A Deeper Look at Metalic Braces vs Clear Aligners

If you happen to have crooked teeth, you may be looking at two of the most popular potential treatments to straighten your teeth, Metal Braces and Invisible Braces.  The decision might seem clear-cut from your point-of-view, but this is a discussion you should have with a qualified professional,  as each treatment has its positive aspects and negative ones. 

The treatment you choose is entirely dependent on the condition of your mouth, jaw and teeth in general. Some patients will require the intricacy of metal braces to correct the problem. Other orthodontic problems can be easily solved by slipping a clear brace on your teeth.  The severity of the issue needs to be taken into consideration.

You might be tempted to go for the Invisalign Clear Braces; but there is a chance that you require metal braces to resolve the underlying problems causing your crooked teeth

The brackets used in braces are usually metallic in nature and are attached to the surface of the teeth. Clear braces are ones that are made from ceramic and have a white appearance and are less noticeable than metal ones.  Lingual braces also are an option as they attach to the back of your teeth and straighten them from behind.  The braces gently move your teeth into place with a constant gradual force from the metal wires. A combination of metal wires and rubber bands work in tandem to keep your teeth on the straight and narrow, moving them gradually to give you that perfect smile.

The Invisalign Treatment uses a set of 3D printed clear plastic retainers that are gradually swapped out over two weeks. The retainers gently guide your teeth into position over time until they reach their ideal position.

The benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign is less noticeable, that is a definite plus. The retainers are made from clear plastic, and no one will even notice that you are wearing them. This is ideal for self-conscious individuals such as teens, and the self-conscious adult. Using Invisalign, you won’t have to worry about wires and or the metallic braces getting in the way of your smile.

Invisalign can be worn for 20-22 hours each day. This leaves you at least 2-4 hours each day to eat. You can simply take off the retainers, enjoy your meal, perform your oral hygiene afterwards, and then slip the retainers back on. The Invisalign Treatment has no food restrictions that braces has.

As the retainers are removable, regular oral hygiene and cleaning is easier. You can brush and floss regularly, without worrying about wires getting in the way. 

You also get to save on your Orthodontist visits when using the Invisalign Treatment. Your orthodontist works with a digital scan of your teeth to create your treatment plan and your customised retainers. Your dentist will swap out the retainers with a new set every visit.

There may be some slight discomfort with Invisalign; however; this is countered with the lesser amount of mouth and gum problems. Since the retainers are made out of plastic, you can be assured that you will have less friction with your gums as with metal wires would have.

The downside of Invisalign

There are a few disadvantages with Invisalign, although this form of treatment is recommended for a disciplined individual. Since the retainers can easily be removed, the person undergoing the treatment course could easily forget to replace the retainers after a meal or ignore the requisite 22 hours of usage needed for treatment to progress.  Discipline and dedication is needed to ensure this treatment works

The ability to remove the retainers can also be tedious as you need to not only brush after every meal but also brush your retainers to ensure that no food particles remain on your teeth once you use your retainers. Lack of compliance with oral hygiene could result in cavity formation and bad breath.

Invisalign will not treat bite issues or more severe cases of crooked teeth, severe cases will most likely need metal braces to ensure a positive outcome is achieved

The benefits of traditional braces

Metal Braces can actually treat a multitude of orthodontic conditions. Through the use of brackets and wires, braces move your teeth into place, fix alignment issues but also correct your bite, to ensure your teeth sit perfectly together.  An incorrect bite will cause the patient to grind their teeth at night causing a multitude of problems.

Braces can also achieve a better result than Invisalign as they apply a constant pressure that will move your teeth into their ideal alignment. 

With modern technology, the brackets used in braces do not have to be made of metal, there are ceramic and tooth coloured options to choose from. These are less noticeable, letting you feel less self-conscious about your smile.

The downside of Metal Braces

The most apparent downside of metal braces is their appearance, considering it could definitely give your smile a  metallic quality.

Because of the wires and brackets, you may find it challenging to keep a good oral hygiene routine in place. You will also find that there are food restrictions with the use of traditional braces such as the avoidance of hard, sticky, crunchy and chewy food. These could potentially cause the appliance to break, which can prolong your treatment time.

Regular visits to your orthodontist are required when you have braces. With each visit, your orthodontist will tighten the braces to ensure that your teeth are moving correctly into place.

Which to choose

Before you make your decision, decide first, what factors are essential in your treatment.  Come into use and avail of a consultation.  We are available to answer any questions you may have to ensure that you made the right choice.

Budget, treatment time, aesthetics and the state of the mouth, jaw and teeth need all to be taken into consideration.

Comparing the Cost!

Metal Braces are more affordable, and offer better results in the long run.  they treat more problems than invialign can, but have the downside of the appearance 

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