Invisalign VS Traditional Braces: Comparing Orthodontic Treatments

Traditionally, braces are made of metal and are attached to the outside of the teeth. However, there are now a wide variety of teeth straightening options that are comfortable, discreet and provide fantastic results in a much shorter frame of time.

Some of these teeth straightening treatments include Smilelign, Inman Aligners, Six Month Smiles, Fastbraces, and Invisalign, the most popular aligning treatment we have at Perfect Smile Spa. 

If you’re reading this, you are most likely looking to straighten your teeth but can’t decide between Invisalign or traditional braces, also known as Fastbraces. This guide compares the two treatments together to help you decide which is best for you.

Discreet and Invisible

Want teeth straightening without the need to feel worried about the appearance of braces? Invisalign alleviates the requirement for the use of visible wires – which can often become a source of embarrassment for many of our patients who would prefer to avoid traditional train-track braces.

The biggest benefit of Invisalign is that the retainers are virtually invisible, and are therefore discreet and ideal for patients who are self-conscious and would rather their treatment went unnoticed. Invisalign is also highly suitable for adults who feel embarrassed to wear braces.

Traditional braces are almost impossible to hide and are typically very noticeable. However, with more of us wearing masks and now working from home, is COVID-19 the best time to get braces?

Comfort and Adjusting

Best of all, Invisalign is far more comfortable to wear than other treatments. Invisalign have far fewer mouth and gum problems because they are specially tailored to the mouth, so there is no possibility of cuts to the inner cheeks or uncomfortable rubbing.

Traditional braces are not painful but can cause some slight discomfort when adjusted as the teeth are pushed into position. This discomfort usually lasts for a day or so and is bearable.

Daily Activities

Unlike other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign can be easily removed for brushing, flossing and eating. The ability to remove Invisalign is a huge selling point as it means that patients can continue on as normal. 

You will need to be strict and wear your Invisalign for 20-22 hours each day, so if you’re a little forgetful, you may find that treatment will take much longer and we do advise being disciplined.

However, as traditional braces cannot be removed at home, they are continuously working all throughout the day and night and can be easily worn when eating and drinking, with some small restrictions on eating extremely hard foods. It doesn’t cause any pain to eat with traditional braces, although you may find some small discomfort if you are eating shortly after having your braces adjusted.

Treatment Visits

When you come to our clinic, we discuss your insecurities to find out the most suitable orthodontic treatment for your exact budget and requirements. If Invisalign is suitable for you, we will discuss your treatment plan, including payment and the treatment timeline. We will then take a 3D scan of your teeth to create customised retainers in a laboratory. 

With Invisalign, you’ll have fewer consultations and check-up appointments at the dentist, which can be an extreme selling point for patients who lead a busy lifestyle or are situated further away from Essex.

On the other hand, traditional braces require more consultations and visits to tighten the braces for adjustments. These trips mean that you’ll be required to visit our dentist more frequently compared to Invisalign patients. With that being said, our dental clinic is open on Saturdays, so you will be able to visit us outside of your working week.

Effectiveness

Both Invisalign and traditional braces are fantastic in delivering effective results. Although, Invisalign isn’t suitable for everyone, and we will discuss the best treatment for you during your free consultation.

For more complex cases, we may advise traditional braces or steer you away to our other orthodontic treatments. 

Our free consultation talks through your options, determines the timeframe and what to expect from the results. We aim to give you a detailed summary of each orthodontic treatment to allow you to make an informed decision that is best for you.

Orthodontics in Essex

Whether you’re looking for Invisalign, Fastbraces, or if there are other orthodontic options you are considering, we are more than happy to provide you with a free consultation to guide you on each treatment we have available.

All of our treatments are completely pain-free too, so there’s no need to worry about feeling uncomfortable during any treatments or appointments. Best of all, we offer 0% finance and affordable monthly payment options if you’d like to spread out the costs.

For more information, please get in touch or call us on 01708 207526.