When your teeth are crooked, you don’t have to let them stay that way, thanks to teeth-straightening procedures. Both Invisalign aligners and traditional braces can improve your smile, but which is the better choice? Dr. Campbell Delk and Dr. Jessica Keller of Glen Allen, VA, share the differences between these two options.
Daily Use and Cleaning
Traditional braces stay on throughout the treatment period. Invisalign aligners are removable. Patients need to wear them 22 hours per day but can remove them for eating and cleaning. Both Invisalign aligners and traditional braces require regular flossing and brushing.
Maintenance
With traditional braces, orthodontic appointments are scheduled every one to two months for adjustments and maintenance. Invisalign appointments occur less often, and the wearer must change to a new set of aligners every two weeks.
Treatment Period
The length of time that the patient must wear either traditional braces or Invisalign aligners depends specifically on their needs. Typically, traditional braces remain anywhere from one year to three years.
Invisalign aligners can stay on as little as six months for up to two years. Your Glen Allen, VA, dentists will determine the best treatment length for your needs.
Look
Traditional braces are hard to ignore. The metal hardware stands out against the teeth, meaning anyone the wearer comes in contact with knows they’re there.
Invisalign aligners are much harder to notice. They are nearly invisible, providing a more discreet look. This is a benefit for both kids in school and professional, working adults.
Comfort
Traditional braces sometimes cause irritation in the mouth and can be uncomfortable. Invisalign aligners typically do not cause discomfort. And as they can be removed, wearers can give their mouths a break for a couple of hours each day.
Eating
With traditional braces, wearers have to be careful about what they eat. Many foods can get stuck in the braces and can damage the wiring and bands.
Invisalign aligners can also be damaged or discolored by food. However, wearers are supposed to remove the aligners when eating and when drinking anything other than water. As such, there are no food restrictions, as long as the aligners are removed.
Invisalign aligners offer many benefits over traditional braces, but not everyone is a good candidate. With some serious dental conditions, only traditional braces will help. In others, Invisalign aligners can replace traditional braces after a certain length of treatment.
To learn more about Invisalign options in Glen Allen, VA, and to determine if you’re a good fit, give Dr. Delk or Dr. Keller a call at (804) 747-9511.
