People seeking dental procedure options to straighten their teeth, are faced with two major choices- invisalign or braces. Both work to remedy the same condition but one may be better than other in straightening the teeth depending on the nature and extent of damage. Both options are good but have minor differences, often resulting in confusion. Let’s see in what respects the two options differ, helping you make the right choice for yourself:
Invisalign Treatment Option
Invisalign are transparent aligners that help set the teeth into their place. They are worn for at least 22 hours each day and need to be changed every two weeks, which means frequent dentist visits. It may take up to a year to shift teeth in place through this option. These are also virtually transparent so it’s hard for people to notice you are wearing something until you tell them. It is favored by people because it can be removed easily for ease of brushing and flossing or during eating. However, while it can treat a wide variety of cases, it may not work as well for severe cases.
Braces Treatment Option
On the other hand, clear braces, also called ceramic braces, are another oft used option to help one straighten their teeth. It uses ceramic material to create the brackets, which can be transparent or made in a color of your liking to match your teeth. The brackets are bonded to the teeth through an arch wire that pressurizes the teeth into proper alignment.
Unlike invisalign, clear braces are more noticeable and it is difficult to brush, floss, or eat wearing them. They do not require frequent changing or maintenance though, resulting in fewer visits to the dentist. If you have a complex case of misaligned teeth, dentists suggest that ceramic braces are more appropriate. Common issues that they can treat include cross bites, crooked teeth, and malocclusions. Ceramic braces are more susceptible to breakage or chipping due to the brittle nature of ceramic used in its brackets. However, only a large amount of force can break it. They can also feel rough causing irritation to cheeks and lips of some people and can stain your teeth as well if you smoke a lot or drink a lot of tea.
For more information contact Cascades Center for Dental Health. You can also find them on Facebook.
