If you are deciding between metal braces or Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you may have lots of questions. Which is more effective? Which is more affordable? Ultimately, you want to choose the treatment that will do the job. You won’t want to have to fix your teeth again. So, which is the better choice? We’ll aim to answer some of your questions in this article so you are better informed when you go to a dentist, such as Simply Teeth in Essex, for treatment with braces.
Getting straight to the basics
Both metal braces and Invisalign are designed to straighten teeth while improving your smile and oral health. The first use of Invisalign by a dentist was in 2000, so this treatment does not yet have the same history as metal braces.
Traditional fixed metal braces consist of metal brackets glued to your teeth, tied together by wires and tiny rubber bands. Nowadays, you can get brackets to match the enamel colour of your teeth more closely to make them more discreet.
Invisalign, on the other hand, is designed to be almost invisible. Aligner trays made of smooth, comfortable clear plastic are worn over your teeth to guide your teeth into place subtly and gently.
With Invisalign, x-rays and impressions are used to create a precise 3D image of your teeth and to configure your aligner trays accordingly. You will be given a series of aligners, each to be worn for about 2 weeks before moving onto the next aligner in your set.
Still undecided?
If you’re an adult and feel self-conscious about your smile, perhaps daunted by wearing fixed metal braces, then Invisalign could be the right choice for you. It’s removable so you can eat, drink, brush and floss more naturally than with fixed metal braces. However in order for Invisalign to be effective, you must wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. This takes a certain amount of commitment and diligence.
Investing in teeth straightening to improve your smile and overall oral health is not a choice that should be taken lightly. If you need help deciding whether metal braces or Invisalign makes more sense for you, consult an experienced dentist.
