Invisalign or Braces, Which Is Right for You?

If you are looking to straighten your smile, these days you have two great options: Invisalign and braces. Here is a guide to help you decide which is the right choice for you.

How Much Do You Want to Avoid Visible Wires?

One of the main reasons why people choose Invisalign is that they are trying to avoid having metal brackets and wires on their teeth. Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners mean that there is no need to have wires attached to the teeth. These aligners are very hard to see, so you may be able to get through an orthodontic treatment without anyone actually noticing.

On the other hand, it’s worth noting that braces are much better concealed than they used to be, with clear brackets and white wires. It’s quite possible that you might get as good, or better, concealment with these techniques.

How Much Would Your Diet Be Restricted?

Another big limitation of braces is the dietary restrictions that come along with them. For some people, the foods that get cut out can be a major sacrifice. Invisalign has no diet restrictions.

Both Require Heightened Oral Hygiene

Most people know about the extra difficulty in cleaning braces, but they don’t know that Invisalign also requires extra care. With Invisalign, you have to clean your teeth every time you remove your aligners to eat.

Some Types of Tooth Movement Are Harder with Invisalign

Another important consideration is that Invisalign is not good for all types of tooth movements. In the past, tooth rotation and raising teeth were two of the most problematic tooth movements. However, the technique is improving all the time, and the only way to know how well it might perform is to talk to a dentist.

Do You Have Plastic Allergies?

Some people with plastic allergies experience minor symptoms with Invisalign. The typical material used for Invisalign aligners is polyurethane, though Invisalign can manufacture them of different materials if this is a concern. If you have plastic allergies, you should mention it to your dentist.

Would Your Activities Put You at Risk with Braces?

For people who engage in certain activities, such as contact sports, braces can pose a potential risk: braces and brackets can cut the cheeks. Invisalign doesn’t pose this risk and can be removed so you can use your normal mouthguard during treatment.

Only Talking to a Dentist Will Tell for Sure

The best way to make this decision is in consultation with a dentist. If you are trying to decide which is the best way to straighten your teeth, talk to a dentist that provides both options.

For an appointment to talk about Invisalign in Beverly Hills, please call Nicolas A. Ravon, DDS, MSD at (310) 275-5325 today.

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