So You Need Adult Braces: Which is Better – Invisalign or Traditional Braces?

While most people are drawn to the design and structure of Invisalign, braces are still the favourite of many patients. Invisalign and traditional braces are common treatment methods in orthodontic procedures, helping straighten your teeth in a gradual process. 

The two procedures are medically approved after many tests to prove their results. Before deciding the procedure you deem suitable for you, consider your age, the dental condition you need to correct, financial ability, and lifestyle.

This article compares Invisalign and braces to help you choose the right one for you.

More about Invisalign

This dental care product consists of clear aligners that help realign crooked teeth. They are also called invisible braces, made to fit considering your mouth’s specifications. 

Invisible teeth aligners are designed from plastic with medical-grade features, attached systematically to add pressure on your misaligned teeth and put them back in the correct position. They help you realign your teeth discreetly, unlike traditional braces.

Consider its upsides and downsides. Before settling for this alternative, you should see an experienced dentist and get the best dental and braces in Grayslake, IL. This will provide you with important information such as how the operation works, any side effects, and what you should do before the procedure. 

You should also check out the pros and cons of Invisalign, as indicated below.

Pros

Discreet Appearance

Discrete physical appearance is the most appealing feature of Invisalign aligners. They are designed with clear plastic and attached fittingly, making it hard for someone else to notice them easily. 

Comfort

Invisalign are considered comfortable because of their perfect fit on your teeth. This prevents discomfort or cuts that braces wearers are likely to experience. However, some discomfort may occur during the repositioning of your teeth, but you’re unlikely to experience any pain in your mouth.

Easy Flossing and Brushing

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are attached to a mouthpiece that you can remove when brushing or flossing. The process is not as challenging or lengthy compared to other types of braces.

No Negative Effects with Chewy or Hard Foods

People who wear traditional braces are advised against too many chewy or hard foods, including popcorn and nuts. These foods may cause discomfort, irritation, and damage to your mouth. However, clear aligners don’t pose such issues since you can take them off when preparing to eat. 

Cons 

Not Suitable for Complex Teeth Realignment

If your condition is complex, you may need to consider a more suitable procedure to correct it. Invisalign aligners work best for minor straightening and correcting a mild dental condition.

Requires Removal Before Eating

Invisalign is made using soft plastic that can break and stain easily, disrupting the alignment process or the whole essence of discretion. You drink water with your clear braces on, but you’re advised to take them off during meals. Hot food makes them warp while colourful drinks leave marks on them.

Requires You to Brush Your Teeth More Often

Users who have difficulty maintaining proper dental hygiene are likely to experience cavities and bad breath. Invisalign aligners require you to brush your teeth after each meal or beverage. This can take up a lot of your time, especially if you snack a lot.

The Attachments May be Visible

Depending on the extent of your condition, you may need visible attachments connecting your teeth to the aligners. They are button-like and can be seen from a distance, which may be an issue if you intended to have completely clear and invisible aligners. 

More About Braces

Braces exert continuous pressure on your jaws and misaligned teeth to position them in a correct pattern. The procedure involves glueing brackets to your teeth binding archwires to exert pressure on them. With time, your teeth shift from their previous position to a more aligned pattern.

These structures manipulate the periodontal ligaments surrounding your teeth. The ligaments stretch as your teeth shift to their new position due to the pressure of braces. If your tooth shifts to the left, the ligaments get compressed to allow the formation of a new bone in that space.

Pros

Suitable for Complex Dental Realignment

This correction procedure is universally recognised and used for complicated and minor conditions. Braces cling directly on your teeth, making them powerful and stronger to exert the needed pressure. 

Various Options and Designs to Select 

Besides their affordability, they also come in different designs for you to select the most suitable. The options range from ceramic braces to lingual (constructed behind your teeth), helping you achieve a discreet physical appearance. You can also go for the traditional braces designed using wires and metal brackets, whose results are equally excellent.

Hard to Remove

Braces are suitable for all ages because they are not as easily removable as Invisalign aligners. Young children and teens can wear them without worrying about losing or misplacing them. You don’t have to take them out when drinking or eating as they are made to withstand all conditions.

You Can Eat or Drink When Wearing Braces

Their heat-resistant features enable you to eat and drink without considering the temperature. Braces are also resistant to staining, saving you the stress of removing them when having your meals.

Cons

They May be Uncomfortable 

One of the side effects of metal braces is getting cuts or irritation before adapting to them. This causes discomfort in your mouth.

Appearance

Braces are visible and likely to interfere with your normal physical appearance. However, you can go for ceramic or lingual braces that are harder to notice, unlike traditional ones placed in front of your teeth.

Limited Food Choices

Braces come with restrictions on what you can eat. You’re advised against consuming hard foods like nuts, hard candy, gum, and other sticky consumables.

Final Verdict

Based on the information presented in this context, braces are suitable for complex corrections and can also be considered for mild ones. However, their appearance and food range restrictions may limit you from enjoying your favourite hard food in the meantime.

On the other hand, Invisalign aligners complement your natural appearance but come with a fair share of downsides. You can eat when wearing them, and they are unsuitable for complicated teeth realignment procedures.

After comparing both products, you should consider the most suitable option depending on your orthodontic condition.