Fixed braces or Invisalign: Which is best for you?
If you’ve decided to straighten your smile, you might be wondering which type of brace will suit your lifestyle, budget, and goal. Should you opt for clear aligners? Or are traditional braces the better choice? Here we’ll explore the difference between two of the most popular types of brace – Invisalign clear aligners and fixed braces – to help you make up your mind.
What’s the difference?
Fixed braces
Fixed braces are traditional braces that are attached to your teeth using wires, brackets, and elastic bands. They put gentle pressure on your teeth to slowly move them into place.
Traditional fixed braces are usually made of metal. But you can also get ceramic braces, which have clear or tooth-coloured brackets. Or you can choose lingual braces, which are fixed to the back of your teeth.
Invisalign
Invisalign are a well-known brand of clear aligners. Aligners are made of a flexible plastic. They’re custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and gradually move them. You wear aligners for 22 hours a day and change them every one to two weeks.
What problems can they fix?
Fixed braces
Fixed braces can fix most dental issues, including more complicated problems. For example, they might be recommended if your teeth are overcrowded, stick out, have large gaps, or don’t line up like they should (your bite).
Invisalign
Invisalign can often help if your teeth only need to be moved a small or moderate amount. But they’re not recommended for more complex dental problems. Your orthodontist can let you know if Invisalign might work for you.
What do they look like?
Fixed braces
Fixed metal braces are the most visible type of brace, because they’re made of metal wires and brackets attached to the front of your teeth. You can also opt for coloured brackets if you want.
Ceramic braces are fitted to the front of your teeth, but because the brackets are clear or tooth-coloured, they’re not as noticeable.
Lingual braces are also metal, but they’re hidden behind your teeth, so they aren’t visible.
Invisalign
Clear aligners are made from a transparent plastic material, so they’re almost invisible. They look similar to a mouthguard or retainer. Sometimes, you might need to have small tooth-coloured attachments placed on your teeth. These help your aligner to apply pressure in the right place and might be more noticeable.
Can I take them out?
Fixed braces
Fixed braces are permanently bonded to your teeth. They can’t be removed until your orthodontist takes them off at the end of your treatment.
Invisalign
You can remove aligners to eat and clean your teeth. But aligners only work if you wear them for 22 hours a day. So it’s important to clean them and put them back in as soon as possible.
How long do they take?
Fixed braces
It’s hard to say exactly how long treatment with fixed braces will take. It depends on how far your teeth need moving, but treatment with fixed braces could take one to two years. Small tooth movements will happen much faster than complex ones. Your orthodontist can let you know how long they expect your treatment to take.
Invisalign
Aligners can sometimes work faster than fixed braces, but it really depends on your individual case. Clear aligners are often used to treat teeth that don’t need moving very far, which can make treatment quicker for some people. But since every smile is different, it’s hard to say exactly how long it will take. The best way to find out is to ask your orthodontist about your specific treatment plan.
Do they hurt?
Fixed braces
Whatever brace you choose, it’s normal for it to feel a bit uncomfortable. Braces apply pressure to your teeth to move them, which can make them feel tender. You might find the pressure eases, and comes back when your orthodontist adjusts your braces. The wires and brackets can also irritate your cheeks and gums at first.
Invisalign
Just like fixed braces, Invisalign work by putting pressure on your teeth to move them, so you might find it uncomfortable when you change your aligners.
But aligners are designed to fit snugly against your teeth and don’t have sharp edges, so they’re usually comfortable to wear.
How do I take care of them?
Fixed braces
It’s easy for tiny pieces of food to get stuck behind wires and brackets. So it’s essential to clean your teeth thoroughly to help prevent plaque from building up around your braces, and causing tooth decay. Your orthodontist will show you how to take good care of your brace.
Invisalign
If you opt for clear aligners, you’ll be able to take them out and clean your teeth as normal. But you’ll also need to gently clean your aligners.
It’s easy for aligners to get lost or damaged. So it’s important to store them somewhere safe when you’re not wearing them and put them back in as soon as you can.
What can I eat?
Fixed braces
Fixed braces stay on your teeth permanently, so you can eat whenever you want. But it’s best to avoid sticky or hard food like apples or toffee, because they can dislodge the metal wires and brackets. If this happens, you’ll need to see your orthodontist to have your brace repaired.
Invisalign
No food is off-limits if you wear aligners. But you do need to remove them every time you eat, and clean your teeth thoroughly before you put them back in. This can make snacking difficult.
It’s also important to avoid drinking sugary or acidic drinks when your aligners are in. If liquids leak behind your aligners, they could stain your teeth, or lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
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