Straighter teeth are a priority for many people, for reasons that range from enhancing appearance to improving dental function. If you’ve ever wished to gain a better-aligned smile and the benefits that follow, orthodontic care with braces or Invisalign® clear aligners make it possible to turn this dream into a reality. However, it can be difficult to know which solution suits your needs best.
Below, we have outlined the advantages each has to offer to help our patients in their journey toward a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
How Does Invisalign Compare to Traditional Braces?
Convenience
Ease of use is what gives Invisalign its popularity, and is one area where this option holds a significant advantage over metal braces. Invisalign clear aligners are comfortable to wear and convenient to maintain. This is due to the aligners’ removable design, making it easy to take care of your teeth and gums. There’s no need to navigate around wires and brackets, simply take off your custom-fit tray then brush and floss as you normally would.
Patients who receive traditional braces have dietary restrictions they need to adhere to keep their teeth and orthodontic appliance protected. Since Invisalign trays can be removed before meals, patients are free to enjoy their favorite foods and drinks.
One thing to note is that for patients to receive optimal results with Invisalign, they must wear the aligners 22 to 23 hours a day. However, if compliance poses a problem, it may be more convenient to opt for a fixed option that can’t be lost or forgotten.
Aesthetics
When it comes to the aesthetics of the devices themselves, Invisalign clear aligners are almost undetectable when worn. Teens and adults both prefer this over having metal showing in their smile. Even the least noticeable types of braces, such as lingual braces or those with tooth-colored ceramic brackets, have a more apparent visual impact by comparison.
For patients having their teeth straightened as part of full-mouth reconstruction, traditional braces are often the best choice. This is because traditional braces provide the most comprehensive overall results, so the straightened teeth provide a better canvas for cosmetic treatments such as whitening, veneers, and crowns.
Results
Dr. Lomboy has provided treatment with Invisalign for more than 15 years. In this time, he has observed how advances in the aligner technology have made these clear braces as effective as their traditional counterparts in certain situations. In particular, Invisalign technicians’ involvement with treatment planning and their proprietary ClinCheck® software are a great boon. With these, our dentist can definitively determine which cases would benefit from clear aligners and easily share this information with his patients.
Invisalign tends to be the ideal solution for those experiencing mild-to-moderate malocclusion. With regard to more severe orthodontic problems, traditional braces still represent the best choice.
An issue that’s best corrected with braces is vertical misalignment, wherein teeth are positioned higher up in the gum than they should be. In these cases, only the directional force exerted by braces can address the problem properly. Traditional braces are also effective in shifting molars into position.
Need Help Deciding on the Right Option? Contact Woodbridge Dental Services Today!
We understand that choosing between traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners is not always easy. For each important benefit one type offers, there are also limitations to take into consideration.
At Woodbridge Dental Services, we have achieved great aesthetic and restorative results using both orthodontic systems. No matter if he’s providing Invisalign or conventional braces, Dr. Lomboy enjoys working with each patient to discover the right treatment path for their unique situation. Give our office a call today and learn more about the orthodontic options we available for patients in Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.