Cosmetic Dentistry

Are Braces Better Than Invisalign?

Braces

Straightening misaligned or crowded teeth can have a positive impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing, and there are two common methods recommended by orthodontists to achieve a stunning smile: Invisalign and braces. Both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks, depending on the nature of the condition that needs correcting. But many patients still ask: are braces better than Invisalign?

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisible Appearance

One of the drawbacks of wearing braces is the discomfort people often feel in social situations due to the appearance of the brackets. Invisalign solves this problem with the use of transparent plastic trays that are molded to the shape of your mouth.

The discrete appearance of Invisalign makes them the best option for adult orthodontic work. Studies suggest that adults are more likely to enjoy a better quality of life with Invisalign over traditional braces, and as a result, more patients complied with the treatment regimen.

Comfort

Invisalign are custom-made devices that are made from lightweight thermoplastic. As such, they contour to the shape of your teeth and mouth and do not have any sharp or rough edges that can recede or irritate gums.

Orthodontic patients have also reported that Invisalign places less pressure on teeth. While this may make them suitable for addressing only minor orthodontic issues, it also makes them less likely to cause headaches and jaw pain.

Improved Cleanliness

Invisalign makes good oral hygiene much easier to achieve. The tray is easily removed so that you can brush and floss your teeth and gums, and the tray simply needs to be rinsed under water and brushed lightly with your toothbrush. This reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Safe and Removable

Unlike braces which are attached directly to your teeth, Invisalign trays are removable, making them ideal for children and adults who regularly play sports or play in a band. They can also be removed when eating and brushing for added convenience.

Eat Whatever You Want

Unfortunately, with braces, food particles can easily become trapped in the brackets and wires, which is why many orthodontists recommend adhering to a limited diet while receiving treatment. But with Invisalign in Greenwich, you can eat and drink whatever you like since the trays are removable.

However, to ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene while receiving treatment, avoid sugary foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay.

Benefits of Dental Braces

Prevent Gum Disease

People with severely crooked teeth often have crevices between the tooth and gum, which is the perfect place for bacteria to build up and cause gum disease. Braces realign the teeth and gums to close these crevices allowing for better brushing and flossing and more effective elimination of harmful bacteria.

Prevent Tooth Decay

In patients with severely crooked, crowded or overlapping teeth, it can be difficult to remove food particles and tartar from between the teeth. This can lead to acid wear on tooth enamel progress to tooth decay if not addressed. Braces help to gently realign teeth to create space that is more easily accessed when brushing and flossing.

Prevent Cavities

Cavities occur when the tooth decay is so severe that it forms a hole in the tooth and bacteria attack the pulp inside. This can lead to a root canal treatment or even tooth extraction. Braces can help to prevent cavities by realigning misaligned teeth and creating adequate space for effective oral hygiene.

However, it is essential to properly brush and floss your teeth while wearing your braces as food particles can become trapped in the wires and brackets.

Prevent Injury

It is simple to prevent injury with your braces when playing sports and other activities. A custom molded mouthguard protects your braces and teeth from impact by absorbing the shock of any collisions. You can also prevent everyday irritation with the use of dental wax applied to the brackets.

Prevent Bone Erosion

Misaligned teeth and malocclusions that cause poor bite patterns place added pressure on the jaw and soft tissues leading to weakness and erosion. Braces alleviate this pressure by straightening the teeth and gently stretching the periodontal ligaments. They also provide added support for the jaw and allow the tissues and bones to regenerate once the treatment is complete.

Dental Braces are better for Complex Cases

When it comes to which option is better for your smile, it really depends on the conditions that require treatment. Minor malocclusions and other cosmetic orthodontic issues may only need slight adjustments in which case you could choose between Invisalign or braces according to your preference.

However, for more complex cases involving the bite, jaw position and severely misaligned teeth braces are recommended as they tend to work faster than Invisalign to close gaps and realign teeth due to the force they exert. They are also not removable and do not rely on patient compliance with the treatment program.

To learn more about which orthodontic treatment might be suitable for your teeth, call your local dentist for an appointment.

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Are Braces Better Than Invisalign?
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Are Braces Better Than Invisalign?
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Choosing an orthodontic treatment is often a daunting challenge due to variety of braces and aligners available. However, weighing these benefits of braces vs Invisalign will help you make an informed decision.
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BeautySmoothie
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September 5, 2019
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