Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Although modern orthodontics was not invented until the early 17th century, dental braces date back to ancient times. Aristotle, Hippocrates, and other historical figures contemplated and devised early systems to help people fix or straighten their teeth. Instead of the metal bands that are used today, early orthodontists used catgut, a natural fiber made of animal intestines to straighten and close gaps in the teeth.

Braces as we know and loathe them today were invented in the early 19th century. Since that time metal braces have been the teeth straightening system of choice for orthodontists around the globe. They can be used to fix a myriad of dental problems, from overbites and malocclusions to diastemas (gaps) and other aesthetic issues. Both parents and their children abhor them, but for different reasons.

Parents can’t stand them because they’re expensive, and kids hate braces because they are uncomfortable and unsightly. Just about every braces wearer has been called a “brace face” or a “metal mouth” at one time or another. As we all know, kids can be cruel and metal braces give them all the ammunition they need to launch an unprovoked attack.

Cosmetic alte
atives to traditional braces have existed for decades. These “clear” braces are cemented onto the backside of the teeth instead of the front, making them invisible to observers. In addition to being pricier, these clear braces are also far more likely to cause tongue irritation, since the brackets and wires are on the insides of the teeth, near the tongue.

What is Invisalign?

As we have seen, braces have limitations. The traditional system is unsightly and the more modern alte
ative causes oral irritation, which may result in soreness, cuts, and even infections. Fortunately, there is another option that does not rely on metal brackets and wires and is thusly far more comfortable.

Invisalign is a new tooth straightening systems that utilizes custom-made aligners that gradually shift your smile into its proper place. These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, and almost undetectable plastic that are worn over your teeth until your treatment is complete.

How do they work?

With traditional braces, your dentist or orthodontist must make regular adjustments based on your progress. In most cases, he or she with tighten the wires periodically to expedite the straightening process. But that is not necessary or even possible with Invisalign. Instead, the patient is simply given a new set of aligners when needed, often every two weeks. Simply pop them in and wear them until your teeth shift enough to require a new set of aligners.

In addition to the obvious aesthetic advantages, Invisalign is also functionally superior. You won’t have to worry about your favorite foods getting caught in the wires or brackets of your braces, which makes them even more of an eyesore. Because the aligners are removable, this new system allows you to eat the foods you enjoy at any time. You can also brush and floss normally, which can be a chore with regular braces. Last but not least, the smooth plastic Invisalign trays will not irritate your gums and cheeks as traditional braces can and often do.