There are many different braces available to address orthodontic teeth, and with so many options, you are likely wondering what the best choice is.
Table of Contents
Traditional braces
Traditional braces have been used for over a century and are the gold standard in teeth straightening. There are many advantages to straightening your teeth with traditional braces. To begin with, they are very effective at addressing complex orthodontic issues and bite disorders. The metal components exert significant pressure to straighten teeth and can create a neatly aligned smile. They are fixed to the surface of your teeth, which means they work continuously. You do not have to worry about misplacing your braces or remembering to take them out or put them back in at a certain time; instead, they work for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They have been tried and tested for so long, meaning they are reliable and can deliver excellent aesthetic results.
As with all types of treatments, traditional braces also have their disadvantages. Firstly, most people would argue that traditional braces do not look very attractive; they are highly visible and can often draw unwanted attention to your mouth, which can be embarrassing if you are already unhappy with your teeth. There are certain limitations to what you can and cannot eat with fixed braces to avoid damaging the brackets or wires, which can be inconvenient as you will need to book an appointment with your dentist immediately to have them fixed. Another issue with traditional braces is that it can be difficult to clean your teeth; you have to take extra care when brushing your teeth because food and plaque can remain in the mouth, increasing your chance of developing tooth decay or gum disease. You must visit your dentist regularly so that your teeth and gums remain clean and healthy throughout the process.
Invisalign
If you are looking for an alternative, speak to your dentist about the options available. Invisalign London is a highly popular choice of orthodontic treatment that was first introduced in 1999 and has treated more than 14 million smiles already. Invisalign can correct a range of cosmetic orthodontic issues, such as crooked, protruding, overlapping or overcrowded teeth, and treat bite disorders. The time it takes to straighten your teeth with Invisalign is similar to that of traditional braces, with an average of 12 to 18 months.
Advantages of Invisalign
Like traditional braces, Invisalign has its advantages and disadvantages. There are many advantages of Invisalign. To begin with, you will be pleased to know that, as the name suggests, Invisalign is almost invisible and can straighten your teeth without drawing unwanted attention to your mouth. Invisalign uses clear thermoplastic aligners that can fit snugly onto your teeth and are unnoticeable unless pointed out. They are designed using the latest digital dental technology, which means they can fit your mouth precisely, producing highly predictable results while being comfortable because they can be customised for your mouth. The sensation of smooth plastic in your mouth is also easier to become accustomed to in comparison to the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces. Most of the treatment can be carried out in the comfort of your own home, so you do not have to spend much time at the dental clinic; this is excellent for those with busy, hectic lifestyles.
Things to remember with Invisalign
The issue with Invisalign is that, although the aligners are removable, you must maintain excellent discipline throughout the treatment process. The aligners only work when they are in your mouth, which means you need to keep them in for as long as possible. They need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day and must be removed if you need to drink anything other than water and when you eat. You also should brush your teeth very carefully before you put the aligners back in your mouth and maintain this discipline for the length of the treatment, which may be 12 to 24 months. If you follow your dentist’s instructions carefully, you can achieve excellent results. Speak to your dentist today and learn more about the different types of braces and why Invisalign is the most popular choice amongst the modern generation.
