Invisalign® vs. Braces: What's the Difference?

In order to start discussing the differences between each service, we must first look at the materials. Traditional braces utilize metal brackets, wires, and bands to properly align teeth over the span of a few months or years. These braces will stay on a patient’s teeth until a dentist properly takes them off. On the other hand, Invisalign® uses custom-made, clear plastic aligners that an individual can take in and out of their mouth when they please. Where traditional braces must be tightened every couple of weeks, Invisalign® aligners do not. Instead, Invisalign® patients receive a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks, and will then use those aligners until a new set comes in. Each set is a little different to help slowly but surely shift the teeth in the direction you and your dentist want.

Another difference between metal braces and Invisalign® clear aligners is that you don't have to change the way you eat and brush, like you do with metal braces. With Invisalign®, you wear the clear aligners for 22 hours a day and you only take them off when you eat. After eating, you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth well and put the aligners back in until you get access to a brush and toothpaste.

We supplement all our Invisalign® patients with a travel-sized brush and toothpaste for that reason. With metal braces, you have to use interproximal brushes, threaded flossers and special hygiene aids to be able to remove all the food debris that is packed under the brackets and between the teeth and the metal wires. There's almost always demineralization of enamel following removal of metal braces, which appears as chalky white lines. With Invisalign®, there is no difference in your brushing and flossing after eating.

Traditional braces and Invisalign® clear aligners can both achieve the results you are looking for. However, since they each have different features, one service may be better for a patient than another. Below outlines some of the most notable positives and negatives that a patient should consider before making a concrete decision:

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

PROS:

CONS:

Traditional Braces

PROS:

CONS:

How Do You Decide?

If you have done all the necessary research and are still having trouble deciding which treatment option is right for you, then the best thing to do is talk with your dentist. He/she will be able to give you their professional opinion, and explain to you why they think that one option is better than the other. This can also help you to be confident in your decision.

At WestLake Dental Care, we understand how important it is to you to choose a treatment plan that you can be happy with. That is why we always ensure to educate our patients, and guide them to the right path. If you are considering Invisalign® clear aligners or braces, give us a call at (703) 444-5108. We look forward to discussing your treatment plan with you, and addressing any questions/concerns.