3 Key Factors When Choosing Invisalign or Braces
Do you wish that you could have straighter teeth without the hassle of bulky, metal braces? If you said yes, you’re not alone. People around the world want alternatives to traditional braces. Grand View Research predicts that the international clear aligner market will grow at a compound annual rate of 27.3% from 2021 to 2028. Despite clear aligner treatments like Invisalign® becoming increasingly popular, these braces alternatives are not suitable for all patients.
Dr. David Wyse and Dr. Jay Chrisman help patients in Bloomington and Champaign, IL, choose between Invisalign and traditional braces. To make a wise decision for the future of your smile, you need information. Drs. Wyse or Chrisman can answer all of your questions, review your records, and explain the treatments that may work best for your dental case. Start your investigation now by learning about three significant factors to consider before committing to an orthodontic treatment.
1. Lifestyle
Could metal braces impose on your personal freedoms? Some advantages that Invisalign treatment has over traditional braces are that clear aligners are:
- Discreet: When patients clean Invisalign trays properly, they remain clear and barely noticeable.
- Removable: Patients can remove Invisalign trays during mealtime to enjoy any food, regardless of how sticky, stringy, or chewy it is.
- Shorter Appointments: Busy patients may benefit from Invisalign because check-in appointments are only required every six weeks. Each of these visits is short and to the point. With traditional braces, tightening wires and repairing brackets can make visits last longer.
2. Effectiveness
Both Invisalign and conventional braces have a long history of success. Invisalign continually innovates its technology. But Invisalign cannot correct all alignment issues to the degree that’s required. Traditional braces may be more effective at treating some complex dental problems.
According to a comparative analysis published by BMC Oral Health comparing braces and Invisalign:
- Clear aligners had an advantage in segmented movement (moving one to a few teeth at a time) and a shorter treatment time.
- Braces were more helpful in producing optimal occlusal contacts (preventing tooth movement after mandibular closure), controlling dental rotations, and retention (post-orthodontic treatment phase where dental roots are still soft).
- Both treatments were successful in treating malocclusion (a bad bite).
3. Oral Health
In another study published by BMC Oral Health, patients treated with Invisalign tended to have healthier gums than those who opted for conventional braces. Why? Clear aligner trays are removable, and therefore patients had an easier time flossing and thoroughly brushing their teeth.
Removing food particles and plaque can be challenging with braces because there are more places where food can get lodged. Braces are generally considered harder to clean, even with floss threaders and other implements. If plaque builds up around the brackets, this may lead to inflamed gums or dental decay. Interdental brushes help, but keeping brackets and wires clean can be a challenge.
Find Out If Invisalign Is a Suitable Treatment for You
Braces and clear aligners are effective orthodontic treatments when applied correctly and in appropriate cases. If you would like to know whether you are a candidate for Invisalign or if braces are a better option, schedule an appointment at our Bloomington, IL office. Call (309) 663-6393 or send us a message online.