Getting braces, no matter which type, is a big decision. But giving yourself a healthy, beautiful smile can have long-term benefits that are genuinely priceless. Though it’s true that both Invisalign and traditional braces can correct misaligned teeth as well as help to boost your confidence, oral health and overall wellness, Invisalign can offer distinct advantages. If you’re in need of braces and are leaning toward Invisalign, understanding the benefits can help you make an informed decision. Here are four reasons Invisalign may be the clear winner over traditional braces.
Virtually Invisible Appearance
Many patients elect to go with Invisalign because the process involves wearing sets of smooth, virtually invisible plastic aligners rather than the metal brackets and wires that accompany traditional braces. Invisalign can also be removed when needed, such as for photos or a job interview, so you can be more discreet about your orthodontic treatment if you choose versus traditional braces that are more noticeable and cannot be removed once the process begins.
Time and Convenience
With Invisalign, patients can save time with a streamlined treatment plan and scheduled appointments. There is no need to make emergency visits to the dentist for a popped wire or a bracket that fell off, such as can be the case with traditional braces. Instead, Invisalign patients progress through a series of aligners or trays, wearing each for two weeks at a time. These are switched out in the convenience of your own home with no need for a visit before moving into the next tray. Periodic appointments (we see our patient once every 2 months) with the dentist ensure that the adjustments are progressing properly. On average, our patients only see us 4-5 times throughout their Invisalign treatment.
Better Hygiene
When going through Invisalign treatment, patients can maintain their brushing schedule without much modification. Patients can continue to brush and floss the same way they did prior to Invisalign treatment. Because there is no metal bracket on the teeth, there is less plaque accumulation and therefore less of a chance to get cavities or gum disease.
Care and Maintenance
Taking care of your Invisalign aligners can be quicker and easier than traditional braces. Caring for your Invisalign aligners is simple and efficient: clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush or soak in a special disinfectant solution designed for Invisalign, brush teeth, floss and reinsert aligners. With traditional braces, it can be a time-consuming and challenging process to fully care for your teeth, brackets and wires in order to avoid build-up of food particles and bacteria.
No Restrictions on Food
One of the benefits patients find most enjoyable with Invisalign is that you can continue eating all the foods you enjoy. Unlike with traditional braces, there’s no need to give up any of your favorite hard, crunchy or sticky foods. With Invisalign, the trays are removed prior to eating so patients can continue to eat just as they did before, and then once finished, the trays are replaced after brushing and flossing your teeth. Traditional metal braces cannot be removed and must be worn at all times, so care is required with food choices to avoid breaking delicate wires, popping a bracket off or getting food caught in the nooks and crannies.
Get Started Today
The choice is clear if you’ve already made the decision to proceed with Invisalign retainers – you’re well on your way to making the most of your smile. If you’re still deciding about which form of braces is right for you, learn more about your options with a free consultation at Dental Associates of Lodi. Call our office today at 862-247-8030 to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.
