Straight teeth signify beauty, grace, and elegance. After all, your smile can tell a lot about you. While some people are lucky enough to be born with a perfect set of teeth, others go through tons of pain to achieve the same look. There are many ways you can attain the perfect smile with straight and pristinely white teeth. The two main contenders, though, are braces and Invisalign.
Choosing between the two can be extremely difficult. That is why we’ve put together everything you might need to know about the Invisalign vs. Braces debate into one blog.
What is an Invisalign?
If you break the word Invisalign, you’d get invisi + align. And, in a way, that’s precisely what this FDA-approved orthodontic device is about. Not only does it look invisible, but it also helps to align your teeth.
Invisalign is a type of clear aligner. It’s a transparent tray that helps to set your teeth in the proper position. The best part, though, is that Invisalign trays are custom-made. The dentist gets the shape of your teeth and then designs an aligner that fits you perfectly. In addition, they’re made from a medical-grade plastic that is far more discreet than their metal counterpart.
What are Braces?
Believe it or not, more than 4 million people in the United States wear braces. As odd as it may sound, braces are a worldwide solution for crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites.
These metal wire contraptions fit around your teeth and help straighten them. Although they can be a bit hard to deal with, especially when it comes to maintenance, braces are overall very effective.
Invisalign vs Braces: What to Choose?
If you’re trying to find a way to fix your teeth, look no further. The debate between Invisalign vs. braces is quite old. Some swear by braces, despite the pain. Whereas others claim Invisalign has saved them from basic discomfort.
It’s essential to keep in mind, though, that, in the end, your dentist is the one who recommends the orthodontic device that suits your case better. Mentioned below are some elements that weigh Invisalign and braces against each other in multiple categories.
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- Appearance
Hands down, Invisalign wins in the appearance department. With its transparent body, you can’t even tell if something is on your teeth. Braces, though, are very obvious and can be spotted even from a distance. - Comfort
Since both these devices aim to shift your teeth from their original spot, it’s not exactly a comfortable experience. But with Invisalign, the pressure applied is not as extreme as braces, which can be a safety risk in itself. - Removal
The best thing about Invisalign is that you can remove it when you eat, allowing some flexibility. On the other hand, braces are non-removable. Only when your dentist changes them do they come off your teeth. - Pain Factor
Braces nor Invisalign are painful. They might cause some discomfort, but that’s about it. However, the soreness from braces tends to last longer than Invisalign. - Diet
With an Invisalign tray, you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, especially since the device is removable. With braces, your diet needs to be carefully monitored. - Maintenance
Taking care of braces is surprisingly easier since you brush and floss the same. Invisalign, on the other hand, requires a bit of effort. You have to maintain your oral hygiene and clean the clear tray every time you eat.
- Appearance
Effectiveness
Both orthodontic devices are effective. However, with braces, since they’re stuck on your teeth 24/7, the results are foolproof. In contrast, Invisalign is removable, which might cause alternating results, especially if someone forgets to wear them.
Conclusion
All in all, when it comes to Invisalign vs. braces, both options have their distinct pros and cons. Moreover, depending on the severity of your case, your dentist might recommend one device over the other. Nevertheless, for more information, contact Brenham Family Dental and Orthodontics at (979) 421-9685.