Misaligned or crooked teeth cannot only look unsightly, but they can also make proper cleaning of your teeth more challenging. Teeth that aren’t properly cleaned can contract a gum infection known as periodontal disease. This puts you at risk for both bone and gum damage, as well as tooth loss.

Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign

Wearing braces is the best way to properly align the teeth. They are incredibly efficient in fixing complex tooth issues, often working faster to close gaps and align teeth. However, because they place emphasis on function over style, some people feel that traditional braces are less attractive, more uncomfortable, and even painful to wear. Adults who have decided to get braces later in life can be especially embarrassed to wear them. A positive alternative to conventional braces is Invisalign clear braces.

If you are considering whether Invisalign or traditional braces are the best option to treat your teeth or your child's teeth, you may have a lot of questions. Which is more affordable? Which is more effective? Ultimately, you want to choose the treatment that is going to get the job done right and fits best into your lifestyle. So, which is the best for your teeth?

The Basics

Both braces and Invisalign are designed to straighten your teeth overtime while improving your oral health and smile. Conventional braces have been around for decades and hold a well-established treatment history. Invisalign is a newer orthodontic option and have only been used widely in the past 15 years or so, although they have continued to increase in popularity.

Most people can identify traditional braces, as they are easily recognizable and involve attaching metal brackets to your teeth, tied together with tiny rubber bands and wires. Modern-day brackets can be chosen in a variety of colors and can even be designed to match your enamel color.

Invisalign, on the other hand, is crafted to be nearly invisible. They consist of clear aligner trays crafted from smooth plastic and worn over the teeth. Our orthodontists use impressions, pictures, and X-rays to manufacture a precise 3-D image, used to customize your aligners.

Advantages of Invisalign

1. Invisalign clear aligners look better.

Traditional metal braces fill the mouth with unsightly chunks of metal that can appear unattractive. They are especially noticeable on adults and can easily get food stuck in them. Invisalign clear aligners are nearly unnoticeable. Most people agree that Invisalign braces are decidedly more attractive than conventional metal braces.

2. Invisalign clear aligners can be removed.

When our professionals at OMG Smiles attach metal brackets to someone’s teeth, these braces must remain in places until they are professionally removed, typically when treatment has been completed. One of the best characteristics of Invisalign braces is that the clear aligners can be removed. If the wearer wishes to remove the aligners for any reason (eating, drinking, professional events), they can do so for brief periods of time.

3. Invisalign braces reduce damage to gums and teeth.

Traditional braces involve metal brackets and wires that can protrude, scratching the inside of the mouth. Clear Invisalign braces are comfortable and smooth. They do not include any complicated appliances, sharp edges, or bits. Traditional braces can also affect decaying teeth and demineralization. These types of problems don't exist with clear aligners. Overall, Invisalign aligners reduce the damage that is caused by wearing braces, including cavities and gum disease.

4. Clear braces straight teeth more efficiently.

In addition to being less invasive, Invisalign aligners straighten teeth quickly and efficiently. A typically Invisalign treatment lasts between one to one and a half years. The time spent wearing braces can last anywhere from 18 months to 3 years.

5. Invisalign clear braces don’t have any surprises.

When considering Invisalign braces, our patients at OMG Smiles undergo a fully computerized treatment plan. Therefore, they know precisely how long they will need braces and what to expect. Metal braces are often trial and error, leaving the patient with no clear idea of what is to come.

Choosing Your Treatment

Comparing Invisalign with traditional braces can be a tough decision. Teens and adults who tend to be more self-conscious may find benefits the discreteness of Invisalign clear aligners to be appealing, along with its removability. However, it’s critical to remember that the success of clear braces depends largely on the patient. If you don't wear Invisalign aligners as directed, you will have trouble seeing results. When it comes to traditional braces, you don't have much of a choice day-to-day once they are installed. Other patients, such as those that need to rotate teeth or move teeth vertically, may not have the option of Invisalign.

Although Invisalign costs a bit more, clear aligners offer a distinct advantage over traditional braces. But when you see your beautiful smile in the end, Invisalign clear braces are worth the money spent. Clear aligners are much more comfortable than traditional braces, pose less risk to the gums and teeth, and provide you with a beautiful smile that much faster. Anyone considering Invisalign or another orthodontic treatment should schedule a consultation with our experts at OMG Smiles to decide if he or she is the right long-term candidate.

If you or someone you know are interested in Invisalign, it’s important to work with an experienced provider like OMG Smiles to determine what orthodontic treatment might be the best for you. Our professional, friendly team has years of experience working with both Invisalign and braces, and we’re dedicated to helping you discover the best solution to perfect your teeth and smile. Straightening your teeth doesn’t just improve your smile; it also has an impact on your oral health overall, which should not be taken lightly.

If you need help decided whether Invisalign clear aligners or braces make the most sense for you, get in touch with OMG Smiles today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

We look forward to seeing your smile!