What’s the Difference Between Braces & Invisalign?

You want to straighten your teeth but have concerns about conventional metal braces and how they may affect your appearance. In that case, you may consider Invisalign. There are significant differences between braces and Invisalign and both use different techniques to straighten your teeth. At Esteem Braces & Aligners, our Orthodontist in North Miami Beach, Fl provides both forms of treatment.
Traditional Braces
Braces provide the traditional way to treat crowded or crooked teeth. They are made of metal and are linked with every tooth and connected with the help of a wire. Braces are known for being readily visible and don’t require frequent removal.
Some of the key aspects of braces are as follows:

  • Braces are available in many materials, including stainless steel, gold color, and tooth-colored ceramic. Some can even be placed behind the teeth. They will still be visible, especially due to accessories such as wires and rubber bands.
  • In some patients, braces may irritate the mouth tissue or some discomfort when they are first placed or adjusted. However, this discomfort vanishes quickly and you will no longer remember having them.
  • It is recommended to follow a regular brushing and flossing routine to remove food debris and plaque that can otherwise damage the tooth enamel.
  • When you wear braces, it is recommended to avoid sticky or crunchy foods. Such food can cause damage to the brackets or wires.
Invisalign
Invisalign are new form of aligners and are typically made of clear plastic. Your Invisalign aligners will be placed without any brackets, wires, or elastic. They are usually installed for a few weeks before being replaced. They are meant to be worn until your teeth have been set in the proper direction and the progress varies from one patient to another. The desired results can take anything from a few months to 2 years to be achieved.
Advantages of Invisalign
Some of the key advantages of choosing Invisalign are as follows:

  • Invisalign retainers are quite discrete and it is difficult for anyone to spot them. You may want to choose them if you have self-esteem and/or social anxiety problems. You can smile and talk without any second thoughts about people noticing your orthodontic appliance.
  • Since they are made of soft plastic, they are more comfortable than conventional braces. Braces can sometimes cause discomfort right after being adjusted.
  • Before your Invisalign retainers are installed, you can see the expected results using the software. This can help boost your motivation to receive treatment.

Besides these benefits, you can remove your Invisalign aligners whenever required. You can remove them for cleaning, oral hygiene, sports activities, or even when taking sticky or hard foods.

If you want to determine which types of orthodontic appliances are best for your oral condition, it is recommended to contact the North Miami Beach Orthodontist at Esteem Braces & Aligners. We have the specialized expertise and experience required to help you select the best option to optimize your smile. You can get in touch with us at (786) 744-1570 or write to us.