The Differences Between Invisalign and Clear Braces

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it’s estimated that 50-75% of people would benefit from receiving some form of orthodontic treatment. With that staggering percentage, it’s no wonder that Invisalign has been sweeping the nation. But what are the differences between Invisalign and clear braces?

Removability

With braces comes the inability to remove them. This is good for people who lack discipline, as getting used to the discomfort of braces is part of living with them. However, Invisalign is removable. This creates an easier day-to-day schedule for a number of reasons, but for people without discipline, this may not be a good thing. The ability to remove the aligners makes it more difficult to get the right amount of alignment necessary to move forward with the treatment. Keeping this in mind will be a great way to distinguish if Invisalign or braces are a better way to realign your teeth.

Comfort

Comfort is a real concern for some people. On occasion, braces can have a generally uncomfortable feeling that comes with having a ceramic or plastic wire in your mouth. Braces wax can be a solution to this discomfort, and often times this feeling won’t last. For Invisalign, most people find it to be more comfortable, but others get extremely uncomfortable with the feeling of hard plastic clinging to both sides of their teeth. The feeling of comfort is truly up to the wearer, so consider this before deciding which treatment you wish to go through.

Appearance

The purpose of clear braces is to mostly be hidden, but they aren’t invisible. Invisalign, on the other hand, is clear and practically invisible when worn, hence the name. The invisible appearance of Invisalign is one of its largest selling points. The braces will be mostly hidden, since they are meant to match the color of your teeth, but they will still protrude from your teeth. Ask an orthodontist if you are unsure about deciding between Invisalign or braces, and they will be able to provide a consultation that helps you make your decision.

Effectiveness

While Invisalign can treat most orthodontic cases, for the more complex issues, they are not recommended. Braces are still able to handle the general strain of some of the more complex orthodontic cases, but not all. In both cases, if your orthodontic issues are severe, metal braces will most likely be the solution. In more normal cases, Invisalign is slightly less effective than braces due to its removable nature.

If you are considering getting braces or Invisalign, it’s important to do your research on all the options presented to you. While all orthodontic treatments recommended to you will solve your issues, personal factors and preferences certainly come into play. To learn more about your options, give TruSmile a call today!