Invisalign® vs. Braces
Asheboro, NC
 There are many questions that might arise when considering orthodontic treatment. There is more to braces and aligners beyond cosmetic dentistry. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, anywhere from 50 to 70 percent of people could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Regardless of whether one seeks orthodontic treatment for health or cosmetic reasons, there are many treatment options provided here at Randolph Center for Dental Excellence to shape the smile you deserve.
What Are Braces?
Braces are tools utilized by us to correct or improve the alignment of teeth. Gradually and slowly, braces work to move crowded or misaligned teeth through gentle adjustments over time, typically over a period of a couple of years. Braces span back well over a century and have seen many iterations and improvements, with each variation providing a new option for dental treatment.
Braces generally work the same way, but each major type of braces has their own benefits and unique characteristics. Traditional braces are what come to mind for most when thinking of braces. These include metal brackets on each tooth, being aligned by use of a metal wire. This metal wire is the basis to providing the ideal shape teeth should bite at.
Ceramic braces are like traditional braces, but utilize tooth-colored ceramic brackets for better concealment while retaining durability. Lingual braces are the most concealed of the braces types, facing inward towards the mouth as opposed to facing out. These braces, while being easily concealed, can be cumbersome for some.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign provides orthodontic treatment by means of clear aligners typically made from a safe and durable plastic. Rather than treating malocclusions, crowded teeth, and crooked teeth by means of brackets and wires, clear aligners correct teeth by gently forcing them into position.
Clear aligners work by ever so slightly correcting a bite virtually instantly once applied. The teeth then become accustomed to the new position, and over time, teeth gradually reach their final and ideal positions. The appeal to Invisalign is in Invisalign’s ability to correct and improve bites and smiles without the need for metal brackets and wires, which some might not like.
Who Qualifies for Either?
For braces, generally any malocclusion, crowded set of teeth, or crooked teeth can be treated by means of braces. Lingual braces might be limited to mild or moderate malocclusions, but ceramic and traditional braces can appropriately treat a wide variety of circumstances. Invisalign can treat mild to moderate malocclusions, and is best suited for cosmetic dentistry purposes, as well as for moderate crowding or crooked teeth.
Comparing Invisalign to Braces
Invisalign is ideal for those who do have mild to moderate malocclusions and want a concealable means of treatment. It is also ideal for those who wish to mitigate maintenance, as the aligners can be worn during mealtimes. Invisalign tends to run more expensive than traditional braces, which is important to factor in when deciding on treatment.
Braces are ideal for nearly any orthodontic work, tend to be cheaper than Invisalign, but require more work to clean and maintain. For those who are seeking orthodontic treatment and do not mind the presence of brackets, wires, and more involved dental processes, braces are more ideal.
Cosmetic dentistry allows one to obtain the smile they have always desired. By means of Invisalign, or traditional dental braces, the result is always a smile that employs confidence and improved self-esteem. Randolph Center for Dental Excellence offers a wide variety of solutions, including cosmetic dental bonding, veneers, and more! For any questions regarding Invisalign, braces, or cosmetic dentistry, please contact us here at Randolph Center for Dental Excellence at (336) 444-2772 today. |
