The More You Know: What’s the Difference Between Invisalign & Clear Braces?

Clear dental braces or Invisalign: which treatment should you choose? Both are extremely effective corrective dental devices that can help you fix crooked teeth and get that straight and perfect smile that everyone yearns for. But how do you know which is right for you? Read on to find out!

Invisalign vs Clear Braces: What Are They?

Before you decide to choose between dental braces and Invisalign, it is important to know what exactly they are and what orthodontic issues they are designed to fix.

What Are Clear Braces?

Clear braces are similar to traditional dental braces; the main difference being that they are constructed using ceramic or porcelain brackets paired with frosted wires rather than metal. These clear braces help patients correct a wide range of orthodontic issues such as crooked, crowded, gapped and overlapped teeth.

Now we know what you’re thinking: are clear braces better than metal? The truth is that they work just as effectively as traditional metal braces but are made using different materials. Traditional metal braces effectively straighten your teeth using stainless steel bands, brackets and wires. However, the ceramic brackets and frosted wires make clear braces appear much more discreet and less noticeable than metal braces. This feature enables them to match the shade of your natural teeth more closely, which is why they are a popular choice among teens and adults alike.

Are Clear Braces Better?: Pros of Clear Braces

Great Aesthetic Value

Though clear braces are not entirely invisible, they are definitely far less noticeable than your traditional metal braces. Having a mouth full of metal can be a real confidence crusher for some people as it stands out very clearly. However, with clear brackets, they can be designed to match the colour of your natural teeth more closely, making them appear far less noticeable. This is one of the main reasons why several people choose clear braces over metal ones.

Less Painful

Due to the nature of the materials used, clear braces are usually far less painful to wear than metal braces. Ceramic or porcelain tends to be less harsh on the gums and cheeks, reducing the risk of cuts and scrapes. However, they can be a bit more uncomfortable than Invisalign.

Corrects Severe Orthodontic Issues

In cases of severe misalignment or malocclusion such as overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites, clear braces are extremely effective. Since these are severe cases that cannot be corrected using simple aligners, most patients suffering from these issues will benefit from using clear braces.

Faster Results

When compared to other teeth-straightening solutions, you may find that clear braces tend to yield relatively quicker results. Patients will start to see drastic changes within 18–36 months.

Are Clear Braces Worth It?: Cons of Clear Braces

Difficult to Clean

Clear braces tend to have bigger brackets than traditional metal braces. This larger size can make it much more challenging to clean around your brackets. Not cleaning around your brackets effectively can make your gums more likely to get swollen or recede. The chances of developing gum disease or tooth decay can be high due to this.

Similarly, as you cannot take your braces out as you would clear aligners, it can be tricky to clean your teeth as effectively.

More Fragile

Clear braces are not usually as strong as metal braces which means that they may take slightly longer to straighten your teeth. Due to the nature of the materials used, clear braces can be prone to damage. On account of this, you may have to get them repaired often.

However, they tend to be stronger than clear aligners — and you also will never lose them!

High Cost

Clear braces are usually more expensive than metal braces since they use material like porcelain or ceramic. If you are on a budget, the expense factor may be worth considering before you decide to invest in clear braces.

However, braces tend to be cheaper than Invisalign. Although, when you factor in regular trips to get your braces tightened and checked, the costs can become more even.

Food Limitations

Do clear braces stain? Yes, since the elastic ties and ceramic brackets are clear, they are definitely more prone to staining compared to traditional metal braces. This means that you will need to reduce your intake of certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, vinegar, soy sauce and tomato sauce. You will also need to avoid sticky food like toffees and candy as well as crunchy foods like chips, nuts and popcorn, which can damage the braces.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening solution that makes use of advanced orthodontic technology to help the patient achieve their signature smile without the need of metal or ceramic. A dentist will use computer-generated imaging and take impressions of the patient’s mouth to create custom-built invisible aligners made of resin.

Every few weeks, the patient will be given a new aligner tray which is moulded to be a tad bit straighter than the last. In this manner, the patient’s teeth will gradually shift into the ideal position by the end of their treatment which could last over a course of several months.

Should I Try Invisalign?: Pros of Invisalign

Self Confidence Booster

Since fixed braces tend to draw attention to one’s teeth, it can make a person very self-conscious about their appearance. However, since Invisalign aligners are made from clear resin that perfectly fits the mould of your teeth, they are essentially invisible and will allow the wearer to feel more confident about their appearance.

Comfort

Braces cam have sharp edges that can cause cuts on your lips and cheeks. By comparison, Invisalign is far more comfortable to wear as they are custom made for each person. The high-quality resin that is used to smooth the edges of the Invisalign eliminates the possibility for rubbing against your lips and cheeks too.

Improved Dental Hygiene

With braces, cleaning can become a hassle as they are fixed onto your teeth, meaning that the chances of getting food stuck in the brackets is high. However, Invisalign are removable aligners which can be popped off when you need to brush your teeth. This means that you will be able to clean your teeth the way you normally would.

No Food Limitations

With Invisalign, you will be able to eat and drink anything you want. Since you will be required to remove your clear aligners before eating or drinking, there is no risk of staining or food getting stuck.

Shorter Treatment Length

Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 6–18 months, after which a patient will see results. Since they are a meticulously planned treatment that is designed to move your teeth into shape using different trays, you are bound to see some changes in a shorter amount of time.

Why Invisalign Might Not Be Right: Cons of Invisalign

Takes Commitment

Though clear aligners can be removed for eating and drinking, it is important that you remember to wear them regularly during the rest of the day. As a rule of thumb, Invisalign should be worn for at least 22 hours a day. If you do not stick to this program, the treatment will be ineffective and could get prolonged, eventually incurring extra costs.

Not Effective for Severe Dental Issues

While Invisalign can help gradually reshape your teeth and straighten them, they are not that effective in cases that involve severely crowded teeth and crooked teeth including overbites, underbites and many more.

Attachments

In some cases, Invisalign includes more than just clear aligners. Some treatment options may include attachments such as ridges that are stuck to your teeth. These attachments make sure the aligners fit in exactly the right place to correct the placement of your teeth. Since these attachments are much more noticeable, it can feel like you’re missing out on one of the key benefits of clear aligners.

Initial Discomfort

Though Invisalign are much more comfortable to wear than regular braces, they can still cause soreness and pain when you first start wearing them. This is because it can take a while for your jaw to get adjusted to the feeling of your teeth getting reshaped and your jaw getting slightly altered.

Can Cause Tooth Problems If Not Cared For Properly

As you already know, you will need to remove your aligners when you are eating or drinking. If you don’t do so, food or drink can get into the space between the aligners and your teeth. This can cause bacteria to grow along your teeth or gum line, resulting in cavities or tooth decay.

What Might My Dentist Recommend?

Depending on your individual dental concerns, your dentist will be able to suggest the right course of action for straightening your teeth. Usually, Invisalign is great for those with mild to moderate overcrowding and spacing issues. On the other hand, for those who require more intense orthodontic treatment, ceramic braces are a far better choice.

Sometimes, you may be suffering from a combination of mild and severe dental issues. In this case, your dentist may recommend using Invisalign as well as clear braces. For instance, certain adjustments may need to be made with clear braces after which the treatment can be completed with the use of Invisalign. The best way forward though is to speak to your dentist in order to decide on the most appropriate choice for you.

How Langmore Dental Can Help

Serving for more than 34 years as one of the best dental clinics in Narre Warren, Langmore Dental strives to provide expert advice and dental care services to all our valued clients. Our highly experienced professional staff make use of modern technological equipment to provide you with the latest dental procedures and innovations.

As we hold our clients in the highest regard, we aim to provide a comfortable, friendly and personalised dental experience that will leave you beyond satisfied. So if you’re looking for Invisalign or clear braces in Berwick, you know who can help. Contact us on 9796 1881 to make an appointment with Langmore Dental today!