Braces or Invisalign: What’s the Best Solution for You?
Braces or Invisalign? When the time comes to start an orthodontic treatment to align your teeth and improve your overall oral health, two options are generally available to you. The decision between the two treatments will depend on your lifestyle, preferences and individual needs.
In this article, the team at the clinic of Dr. Normand Bach Orthodontist, in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal in Montréal, compares the two solutions and helps you identify which one is better for you.
Braces: What You Need to Know
Braces are made of metal brackets that are bonded to your teeth and linked together by metal wires. They apply steady pressure on your teeth, shifting them progressively toward their ideal alignment. This pressure modifies the bone structure, allowing your teeth to adjust to their new position.
Thanks to technological advancements and to the SPEED system used by Dr. Normand Bach, braces are now much more comfortable to wear. The brackets are better designed and up to three times smaller, which reduces the risk of cheek irritation.
Depending on the complexity of the case, a treatment with braces generally lasts between 8 months and 3 years. During that period of time, regular appointments with the orthodontist will be necessary, that is, every 6 to 12 weeks, to adjust the wires and monitor the progress of the treatment.
Invisalign: What You Need to Know
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system that uses a series of transparent and removable aligners that are custom-built using digital impressions of your teeth. Each aligner is worn during 1 to 3 weeks and is made to apply precise pressure to progressively shift your teeth toward the desired position.
As a discreet and comfortable solution to align your teeth, Invisalign aligners must be worn day and night, except to eat and brush your teeth. For the treatment to be effective, it’s crucial to be disciplined and to wear the aligners for the numbers of hours recommended by your orthodontist.
Depending on the complexity of the case, the Invisalign treatment generally lasts between 6 months and 3 years. During this time, regular appointments with your orthodontist will be necessary, that is, every 8 to 10 weeks, to make adjustments, monitor the progress of the treatment and give the new aligners for the following weeks.
Braces or Invisalign: Comparison
Just like any tool or treatment, braces and Invisalign aligners have advantages and limits in terms of comfort, effectiveness and aesthetics. You have to choose the solution that best suits your needs:
Braces
- Braces are very effective to treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, including rotated teeth, significant spacing and severe cases of malocclusion.
- Braces are strong and less likely to be lost or damaged. Unlike aligners, you don’t need to remember you have to wear them, because they stay fixed to your teeth.
- Metal braces are more visible, and some people consider them less aesthetic. However, you can always opt for transparent brackets.
- Braces can cause irritation of the mouth and the gums at the beginning of the treatment and after adjustment appointments.
- Because braces are permanently fixed to your teeth, they can make brushing and flossing more difficult.
- Braces require compromises and a certain dietary discipline, namely by avoiding foods that are too hard or too sticky.
Invisalign
- Invisalign aligners might not be as effective for more severe or complex orthodontic cases.
- Invisalign aligners have to be worn several hours a day to be effective, which requires great discipline.
- Invisalign aligners are almost invisible, which makes them more aesthetic.
- Invisalign aligners are made of soft plastic, which reduces irritation of the mouth and the gums.
- Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes brushing and flossing easier.
- Invisalign aligners can be removed to eat, which means fewer dietary restrictions.
The Best Solution for You
Needless to say, the choice between braces and Invisalign aligners will depend on various factors, including:
- The complexity of your orthodontic case
- Your engagement toward the treatment
- Your aesthetic preferences
- Your discipline in terms of dental hygiene
- Your dietary discipline
The best solution for you will depend on your specific needs and will be based on your personal decision, which must be taken in consultation with your orthodontist. Together, you will be able to identify the best solution for you!
Make an appointment now with Dr. Normand Bach in Montréal. Whether you’re wondering about braces or Invisalign, your orthodontist will answer all your questions and help you choose the best orthodontic treatment for you.
