Now that your little one is almost ready to head off to their teenage years, it’s time for them to start thinking about braces. But with all the different types of braces on the market, which one should they choose? Invisalign or traditional braces? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type to help you make your decision.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works by using a series of clear, plastic aligners that straighten your child’s teeth over time. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat and brush. And because each set is nearly invisible, it won’t cause as much embarrassment as traditional metal braces. Invisalign also allows people to see your child’s natural smile and is a better option for people with some gum loss or teeth crowding.
How Does Traditional Braces Work?
Traditional braces work by having your child wear a wire supporting brackets on each tooth and elastic bands connecting the brackets. Your dentist will fit the braces to your child’s teeth and, over time, they’ll slowly move into place. The wires are changed every four to six weeks, which will cause discomfort in your child.
Traditional braces are a good choice for people with severe misalignment.
They provide a great way to straighten your teeth and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. However, there are a lot of cons to wearing braces that many people forget about.
Traditional braces consist of metal wires that will be attached to brackets on your top and bottom teeth. You’ll also have a plastic or metal retainer once the treatment is complete that you’ll wear at night to keep your teeth from moving.
Invisalign is a good choice for people who want to avoid the appearance of having braces.
This option uses clear brackets that are almost invisible. The treatment is nearly painless and you’ll be able to continue with your daily life without worrying about the braces getting in the way.
The cons of choosing Invisalign are that it’s more expensive than traditional braces, takes longer to complete, and doesn’t correct misalignment as effectively as traditional braces.
Invisalign is a good choice for people who have difficulty brushing their teeth thoroughly.
If you have a job that requires you to be on the go all day – such as an athlete, an on-call worker, or someone who is regularly in social settings with food and drinks – braces can sometimes get in the way of your lifestyle.
Invisalign has more flexibility than traditional metal brackets and wires because they are clear and only slightly visible. They can also act as a retainer to help maintain your smile after the braces come off.
They are much easier to brush than traditional braces, making them a good choice for people who have difficulty brushing their teeth thoroughly.
If you’re someone who has very tight or wide-spaced teeth, traditional braces might be more appropriate. Invisalign is not as flexible as traditional braces can be.
What is the treatment time for Invisalign vs traditional braces?
The treatment time for traditional braces is often longer than that of Invisalign. Because the brackets are more obtrusive, it can be difficult to avoid brushing or chewing on them, thus increasing the treatment time.
The average total treatment time with Invisalign is about 12 months. This varies from person to person based on their specific orthodontic needs.
The average total treatment time with traditional braces is about 24 months. This varies from person to person based on their specific orthodontic needs.
Which option is better for adults and teenagers alike?
Both Invisalign and traditional braces are effective in treating the same orthodontic issues, so this will depend on an individual’s preference.
Invisalign can be a good option for teenagers because they are more aware of their appearance than children. Teenagers may be self-conscious about wearing braces during the initial treatment phase because it requires them to have wires in their mouths, which some people may see as obstructing the appearance of their smile.
If you are an adult with crooked teeth, either Invisalign or traditional braces is a good option for you since adults typically need more time to devote to orthodontic treatment.
Are there any risks associated with Invisalign treatment that parents should be aware of?
In some cases, having braces can prevent children from participating in certain school activities such as musical performances or sports. This is because some instruments and equipment may not be suitable for those who have braces.
There are no risks associated with Invisalign treatment; however, some patients experience tooth and jaw soreness at the outset of treatment. This usually subsides within a few days or weeks.
Can Invisalign be used to treat adults with certain orthodontic issues?
Yes, Invisalign can be used to treat most common orthodontic issues in both children and adults. They are often considered for individuals who need to have braces but have specific concerns about how their orthodontic appliances will appear.
Invisalign has been used effectively to treat teeth that are overcrowded, widely spaced, and rotated. It can also be used to correct crossbites and overbites – both of which may require separate retainers after your Invisalign treatment is complete.
How to decide which is right for you ?
Anyone who desires straighter teeth and has the time and dedication to wear their appliance for at least 20 hours a day can benefit from Invisalign or traditional braces. Your dentist and orthodontist will be able to determine if you could benefit from either option during your initial consultation appointment.
In order to decide which is right for you, you must first consult your dentist and orthodontist to determine if either option will help improve the appearance and health of your teeth. They will also be able to give you more information about what treatment entailsand what appliances you will need to wear.
Once you’ve consulted with your dentist and orthodontist, consider your daily routine and lifestyle, the cost of treatment, and how long you anticipate needing treatment for. If these factors don’t affect your decision-making process, then you can base your choice on preference or aesthetics.
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose Invisalign or traditional braces is up to you. If your orthodontist determines that either option will provide the results you are looking for, it boils down to personal preference.
There are many factors involved in choosing which type of brace is right for you. Some of these include your age, personality, desired appearance, time available for treatment, and your dentist’s preferences.
Get in touch with us for an initial consultation and we’ll help you determine which option is right for your orthodontic needs.