Is Invisalign better than braces?
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, one common question is whether traditional braces or Invisalign is the better choice. Both options have their unique advantages and are effective for correcting dental misalignments (malocclusion), but the best choice depends on your individual needs. This overview will delve into the technical aspects of both treatments, helping you make an informed decision. This was written by our Accredited Cosmetic Dentist, Dr Sahil Patel.
Traditional Braces
Mechanics
Materials: Braces consist of metal brackets bonded to each tooth (either on the front or back surface of the teeth) and connected by a metal archwire. Metallic braces are made of stainless steel and nickel-titanium alloys. There are modern braces available that are made of plastic resin and ceramic. Elastic bands may be used to apply additional pressure and guide teeth into position, especially when the bite requires changing or the top and bottom jaws are a different shape and/or size.
Mechanism: Braces exert continuous pressure on teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. Periodic adjustments tighten the wires to maintain pressure. The wires vary in their shape and cross section which exerts a particular force depending on if it is circular or rectangular.
Advantages
- Versatility: Effective for the widest range of orthodontic issues, including complex malocclusions, severe crowding, and significant bite problems.
- Precision: Offers precise control over tooth movement, allowing for detailed adjustments specific to each tooth. The level of control with fixed braces is considered gold standard within dentistry.
- Durability: Made from materials that can withstand significant force and pressure.
- Control: Fixed braces cannot be removed by the user and does not rely on compliance from the wearer. This is especially helpful for interceptive braces at a young age, during the puberty growth phase of life.
Disadvantages
- Aesthetics: Braces are visible, which may be a concern for many of us. Braces do not fit within the lifestyle of a person ages 20-60 as they can be associated with teenagers and are socially problematic.
- Oral Hygiene: Braces requires diligent cleaning to prevent plaque build up around brackets and wires. Failure to do so can cause white decalcification spots on the teeth. This occasionally requires resin infiltration or a white spot removal treatment to rectify.
- Comfort: Braces may cause discomfort to the inner cheek when first fitted due to the edges being sharp when they are brand new. Each time a wire adjustment is made this can also cause pain and aching.
- Root-Gum health: Depending on the experience of your dentist or orthodontist, fixed braces can cause more shortening of roots and gum recession than invisalign or clear aligners. This is due to the more powerful forces at play against the teeth and surrounding bone.
Invisalign
Invisalign Is a brand name for clear aligners, which first reached dentistry in the late 90s, when a non0dentist designed a computer printed removable braces that could move the teeth. He sold his idea to Align Technology, which patented the system and became the dominant manufacturer of clear aligners. In recent years, the technology has advanced and many other, equivalent companies exist such as Spark, Clear Correct, UltraClearAlign and many others. The following will use the term ‘Invisalign’ as the umbrella term for all clear aligner system in the market today,
Mechanics
Materials: Invisalign uses clear, BPA-free acrylic resin (plastic) aligners that fit snugly over the teeth.
Mechanism: Aligners are custom-made and replaced every 1-2 weeks to gradually shift teeth into alignment. They should be worn 20-22 hours a day.
Advantages
- Aesthetics: Clear and virtually invisible, making them an appealing option for those concerned about appearance. For adults, clear aligners are the clear winner for a brace system that is socially acceptable.
- Removability: Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, making oral hygiene easier. The aligners naturally discolour over the course of their use, and they are changed every 1-2 weeks with new versions.
- Comfort: Smooth plastic reduces irritation and discomfort compared to metal braces.
- Versatility: If you will need further cosmetic work such as contouring, composite or ceramic bonding after orthodontics, clear aligners are the better option as they are simpler to place and remove during the treatment journey.
Disadvantages
- Compliance: Requires discipline to wear aligners consistently for effective results.
- Complexity Limitations: May not be suitable for very complex tooth or jaw positions.
- Experience: Dentistry in the UK does not regulate the use of aligner systems as closely as fixed metal braces. Aligners can be performed by any dentist regardless of their experience, and this can present some risks to the end bite position being suboptimal or causing excessive ‘expansion’ of the teeth, causing gum and bone recession.
Technical Comparison
- Treatment Duration: Metal braces typically require 12-24 months, though duration depends on the complexity of the case. Invisalign is a cosmetically focused treatment and can be customised to your requirements resulting in shorter treatment journey, from 3-6 months.
- Follow-up Visits: Braces require regular adjustments every 4-6 weeks.
- Whereas Invisalign follow-ups are generally 3-4 months.
- Force Application: Braces apply continuous forces until the wire is passive, whilst Invisalign uses controlled force delivered by one aligner at a time.
- Customisation: Invisalign aligners are precisely engineered using 3D imaging technology, offering a tailored fit. Metal fixed braces are manually adjusted by orthodontists to ensure correct tooth movement.
Which Is Better?
The choice between braces and Invisalign depends on several factors:
- Complexity of Dental Issues: Braces are often more effective for severe or complex cases, however, the spectrum of adult orthodontics is generally in the mild-moderate range. In our experience Invisalign
- Aesthetic Preferences: Invisalign is a more discreet option.
- Lifestyle and Compliance: Invisalign requires commitment to wearing aligners consistently.
- Budget Considerations: Evaluate costs, as metal braces can be more expensive, in particular lingual braces
Conclusion
Both braces and Invisalign have their merits and can effectively straighten teeth. Consulting with an orthodontist or experienced cosmetic dentist is crucial to determine the most suitable treatment based on your specific dental needs and overall dental aims. By understanding the technical distinctions between these options, we hope you can make an informed decision that leads to a healthier, more confident smile.
FAQ's
All brace systems to some degree can be uncomfortable. For Invisalign this usually occurs in the first few aligners and typically is a mild soreness rather than specific pain.
Depending on the complexity of your teeth, Invisalign is generally more cost effective than metal braces as clear aligners can focus the movements to the teeth that are concerning you whereas fixed braces move all the teeth at once.
If excessive root torque or expansion movements are applied to your custom plan, this can cause gum and bone recession. This is a critical point for you to discuss with your dentist because an experienced and skilled dentist will be able to avoid gum recession in most cases.
Good question! Firstly an overbite is a normal phenomenon and refers to the slight overlap of the top teeth in relation to the bottom (in a vertical relationship). An increased overbite is when the teeth overlap excessively which can cause accelerated tooth wear and cosmetic issues. Invisalign can correct an increased overbite in most cases.
Generally, Invisalign cannot correct an underbite as the forces required are too large. Fixed braces and cosmetic options such as ceramics are the two most suitable options.
Whilst there are no studies surrounding pregnancy related treatments, it is considered safe to undergo Invisalign during pregnancy
Attachments are small white protrusions bonded to the teeth to accelerate the movements of the aligners. They allow the aligner to clip in and improve the efficacy of the movements, shortening your treatment journey. The attachments would be removed by your dentist after treatment, without any damage to the underlying tooth or enamel.
Yes! Invisalign works well with missing teeth and depending on your needs and aims, dental implants can be planned in and around your Invisalign to ensure perfect space distribution for your new teeth.
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