Invisalign and metal braces both straighten teeth. Some patients are better candidates for one type of orthodontic treatment than the other, and some patients qualify for both. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to make a choice that suits your lifestyle, it’s important to know how Invisalign differs from conventional metal braces. It’s not just about looks. 4 ways Invisalign is different than metal braces are listed below….
1. Invisalign Is Discreet
Braces are not designed as a torture technique. They are not meant to disrupt a person’s life or make things difficult for you. However, there is no denying the visibility of metal brackets and wires and the convenience and discretion of Invisalign for adults or Invisalign Teen. These nearly invisible trays latch snugly onto the teeth and their thin composition allows them to blend right into your smile and not draw attention to themselves.
You can go about your daily life – working, learning, parenting, socializing, exercising, and beyond – without worrying about Invisalign getting in the way. You’ll look the same the entire time your teeth are shifted into alignment – but your smile will look better and better as the weeks go by.
2. Invisalign Doesn’t Require Rubber Bands
Many people who have metal braces need to wear rubber bands about halfway through their treatment to address an overbite, underbite, or open bite. It’s not a terribly taxing responsibility, but it does require attention every day for weeks and sometimes months until the bite is corrected.
Invisalign can correct a person’s bite without rubber bands. Attachments are the typical solution for difficult movements. These small, composite shapes are temporarily bonded to the teeth to force them in the proper direction so they are straight.
3. Clear Braces Are Comfortable
All types of braces deliver a small amount of soreness with every adjustment or new set of trays. This discomfort is temporary and usually lasts only a few days. The difference between Invisalign clear braces and metal braces is that Invisalign isn’t made of wires and brackets.
Though today’s conventional braces are far smaller and more comfortable than decades ago, they are still made of metal and wires with occasional jagged edges. The soft tissues of the mouth – particularly the cheeks and lips – can suffer from unwanted jabs. Invisalign aligners are smooth and the lips slide easily around the trays so they don’t cause additional discomfort.
4. Invisalign Doesn’t Negatively Interfere with Self-Esteem
The goal for anyone who is straightening their teeth is to end up with a smile that’s aligned, bright, beautiful, and healthy. During the process of getting a new smile, however, you don’t want to feel like you’d rather hide your mouth. Though some people – usually teens – embrace metal braces as just part of their daily life, adults need additional options. Invisalign stays under the radar which means you won’t take any dings to your self-esteem and will feel better and better about yourself every day as your smile improves. Talk about a confidence boost.
Get the Smile You Want in Fort Lauderdale
There are so many things that Invisalign and metal braces have in common, but there are also many ways that Invisalign stands out as a superior alignment method, especially for adults. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Charmaine Johnson at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale to discuss your eligibility for Invisalign, or your child’s eligibility for Invisalign Teen and learn about the 4 ways Invisalign is different than metal braces.
