Is Invisalign as Effective as Braces?

Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can significantly impact your self-esteem and oral health. You may find yourself covering your mouth when you smile or struggling to chew without pain. By fixing your bite, you can improve your appearance, address existing issues, and prevent unwanted health complications down the road.

Often, the best way to correct a crooked smile is with teeth-straightening braces or Invisalign. If you don’t want to deal with the inconvenience and appearance of traditional metal braces, you may be interested in what Invisalign has to offer. But is Invisalign really as effective as braces? Compare the two here to help you decide if Invisalign could be right for you.

Invisalign vs. Braces

Traditional braces and Invisalign are both FDA-approved methods of gradually straightening and realigning the teeth. Metal braces rely on brackets, wires, and elastic bands to achieve this. The appliance is glued to your teeth and adjusted by your dentist every few weeks until treatment is complete.

On the other hand, Invisalign straightens your smile with aligner trays custom-made for your teeth. The aligners are made of BPA-free plastic and fit over your teeth similar to a mouth guard. Your dentist supplies you with several trays that you switch out every two weeks, or according to your treatment plan, to achieve the desired results as quickly as possible.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign is the modern choice for many teens and adults hoping for straighter teeth. Here’s why Invisalign may be right for you:

• Invisalign is nearly invisible from a distance, providing a discreet way to straighten your smile.
• The aligners are removable, so you have no food restrictions.
• You can brush and floss your teeth like normal, reducing the risk of cavities during treatment.
• The plastic aligners are less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks.
• Optimal results can often be achieved faster.
• Fewer office visits are required during treatment.

Benefits of Braces

Some people consider traditional braces to be outdated, but they still offer some benefits over Invisalign. Here are the top reasons why metal braces are still a leading teeth-straightening approach:

• Traditional braces can correct even the most complex tooth-alignment problems.
• Because they are not removable, it’s impossible to misplace metal braces or forget to put them back in.

If you’re interested in straightening your teeth with aligners, Dr. Pete Spalitto of West County Dental would be happy to help. We provide orthodontic care to patients of all ages in the St. Louis area, with fast, effective results that last for years to come. To ask questions or reserve a appointment, please call us at (314) 488-2921 or contact us online today.