Orthodontic appliances, such as braces, may be a better option than Invisalign for achieving the desired result. Braces have more strength to move teeth into the desired position, while Invisalign is limited in terms of the number of teeth that can be moved at once. Treatment with Invisalign tends to be faster for most types of orthodontic diagnoses, but braces can provide more individual movement of the teeth. Invisalign aligners provide total force on the teeth, while braces can be adjusted to apply pressure to specific areas.
Many people choose Invisalign over traditional braces because clear aligners are virtually invisible and more discreet. Invisalign is usually more comfortable than braces and requires fewer visits to the orthodontist. Additionally, because Invisalign trays can be removed, people who use them can generally eat and drink whatever they prefer. However, braces can have sharp edges that can cut through the inner lip and tongue.
Both Invisalign and braces are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for orthodontic treatment of malocclusion. Before treatment with Invisalign, many adults settled for smiles that made them unhappy, because they didn't feel like they could put on braces and maintain their professional appearance at work. Both Invisalign braces and aligners are tools for correcting teeth; the expert doctor who uses the tool is your best resource for achieving a great smile. It's perfectly acceptable to visit a few different offices to compare prices and find out if your condition can be treated with braces or treatment with Invisalign.
But with braces, if the patient stops wearing elastic bands for a few days, treatment may continue to be effective with smaller changes to return to normal. This is beneficial because not being able to correct an abnormal bite or other dental problems that can be treated with braces can cause oral health problems. This makes them an obvious choice for serious complex cases, where treatment with Invisalign may require complementary orthopedic surgery to be fully effective. Composed primarily of colored metal or resin supports, orthodontic appliances are placed on the face of the teeth.
While braces can prick, pinch, or push against your lips or gums, Invisalign aligners fit your teeth perfectly, without anything trapping or causing discomfort. In fact, in certain cases, treatment with Invisalign may be even more effective than braces due to the full strength of the aligners all over the tooth. With braces, your orthodontist will work with you to show you the right way to clean under the cables and around the brackets. While braces and Invisalign have similar out-of-pocket costs, certain insurance plans are more likely to partially cover them.
If the patient's bite is abnormal, applying braces can bring out their best smile. Traditional orthodontic appliances may involve more follow-up visits to the orthodontist over time to adjust and make adjustments.
