If you’ve always had crooked teeth, an overbite, or even overcrowding, you’ve probably considered wearing braces to straighten them. If you have children, your Edmonton dentist may have advised that they get braces. For many patients, the classic braces – the ones with wire, tiny rubber bands, and metal brackets – were the only option. Invisible braces, such as Invisalign, have become a popular alternative to regular braces during the last decade. So, what’s the difference between invisible braces and standard braces? Which is more effective, and which is more cost-efficient?
What’s the Difference Between Invisible Braces and Traditional Braces?
Your Edmonton orthodontists frequently recommend braces to correct issues such as inappropriate jaw position, crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and crowded teeth.
Invisalign
Invisible braces, such as Invisalign, are designed to straighten your teeth without being apparent. They achieve this invisibility by using BPA-free plastic aligner trays that lay comfortably over your teeth. The patient is given a series of plastic aligners, each one designed to shift her teeth into the proper position gently and softly.
Traditional braces
On the other hand, traditional braces are made up of metal brackets attached to your teeth and connected by wires and rubber bands. The brackets on the teeth are tightened every four weeks or so to correct the teeth. Metal brackets are available in various colours, ranging from tints that blend in with your teeth to those that stick out.
Are Invisible Braces and Traditional Braces Both Effective?
Both braces are intended to correct your orthodontic condition and provide you with straight teeth in the end. However, the severity of your issue will ultimately determine which form of braces is most helpful. Both invisible and regular braces can be successful treatment options for relatively uncomplicated situations such as crowded teeth, crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, open bites, and gapped teeth. On the other hand, traditional braces are a better option for more serious issues, including malocclusions, highly crooked teeth, or crossbites, since they are meant to give more specialized alignment and treatment. Traditional braces, which use bonded metal brackets, wires, and bands, can alter the teeth in ways that invisible braces cannot. Rather than young children, adults and teenagers benefit from invisible braces since they are custom-fit to their mouths. Most young children shed baby teeth and develop adult molars, making it difficult to fit a tight custom aligner.
Treatment duration and impact
The treatment time and overall impact of wearing invisible braces are two major selling points. Patients who use traditional braces must wear them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for two years, depending on the severity of the treatment. Invisible braces, like Invisalign, are worn for around 22-24 hours per day for six to eighteen months.
Overall, Invisalign may take longer to correct some issues because the plastic aligners aren’t as robust as traditional braces and patients must adhere to a strict wearing and changing schedule. Traditional braces require monthly adjustments from orthodontics in Edmonton. However, Invisalign aligner trays can be changed every two weeks with a visit to your orthodontist for a checkup every four to six weeks.
With Invisalign braces provided by Summit Dental, you may take the first step toward getting that ideal, straight smile. Our team has years of expertise in offering high-quality Invisalign treatments to give you a confident, faultless smile. Call us at 780-484-3931 to book an appointment.
