your dentist or specialist orthodontist to discuss whether Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces, lingual braces or another option are best for you. While traditional braces are great for all teeth straightening treatments, clear aligners are not always the best option, so it is a good idea to look at the options available and choose one that is tailored to the individual patient.
Call us today for your free teeth straightening assessment and find our whether braces or Invisalign might be best for you: 02 9999 111.