Invisalign® vs. Braces: Which Treatment Is Right For You?
In the quest for beautiful, straight teeth, patients today have more choices than ever. You may opt for traditional metal braces, or you may be more interested in the convenience and look of Invisalign® clear plastic braces. Experienced Philadelphia orthodontist Kellyn Hodges offers both traditional braces and Invisalign® treatment to her patients. But how do you know which one is the best choice for you?
What Is Invisalign® and How Does it Work?
Most people are familiar with the concept of traditional braces in that metal brackets and wires are used to move the teeth into alignment.
Invisalign® consists of a series of custom-fitted tooth aligner trays made of a clear hard plastic. Instead of visiting your orthodontist monthly for adjustments and tightening, patients swap out different sets of aligners in the series to move teeth into alignment by making subtle adjustments over time.
Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces: What Is the Best Choice for Me?
Should you choose traditional metal braces or Invisalign® clear braces? Simply put: that depends. Both have their own advantages and shortcomings, and the right choice for you depends on your personal situation:
- The advantage of Invisalign® is its appearance - the clear aligner trays are practically imperceptible to the casual observer, making them a perfect choice for both image-conscious teenagers and professional adults who want to maintain a career-ready appearance. Their smooth wireless nature also makes them generally more comfortable than their traditional counterpart, meaning that you or your child can spend less time preoccupied with painful tightening procedures and more time concentrating on school or work. Invisalign® often requires fewer trips to the orthodontist as well, which can make this option a great choice for patients with busy schedules.
- The Invisalign® aligners can be removed when patients are eating and cleaning the teeth. This makes is easier to eat foods such as apples, and makes it easier to thoroughly clean and floss the teeth.
- On the other hand, the biggest drawback to Invisalign® is its inability to treat some types of orthodontic issues. While clear aligner trays have become increasingly effective at correcting a number of flaws from tooth crowding to gaps, jaw issues are generally considered out of the treatment’s reach.
- Traditional braces are of course much more visually noticeable than Invisalign®, which is their biggest drawback. However, traditional braces are an effective option. The tension afforded by the wires and rubber bands of traditional braces also allow the treatment to more effectively treat a wider range of orthodontic issues including jaw-based problems like overbites and underbites, which Invisalign® cannot correct.
Learn More about Invisalign® and Traditional Braces Today
There are many factors to consider when making a decision about braces for yourself or your child. In order to make the best choice possible, your best bet is to discuss your options with a knowledgeable and experienced orthodontic specialist like Dr. Kellyn Hodges who can assess your individual situation and recommend the best choice possible. Contact our dental care office to schedule an appointment and learn more about your orthodontic options today.
