If you want a straighter confident smile, you have many options that yield excellent results. If you’re considering Invisalign, you may be curious about the features of other orthodontic methods. Let’s take a look at each.
The Invisalign System
The Invisalign System uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays (aligners) that fit snugly over the teeth. Aligners are custom-crafted. They are switched every two weeks to progressively move teeth into the desired position.
Aesthetics: Nearly invisible
Efficiency: Suitable for the majority of cases that are mild to moderately complex. Treatment outcomes depend on the experience level of the practitioner. Dr Meng Quah-Shepherd (Dentist) is highly experienced in providing Invisalign.
Oral hygiene: Invisalign aligners can be removed before brushing and flossing. So, it’s easy to maintain optimal oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Comfort: Most people have temporary, minor discomfort at the beginning of each new phase of treatment. This discomfort is only a short-term effect. It’s typically described as a feeling of pressure. At the start of treatment, speech may be temporarily affected.
Compliance: According to some research, because the aligners are practically invisible, there is a high level of patient compliance.
Removable: Removable; however, to obtain the best results possible, the aligners should be worn a minimum of 20-22 hours a day.
Traditional Braces
Conventional braces are stainless steel brackets and wires. They are affixed to the outside of the teeth. Throughout treatment, wires are adjusted to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Aesthetics: Highly visible.
Efficiency: Suitable for almost all cases.
Oral hygiene: Oral hygiene is more difficult to maintain with fixed braces when brushing and flossing. Because of this, patients who wear fixed braces often have increased plaque accumulation. They also can experience gingival inflammation during treatment. White hypocalcified lesions can also develop on teeth.
Comfort: Mouth sores or ulcers can result due to the irritation from different parts of the braces. Broken brackets and wires can also be uncomfortable and may require prompt attention from your dentist.
Compliance: Because braces are attached to the tooth, compliance is very high.
Removable: Not removable. Braces remain attached to the teeth for the duration of orthodontic treatment.
Ceramic Braces
Conventional ceramic braces are clear brackets that are affixed to the outside of the teeth. Wires can be either tooth-coloured or metal. They are adjusted throughout the course of treatment to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Aesthetics: Less visible than traditional braces but more visible than lingual braces and Invisalign aligners.
Efficiency: Suitable for nearly all cases.
Oral hygiene: As is the case with traditional braces, it’s harder to maintain good oral hygiene with ceramic braces. Increased plaque can accumulate as a result.
Comfort: Irritation from the parts of the braces can cause mouth sores to develop. Broken brackets and wires can also result in discomfort.
Compliance: High level of compliance as ceramic braces are fixed to the teeth for the entire treatment.
Removable: Not removable. Ceramic braces are affixed to the teeth for the duration of orthodontic treatment.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are metal brackets and wires that are attached to the back of teeth. Throughout treatment, wires are adjusted to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Aesthetics: Virtually invisible.
Efficiency: Suitable for most cases that range from mild to moderate in complexity. It can, however, be more challenging for doctors to manage lingual brace treatment versus traditional braces.
Oral hygiene: Due to the position of lingual braces on the back of teeth, it’s harder to brush and floss normally during treatment. As a result, plaque can linger on teeth. Tooth decay also can develop.
Comfort: Lingual appliances can affect the tongue position and speech throughout treatment. Mouth sores or ulcers can also be caused by the parts of the braces that are irritating.
Compliance: High level of compliance as lingual braces are affixed to the teeth for the entire treatment time.
Removable: Not removable. Braces are fixed to the teeth for the duration of orthodontic treatment.
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.