Braces or Invisalign – Which is Right for Me?

Both braces and Invisalign are viable methods for medical treatment in straightening teeth and promoting their proper function. While braces uses metal wires to straighten teeth into proper alignment, Invisalign offers a clear, plastic means for treatment. Both treatments are viable, but one might be more suitable for you than the other.

At M. Scott Runnels Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in Destin and Panama City Beach, we offer different types of braces as well as Invisalign to patients of all ages. We understand that every patient is different, and we’re here to help you get the best treatment for you. Contact Runnels Orthodontics today to schedule your appointment, and we’ll help you get your best smile, in the best way that’s right for you.

Invisalign Pros and Cons

Invisalign can be easily understood as a less stringent form of dental treatment for cases that aren’t too complex in nature. The Invisalign trays are computer-generated, plastic molds that are designed to be worn around the clock. Every few weeks, the molds/trays are changed out. However, there are models that can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

Many people go with Invisalign because they are clear and difficult to detect. It’s quite common that people shy away from braces due to their appearance, but still want a treatment method for straightening their teeth. Invisalign is also attractive because its products have no effect on speech and tend to be extremely comfortable compared to braces.

Patients that use Invisalign can also clean their teeth and eat more easily due to the simple removal of the plastic trays. Removing the plastic molds is as simple and slipping them out of the mouth.

While Invisalign offers aesthetic appeal over braces, it still lacks in competing with the results obtained from traditional braces. Without bracing, brackets, or wires, healthcare professionals find it harder to control the alignment of the teeth. Treatment with Invisalign usually takes longer than cases treated with traditional braces.

Braces Pros and Cons

Dental braces are generally comprised of brackets on the teeth with a wire that runs along them. The brace infrastructure is attached and bonded to the teeth, and it is then responsible for aligning and straightening them over a long period of time. A patient can wear braces anywhere from one to three years.

People often choose braces because they are design to treat even the most severe of alignment issues. Braces aren’t removable until the entire treatment process is completed, making them a viable method for those who require long term, uninterrupted treatment. Because of their permanent fixture, braces can efficiently close gaps and straighten the teeth more quickly. The hardware used with dental braces can even work specifically to correct overbites and under bites, and create fresh, healthy smiles.

The largest downside of dental braces is that they tend to lack aesthetic appeal. They come in various colors, but they are extremely noticeable. Braces are also harder to maintain and clean. Eating requires extra attention to the brace infrastructure, and cleaning them can sometimes be time-consuming.

While these are all helpful points, it’s difficult to determine the usefulness of one product over another without a careful patient examination. Each case requires a different type of treatment, and it’s likely that you will need a proper examination to determine the best route for your teeth. Schedule an appointment today to find out which product would be better suited for you.