When it comes to choosing an orthodontic treatment that fits your needs, there’s an old school of thought that braces are the only tried and true method available. In this modern day, the truth is quite different. Invisalign aligners offer all the advantages of braces, but without the burden of bulky brackets and the self-conscience appearance. Still not convinced? Take a look below at some examples of key differences between Invisalign and braces.
Natural Look and Feel
Braces may function to straighten your teeth, but they look anything but natural. Braces consist of brackets and wires attached to your teeth with dental cement. Invisalign aligners are clear plastic trays that are molded to your teeth, so even when you wear them, you’ll hardly notice that they’re there. Patients have reported feeling more comfortable with Invisalign because it lies flat against the teeth and does not protrude against your lips.
Low Maintenance
Braces often require special tools in order to clean between the brackets and wires, keeping food from becoming lodged between them. But with Invisalign, it’s quite different: instead, patients need only remove the aligners and clean them lukewarm water and a quick brushing. The aligners take very little time to clean, and Invisalign even offers a specialty cleaning solution to soak your aligners for a short time. Ask Dr. Chow about this kind of cleaning solution, if you desire it.
Freedom to Eat
Patients with braces can still eat some food they love, but most of their favorite textured foods are most likely off-limits. These include gum, hard candy, unsliced fruits, granola, and more. Invisalign patients have no such limits, since their orthodontic treatment can be removed for mealtimes. Patients can eat what they love without worrying about damaging their aligners. So long as the patient thoroughly cleans their teeth before putting their aligners back on, then they can continue with their treatment with little to no impact on their usual diet.
Generally Quicker Treatment
The timeline of an orthodontic treatment will depend largely on the patient’s dental condition and the severity of their misalignment, but on average, Invisalign patients can expect a treatment lasting around 12 to 18 months. Compared to braces that can last for a few years or more, Invisalign treatment may be more advantageous to most. Ask Dr. Chow about how long your individual treatment will take.
See For Yourself Why Patients Love Invisalign
Here at Silver Valley Dental, we understand that having a straighter smile can guarantee a better future of oral health. But that all begins by first discovering which orthodontic treatment fits your needs best. We recommend you consult with Dr. Chow to find out more about what advantages braces or Invisalign can bring to your table.
