The Difference Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces

Invisalign is a very modern development in the area of orthodontics. Designed to be a subsitute for the original braces, Invisalign, or clear braces as these items are also labelled, can be viewed as a large step forward in the subcategory of cosmetic dentistry.
Traditional braces are built utilising metal and are non-removable additions to the teeth until the orthodontist is satisfied and they are taken off. Despite the fact that they are now manufactured in a number of shades, and consist of wires of different thicknesses, they are normally visible in the mouth. Invisalign however takes an extremely different concept. A see through moulding of the client’s teeth is made, with small corrections to the natural alignment. This fitting can then be placed across the teeth, where it can slowly pull them into a better formation. When Invisalign is in place within the mouth it is just about invisible, and this is why many people prefer this design to that of traditional braces.
A principal advantage to Invisalign is that it is removable. The wearer can take it out when they eat or drink, and also to clean the teeth. This is a large benefit when compared with old-fashioned braces, which hugely interfere with dental hygiene. Not only are they permanent additions to the mouth, they can lead to tooth decay and staining of the tooth enamel. As the wearer can’t properly clean the teeth when the braces are in place, plaque will normally begin to gather extensively. As the braces could be in place for quite a few years, this might be a large issue. In addition metal braces obstruct X-rays. Therefore it is not feasible for the teeth to be X-rayed when the braces are being worn. As a result of this a number of dental complications can go undetected for months if not years, until the braces are extracted. These problems do not occur in the case of Invisalign.
A second key difference between Invisalign and standard braces is that an orthodontic course of treatment making use of transparent braces generally won’t last as long as a course of treatment with metal braces. The average duration of a treatment using traditional braces is 3 years. However courses of treatment with Invisalign can be done in less than 18 months, and some cases need only a year. This is against expectation as Invisalign braces supply lower pressure onto the teeth than standard braces. As a result of this they are more comfortable to use, as they are gently pulling the teeth into place. When typical braces have been tightened however, they basically push the teeth into the correct position. Patients who choose Invisalign must attend their orthodontist more often however. Adjusted Invisalign fittings have to be supplied each fortnight, but metal braces only need to be tightened every month or so.
Patients who would rather purchase Invisalign transparent braces over traditional orthodontic braces must bear in mind that this approach might be considerably more expensive than standard surgeries. Along with this clients need to always make sure that they wear the Invisalign fixture in the mouth for up to 20-22 hours per day. Typically this is not a problem however, due to the fact that the clear braces are practically invisible, and they are comfortable to wear.