When it comes to orthodontics, patients tend to dread the process more than they are excited about the results. That doesn’t have to be the case for you!
Most patients wear braces for about 18 months—that’s a significant amount of time with either clear aligners or traditional braces, so it’s important to choose the best options for your smile and lifestyle.
Though most patients are drawn to clear aligners, this orthodontic option isn’t suitable for everyone. In some cases, traditional metal braces are more beneficial. Continue reading to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
The Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Clear aligners were invented in 1997 by a couple of students at Stanford University. It took about a decade for aligners to become a common orthodontic treatment, but today, Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic options.
Advantages
Patients choose Invisalign clear aligners because they offer the following benefits:
- They’re aesthetically appealing. Clear aligners are just that—clear. Teens and adults enjoy the fact that no one else has to know about their orthodontic treatment and it doesn’t give them another reason to be self-conscious.
- Aligners are removable. Dread the thought of eating with bulky brackets and wires that capture food particles? Invisalign diminishes the hassle created by traditional braces because aligners can be removed while eating. Plus, it won’t be more difficult or uncomfortable to eat certain foods.
- Oral hygiene is easy to maintain. Invisalign makes it easy to keep your teeth and gums healthy because patients can continue to brush and floss like before. Just don’t forget to clean the aligner!
- Invisalign aligners are comfortable. Invisalign uses patented technology to create comfortable, custom-made aligners from a special plastic. The aligner shouldn’t rub against your gum line and there are no brackets and wires to irritate the soft tissues of your mouth.
Disadvantages
Here are a few reasons patients might not want clear aligners:
- Aligners require responsibility and discipline. Just because aligners can be removed doesn’t mean they should be removed. Patients must commit to wearing their aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Additionally, the ability to remove the aligners makes them easier to lose.
- Invisalign may be more expensive. Though the cost of braces vs Invisalign could be close, clear aligners are typically more expensive.
- Aligners aren’t recommended for complex orthodontic cases. Patients with severe malocclusion and misalignment may not be suitable candidates for clear aligners. Metal braces are better suited for these cases.
The Pros and Cons of Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are more obvious than clear aligners; however, they are much more inconspicuous than they used to be.
Some of the advantages of traditional braces include:
- They can treat all mild to severe orthodontic cases.
- Treatment time may be faster.
- Traditional braces are more affordable.
The disadvantages of traditional braces include:
- Metal braces aren’t invisible like clear aligners.
- They are more difficult to keep food out of and clean.
- Traditional braces require regular consultations and adjustments.
Let Our Lombard Dentist Guide You
Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard has been our trusted dentist for well over a decade. She offers preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments for patients of all ages, and especially enjoys helping patients achieve a beautiful smile through orthodontic treatment like Invisalign.
To learn which orthodontic option is best for your smile, call our friendly team today at 630-629-5700 to schedule an initial consultation.
