Invisalign vs traditional braces: why Invisalign?
The Dental Studio is proud to offer patients a range of orthodontic treatment options including Invisalign and traditional braces. We care about our patients’ needs and setting the right treatment plan for each individual. Every patient has different needs and desires in terms of teeth straightening and you will need to carefully consider, with your dental practitioner at The Dental Studio, what is the best option for you (or your child).
Both traditional metal braces and Invisalign technology use gentle pressure to straighten teeth into the ideal position, correcting both the aesthetic and function of the bite. However, each system has its own set of benefits and disadvantages.
Traditional Braces
Braces are made up of a series of attached brackets that run along a thin wire. Tiny rubber bands hold the wire in place. The wire gently and gradually moves teeth into the correct placement. Traditional braces are ideal for severe or complex cases of crooked teeth and misaligned bites as they are able to reach high sitting teeth.
Invisalign
There are many reasons why patients may consider Invisalign over traditional braces. Invisalign aligners can be removed to eat, drink, brush and floss which means no hard to reach places – your active maintenance routine can continue as normal. They can also be removed for special occasions if you feel more comfortable not wearing them.
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic making the experience of wearing them very comfortable. Unlike the metal brackets or wire of traditional braces, there is no irritation of the mouth and gums.
One of the key benefits of Invisalign is the virtually clear aligners which makes it a very discreet teeth straightening treatment.
Millions of patients worldwide have trusted Invisalign for their teeth straightening treatment.
For a more comprehensive comparison view the table below
| Braces | Invisalign | |
| Appearance | Options of metal (silver) brackets/wire, coloured elastics or clear/tooth coloured brackets | Clear plastic |
| Maintenance | Normal active maintenance including brushing and flossing. Will need a special small brush and floss to clean hard to reach places | Trays are removable to allow normal cleaning of the teeth and mouth. Patients can use Invisalign cleaning system or warm water to clean the individual trays |
| Follow up visits | Approximately every 4 weeks | Aligners need to be changed every 2 weeks, typically need a follow up every 4-6 weeks |
| After the treatment | Will need a retainer ongoing (possibly only at night) or an inserted positioner | Will need a retainer ongoing (possibly only at night) or an inserted positioner |
| Benefits | Used for complex dental issues Will never forget to wear them No extra cleaning steps needed | Clear No discomfort from wires Removable |
| Disadvantages | Discomfort from rubbing against metal wires and movement of teeth Some food restrictions | Discomfort from tooth movement Need to remove to eat and drink Need to brush after each meal to avoid stains |
| Not suitable for patients who | Play regular contact sport | Have dental bridges Will not remember to wear the trays for the recommended 22 hours Need complex rotating, or vertical movement of teeth |
Ideal candidates
While you may have a preference for one treatment over another, it is necessary to have your mouth assessed by one of the dentists at The Dental Studio before you go ahead with treatment. We need to make sure you receive the best treatment possible for your specific needs to ensure you receive the beautiful straight smile you have been dreaming of.
