Traditional braces or Invisalign?

If you have been thinking about undergoing teeth straightening then you must have many questions running through your head. One of the most common questions that patients ask is whether they should straighten their teeth with braces or if Invisalign London would be more suitable for them. The answer is that both braces and Invisalign London are suitable for most orthodontic issues. The bigger question is what would you prefer? Invisalign London works very differently to traditional braces, but as mentioned they are both suitable for addressing mild, moderate or complex orthodontic needs. Here at Clear Braces Direct we can help you make an informed decision and choose the best option for you and your teeth.

How do braces and aligners work?

Most people are aware that traditional orthodontic braces consist of metal brackets that are fixed to the surface of the teeth. These are then connected by a metal arch wire and small elastic bands are used to apply more pressure and together the components work constantly to create a neatly aligned smile. Invisalign works using small invisible attachments that are glued to the surface of your teeth and clear thermoplastic aligners that are worn over your teeth to apply pressure and create a neatly aligned smile. They can then be taken out as necessary.

Visible or discreet?

This tells us that there are two main differences between traditional braces and Invisalign. Firstly traditional braces use metal components which are visible on the surface of your teeth whilst Invisalign uses plastic aligners that are almost invisible when they are worn in the mouth. This can be very important for patients who want to undergo orthodontic treatment but do not want to draw unwanted attention to their mouth. If you are embarrassed by your teeth and are looking for discreet orthodontic treatment then these invisible aligners are the ideal solution for you.

Fixed or removable?

The other key difference is that traditional braces are fixed to your teeth throughout the treatment period, whereas Invisalign aligners can be taken out of your mouth and put back in as necessary which means they provide more flexibility and convenience. With Invisalign you are able to eat all your favourite food and drink. There are no dietary restrictions as there are with traditional braces. With traditional braces if you bite into something hard or you start eating something that is very chewy, then this can damage the components of your braces. With Invisalign the aligners have to be taken out at meal times and this allows you to eat and drink as you wish. Traditional braces also make it harder for you to clean your teeth. This is because the brackets and the wires can get in the way and create hard-to-reach areas allowing bacteria, food particles and plaque to build up in your mouth. With Invisalign you are able to brush your teeth as you would normally, preventing any signs of tooth decay or gum disease from developing whilst you are undergoing treatment. Speak to us at Clear Braces Direct today. We are specialists of Invisalign and we will help you decide whether it is most suitable for you or whether braces will be a better option. Begin your journey to straighter teeth soon!