Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile, but often times, people find metal braces to be uncomfortable and unsightly. Therefore, they look for different options and, luckily for them, there are other effective treatments without the “metal” look. Invisalign and clear braces are two of the most popular aesthetic treatments on the market, but is there a reason to pick one over the other?
Clear aligners are usually the first choice because they are removable, and they still help to move teeth without pesky wires and braces. Unlike traditional metal braces, this method doesn’t pose any issues with flossing or brushing on a regular basis, and you do not have to worry about wires poking or braces breaking. However, nothing is perfect. Clear aligners do have a few downsides to them that you should be aware of.
For instance, clear aligners are removable, which can be useful in some instances, but they are only effective if they are worn properly. They should be worn 22 hours out of the day. Plus, clear aligners are not always the most esthetic. After all, clear aligners still require trays to work properly, and they do not always look as flattering as clear braces can. They are merely a tool that are used to help move teeth, but their effectiveness can be dependant on your dentist. Finally, clear aligners are not a miracle method. They don’t move teeth any faster than other methods without changing the biology that is needed to make it happen.
Invisalign and other clear aligner systems are used because they do work, but it’s important to go with the method that will provide you with the best results for your situation. A good dentist will always go with the method that will give the best results for your individual circumstances.
Just like clear aligners, Invisalign is also removable, but in order for the system to actually work to move teeth, they have to be worn at least 22-23 hours out of the day. They should only be put in their case when eating, flossing, or brushing. Otherwise, they are not going to provide the best results possible. Also, the trays not only have to be worn, but they have to be attached to the teeth correctly in order for the elastics to work properly.
However, there are a lot of things that Invisalign systems cannot do or do not do well. With advertising, Invisalign has raised awareness for orthodontic treatment options, and they have also gotten rid of the notion that there are only metal-only braces. The only problem with this is the advertisement doesn’t actually explain the strategic parts of the actual system. Orthodontists find it different to explain this sometimes because the patients come in with such unrealistic and high expectations of this system.
Invisalign uses a computer simulation to help your dentist come up with the treatment plan, but that does not take away the need to have an experienced orthodontist. After all, in order for the Invisalign system to work properly, the orthodontist still has to understand treatment planning, complications, diagnosis, and biomechanics for the system to be successful in the end.
Finally, it is important to understand that, just like anything else, the speed of the system’s effectiveness comes from the distance that the teeth need to move to be corrected. Being able to design efficient tooth movements is essential for an orthodontist to create the right pathways to make the treatment and system work faster. In some cases, Invisalign is still used extensively, because it is often times the best choice. They work really well for people who might not be able to come into the office often, like college students.
However, there are cases when clear braces are a better choice. Due to advancement in the materials used for clear braces, they have come a long way and work just as well as metal. So, how do Damon braces and Invisalign differ? Overall, it’s important to weigh all options and do research with your orthodontist to make sure that you’re getting the best system to work for your individual situation because sometimes, one is better than the other.
