Invisalign Versus Traditional Metal Braces
If you’ve been searching “Invisalign near me” and considering getting orthodontic treatment, we can help you determine if you’re actually a good candidate for clear aligners. Traditional metal braces are still used in many cases, and each type of orthodontic treatment definitely has its advantages. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
What Makes Invisalign Different?
The most obvious difference between Invisalign and metal braces is that Invisalign is nearly invisible. Anyone who has avoided needed orthodontic treatment because they don’t want to spend high school as a “brace face” or because they don’t want a public-facing career to be affected by a mouthful of metal would probably choose Invisalign on this factor alone. And the low profile of Invisalign is far from the only benefit our patients experience at Aroma Smiles Dental.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign can be removed for meals and for brushing and flossing. That means you don’t have to avoid hard or sticky foods. You can enjoy all of your favorites without fear of popping off a bracket or getting white spots where the braces used to be. Brushing and flossing is as easy as it is for non-orthodontic patients — the only change is the need to clean the aligners too (meaning brushing them daily with lukewarm water and scent-free soap).
The removability of clear aligners can be something of a double-edged sword. Yes, it makes eating and oral hygiene easier, but you also become responsible for consistently wearing the aligners. Each new set of aligners will feel uncomfortable for the first few days, and meeting compliance goals can be a challenge. In fact, the biggest reason Invisalign patients fail to achieve their treatment goals is that they don’t consistently wear their aligners for 22 hours a day.
Sometimes, Traditional Braces Are Still the Best Option
Clear aligners have come a long way in the decades since they were first introduced. It’s possible now to use elastics with them to correct malocclusions (bad bites like underbites and overbites). More patients than ever will find a happy outcome to “Invisalign near me” searches, but there’s a reason clear aligners still haven’t entirely replaced metal braces. Here are a few reasons we might refer you to an orthodontist for traditional braces:
- If wearing aligners for 22 hours a day will be difficult or impossible (a more common concern with teen patients, though Teen Invisalign uses colored indicators to show how long they’ve been worn).
- If the orthodontic problems are severe, such as an impacted tooth that needs to be exposed with oral surgery and pulled into place with a chain, or if significant bite correction is required
- If there is an insurance or budget concern and traditional braces are a more affordable option
Invisalign FAQs
Will Invisalign help with TMJ pain?
Correcting misaligned teeth often reduces the stress on the temporomandibular joint, providing relief for TMD symptoms. Many patients experience pain relief and reduced inflammation with straight teeth and correct jaw alignment.
Can Invisalign pull teeth down?
Yes, by adding “buttons” or small ceramic bumps to the teeth (which will be removed when treatment is complete), Invisalign aligners can apply pressure in the right direction to move teeth vertically into better positions, not just horizontally. If you have these kinds of teeth attachments, it may be important to avoid whitening toothpaste and whitening treatments, because it won’t affect these teeth the same way as the rest, and you will have uneven results.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
It depends on the severity of the orthodontic issues we’re addressing. Most people will wear their aligners for 12-18 months.
What if I have a dental implant?
Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone and cannot move under orthodontic pressure like a real tooth. Patients with dental implants may still be able to get Invisalign, but we will have to plan treatment around the immovable dental implant.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation Today
If you’re ready to start your orthodontic treatment and searching “Invisalign near me” has led you here, schedule your initial consultation with our team at Aroma Smiles Dental in McKinney, TX so that we can determine if this is the right treatment option for you. Straight teeth are about more than just the superficial benefits; they make oral hygiene, clear enunciation, and even effective chewing (and, by extension, good digestion) easier. We can work together to create a treatment plan and get you started on the path to a straighter, healthier smile.