Parker Orthodontics: Braces vs. Invisalign
Posted on December 5, 2019
Are you thinking about getting orthodontic treatment in the Baton Rouge area but not sure whether to choose braces or Invisalign? We break it down for you – the pros and the cons.
Traditional, stainless steel braces as we know them today were developed in the 1960s. And by the 70s, invisible/clear braces came on the market. Yet, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that Invisalign® took the nation and world by storm. Developed by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth, Invisalign uses clear aligners that patient’s swap out every 1-2 weeks to gently realign their teeth into the correct position.
So, which is better when it comes to straightening your teeth and aligning your bite – braces or Invisalign? The real truth: it depends.
Traditional braces are probably the route you want to take if you have severe alignment issues, or if you don’t want to be bothered with swapping out aligners every 1-2 weeks. Whereas Invisalign is perfect for those who don’t want to have metal in their mouth and would like a more discrete solution.
Below are two charts to help you decide which is right for you.
TRADITIONAL BRACES PROS INVISALIGN PROS
| • Straightens teeth
• Great for severe bite issues • You don’t have to remember to swap out your trays • You don’t have to remember to put them back in after meals
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• Straightens teeth
• Great for minor and regular realignment needs • No dietary restrictions • Completely clear
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TRADITIONAL BRACES CONS INVISALIGN CONS
| • Tightened every 6-8 weeks, which means more orthodontic visits
• You can only take them off at the end of treatment • Braces can be difficult to clean |
• You have to remember to swap out trays every 1-2 weeks • Forgetting to put your aligner back in after meals • Food and drink can stain aligners
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Still wondering which way to go? Talk to our team at Parker Orthodontics and schedule a FREE consultation today! We will walk you through the appropriate treatment option for your individual needs.