Comparing Invisalign to braces; what you need to know

When you are looking for the right kind of orthodontic tool to straighten your teeth, there are many things that you need to consider.

And unfortunately, few of them are to do with discretion!

While there has been a movement in adult orthodontic care towards making aligners more visually discreet, there are other factors that need to be compared to determine the most suitable orthodontic tool for you.

At Clear Braces Direct, as our names suggest, we are bigger fans of the more discrete aligner or brace and are proud to be able to offer our patients Invisalign London. And while we do not disparage the use of the traditional brace, it is worth noting how the two treatments differ when considering orthodontic care.

In this article, we will be comparing Invisalign London to the traditional metal brace, so you can get a better feel for each of these treatments and which one may be the right one for you.

Length of treatment

Brace-  With adult patients, a traditional metal brace may be worn for up to 3 years. This is due to traditional braces being able to treat more complex cases of dental misalignment but also needing the additional time to do so.

Aligner- Aligners like Invisalign London typically take between 3 to 6 months to straighten someone’s teeth. But, as you may have guessed, aligners are better suited for people who have mild to moderate cases of misalignment or protrusion.

Discretion

Brace-  There is no way around it; metal braces are very visible! But many people now view metal braces with a hipster ideology, in that they are cool because they are retro.

Aligner-  An invisible aligner is made from clear plastic and while they can become stained, with correct cleaning every day, your invisible aligners will remain visually discreet and those around you may not even know you are wearing it.

Comfort

Brace-  It is hard to compare the comfort of a brace to an aligner, as each person has their unique comfort thresholds. However, when wearing a traditional brace, you will need to attend tightening or adjusting sessions with your dentist, which require the over wire to be tightened to move your teeth. This usually creates pressure in the jaw, which is not comfortable but can be managed with over the counter pain relief.

Aligner-  Aligners use small increments of change in their shape to move the teeth gradually over two weeks. This does not mean they are completely comfortable, as this still creates a feeling of pressure, which may need to be remedied with over-the-counter pain relief.

Affordability

Brace- The cost of having a brace in adult years includes trips to the dentist, adjustments and any hygienist treatments required to keep your teeth and gums in good condition.

Aligner-  Aligners can be used at home and as they are removable, you will not need to attend hygienist appointments and there is no need to visit a dentist to have the aligner adjusted.

Results

Brace and aligner- The results achieved using a brace or an aligner can be striking and life-changing. But to achieve these goals, you will need the oversight of a trained dental professional who can advise you on the most suitable tool for your orthodontic needs.