Posted on November 10, 2022
Your smile is one of your most important assets. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to put in the effort to achieve a perfect smile. There are several teeth alignments and other factors that can make you feel self-conscious about smiling. The good news is that orthodontic issues, such as overcrowding, can be fixed using treatments like braces and Invisalign. Here are the differences between these two orthodontic treatment options.
The materials used in traditional braces and Invisalign is one of the most obvious differences between the two orthodontic treatment options. Traditional braces are comprised of brackets and wires both made using metal. On the other hand, Invisalign is made using clear plastic. There are no wires or brackets used with Invisalign aligners. The difference in material is responsible for the majority of other differences that these two orthodontic treatments.
The materials used to make these treatment options plays a huge part in the aesthetic of each. This difference is a primary reason why Invisalign has become so popular, especially among teen and adult patients. According to PR Newswire, 47% of Invisalign teen users report a boost in self-esteem compared to just 22% of teens with metal braces. Traditional braces are very effective and continue to be a very widely used treatment, but they’re also very noticeable. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are made using clear plastic, so it is difficult to tell when someone is wearing the aligners unless you take a very close look. With Invisalign, patients are typically less self-conscious about how they look since the aligners are barely noticeable.
This is another major selling point of Invisalign. As mentioned before, the aligners are made using clear plastic, unlike traditional braces that are comprised of metal wires and brackets. Some people who get traditional braces complain about discomfort because they cannot be removed without the assistance of an orthodontist. That isn’t the case with Invisalign. The other big reason why Invisalign is so popular is that you can remove the aligners. This means you can eat whatever you want as you remove the aligners to eat and drink anything other than water. As you may know, your food options with braces are quite limited. For example, you cannot eat hard or sticky foods while wearing braces. These foods will either damage your braces or get into the tight spaces between the metal parts of your braces, making it difficult to clean your teeth properly.
These are some of the key differences between braces and Invisalign. If you are wondering whether braces or clear aligners are the right choices for you or your loved one, contact our office today. Our expert team is here to answer any questions you may have. Schedule your complimentary consultation at Orthodontics LA today to get started on your dream smile.
