Invisalign or braces – which is better?

If you are considering straightening your teeth, you have probably asked yourself this question. To help you in this decision, I’ve compiled a list of pros and cons of both Invisalign and braces. That way you can decide for yourself.

Pros of Invisalign:

1. Minimal disruption to lifestyle as most people won’t realise you are straightening your teeth.
2. Ability to eat and drink what you like
3. It’s a lot easier to brush and floss your teeth
4. More comfortable than wearing braces

Cons of Invisalign:

1. In order to get the best treatment result, you must be disciplined and wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, otherwise your teeth may not move properly and it could set your treatment back.
2. It can be tricky to remove and replace your aligners discreetly, especially when you are out in public.
3. You must upkeep good oral hygiene. After eating and drinking (unless it is water), you must brush your teeth before replacing your aligners. This will help to prevent decay of your teeth occurring.

Pros of Braces:

1. Can correct almost all orthodontic problems.
2. It is possible to achieve a perfect treatment result.
3. There are several other types of braces available, including ceramic braces (look white), and lingual braces (attached to the tongue side of the teeth, so they are not visible on the front of the teeth)
4. Treatment can sometimes be completed faster.

Cons of Braces:

1. Can be uncomfortable due to rubbing of the wires and brackets on the inner surfaces of the mouth, and when wires are tightened.
2. It’s not possible to eat certain foods such as chewing gum, toffees and sticky lollies, biting into hard fruits, as this might break off brackets.
3. Brushing and flossing can be hard. You can’t use normal floss because the wires will prevent it from getting through. You must use special floss or interdental brushes.
4. Food can get stuck easily between the teeth, brackets and wires.

You are the best person to decide whether braces or Invisalign is best for you and your lifestyle. However, it is important to note that in some situations, Invisalign may not be appropriate because it may result in a less than acceptable treatment result. These cases are rare, but it can happen.

We recommend having a complimentary consultation at our Claremont dental practice to find out more information to help you in your decision. Call us now on 6143 5655 or book online here.

Author: Lydia