Ever wonder if Invisalign® works better than traditional braces? Is there a big difference in the cost or amount of time it takes to straighten your smile? And how do you finally determine which treatment option is right for you or your child? AlBawadi Medical centre is here to break it all down and show you what to keep in mind to choose between the two.

How Invisalign® and Braces Move Your Teeth

The main difference between Invisalign® and traditional metal braces is how they move your teeth, and in so doing, correct your smile. With Invisalign®, you wear a series of computer-generated, clear removable alliances that gradually move your teeth into place as you wear each set. In contrast, traditional braces consist of fixed brackets, wires, and bonding material that our team will adjust over time.

Reasons to Choose Invisalign®

To help you decide whether to invest in Invisalign® or traditional braces, here are a few situations where Invisalign® may make sense for your case:

If You’re Concerned About Appearance

Let’s be honest: appearance is the most obvious difference between the two. When people think of traditional braces, they usually think of shiny metal brackets and wires. So, for many of our adult patients, Invisalign® is the obvious choice. But what most people don’t know is that ceramic braces now offer many of the appearance benefits of clear aligners. Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces except that they have clear or tooth-colored brackets that straighten your teeth.

If You Play Contact Sports 

Because of the brackets and wires, getting hit in the face while wearing traditional braces can result in damage to the cheeks, tongue, or lips. Moreover, blunt trauma can lead to broken brackets and repeated trips to the orthodontist. A custom-fitted mouthguard will help prevent many of these injuries. But if you play contact sports for under two hours a day, Invisalign® is a better choice. This is because you can take the removable aligners out before you play.

If You Have a Mild or Moderate Case

Invisalign® is usually recommended for mild to moderate cases (although it can also be used to treat some more serious cases). This means that Invisalign® can work for you for more common problems such as underbites, overbites, gaps, or crowded teeth. To check whether or not you are a good candidate, check out our new Invisalign® Smile Assessment Tool! And as always, the team at Albawadi is always here to answer any questions you might have and guide you in the right direction.

If You Have Existing Dental Problems

Studies have found that traditional orthodontic treatment can exacerbate existing dental problems like gum disease or gingivitis. According to researchers, this is often due to how traditional braces impact some patients’ oral hygiene habits. The brackets and wires that cover part of your teeth can make it more difficult to floss requiring more dedication to the task. Invisalign® makes it easier to adhere to proper oral hygiene via removable trays. There’s no excuse for not properly flossing or brushing your teeth!

Reasons to Choose Traditional Braces

We laid out some reasons you may want to consider Invisalign® but here are a few situations where traditional braces might make more sense.

You’re Worried About Compliance

Any orthodontic treatment only works when used correctly. Insivalign® aligners require that they be worn 20-22 hours every day for optimal results. If you think your child will take the Invisalign® aligners out and leave them out for an extended period of time so that the hour mark goes regularly unmet, then traditional braces are the way to go. Traditional braces are not removable – so they’re always working! And while they also require upkeep the compliance factors are easier to maintain for younger patients.

If You Have a Severe Case or You Have Impacted Canine Teeth

If you’re one of the many who has an impacted canine teeth then you already know that your teeth may be growing out far above your gum line. While Invisalign® can adjust upper canines that grow higher, more severe cases may require traditional braces treatment. This is just one example of many where the type, degree, and the number of tooth adjustments required will dictate a proper course for correction.

Take the First Step on Your Journey

Regardless of which orthodontic treatment you choose, Our Specialist Orthodontist have the experience and expertise to help you select the option that’s right for you. We are specialists at straightening teeth for both children and adults and take pride in our ability to create beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime. 

Dr. Shiju Baburaj is an Invisalign Certified practitioner and is ready to answer any of your quires regarding Invisalign. Begin your journey by giving us a call and schedule an appointment today! We’ll help you select the treatment option that’s best for you or your loved one.