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Most American adults are not aware that their teeth are crooked. As a result, they may not see any reason to undergo orthodontic treatment until later in their life. However, as they grow up and tooth alignment issues get worse, they would begin to see the importance of a healthy and pleasant smile.
Do you have any dental condition that requires orthodontic treatment? If yes, then you would have heard about the traditional wire track chain. But as technology advances, a number of improved orthodontic devices surfaced, which include Invisalign®, Six Month Smiles, clear aligner, etc.
Though most of these improved orthodontic devices are similar in design, they are actually different from one another. Till now, most people are still confused about Invisalign® and clear braces. They mistake the two as performing the same functions. Even the search engine makes it more confusing. When you search for “invisible brace,” chances are that search results on Invisalign® will also pop up.
Actually, these two options treat different dental issues depending on the severity of the dental care. And to better understand that the invisible brace is different from an Invisalign® Houston, here are seven differences between the invisible brace and Invisalign® that can help you determine which one is better for you.
Invisalign®
This is a patented, transparent, retainer-like orthodontic device that aligns/shifts the teeth into place. Invisalign® are removable aligners and only have to be worn for at least 22 hours per day, and should be changed every two weeks to a new set so that the device will continue to shift your teeth. Typically, Invisalign® takes about 9 months to a year to complete the alignment.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces are made of ceramic brackets and colorless tracks. The ceramic material makes the bracket match the color of your teeth, which makes it look transparent.
The invisible braces are basically similar to the traditional metal wire track in how they function. Both of them have brackets that are attached to the teeth surfaces and then connected by a wire that puts pressure on the teeth. The wire also guides the teeth towards proper alignment. Just like the traditional metal braces, the invisible braces should be adjusted almost every 4 weeks.
Differences between Invisible braces and Invisalign®
The invisible braces and Invisalign® are similar in that they are cannot be easily detected, unlike the traditional metal braces. But while both of them have a similar mission, there are huge differences between them.
More Transparent
Though both of them are tagged “invisible,” they are not actually invisible but transparent and the Invisalign® is more transparent than the invisible braces. Most patients prefer the Invisalign® because of its virtual transparency. Most people won’t even notice the Invisalign® on you unless they are told.
Though the invisible braces match the color of your teeth, the brackets are actually more noticeable than the Invisalign®’s retainer.
Removable
Invisalign® can be easily removed, even by the patient before brushing, flossing, or eating, which can help you to observe good and proper dental hygiene during the entire orthodontic treatment process. However, the invisible braces make brushing, flossing, and eating very difficult.
Fewer Adjustments
Invisible braces require fewer adjustments than Invisalign®. For instance, the Invisalign® retainers must be changed every 2 weeks, whereas the invisible braces should be adjusted every 4 weeks. This means that with Invisalign®, you would make more dental trips to the dentist near me.
More Extensive Cases
Invisible braces can handle more extensive and severe dental cases whereas Invisalign® can only be used to treat dental cases that are not extremely severe. Invisalign® can handle crowded/crooked teeth, gapped teeth, an overbite/underbite/open bite.
Invisible braces can handle treat crossbites, malocclusions, severely crooked teeth, and other dental flaws.
More Brittle
Invisible braces are more brittle than Invisalign®. This makes them more susceptible to breaking and chipping. However, Invisalign® requires a large amount of force to break.
Stain To Your Teeth
The invisible braces can eventually stain your teeth. Though the ceramic brackets wouldn’t stain your teeth, the clear wires holding the brackets together may stain your teeth and if you’re a smoker, eat lots of curries, or drink lots of coffee, your teeth will get stained the more.
Affordability
Invisalign® are more expensive than the invisible braces. This is because Invisalign® requires that you change the trays frequently until treatment is completed, whereas once the invisible brace is installed, it doesn’t need changing or replacement but only need periodic adjustment. Changing the trays makes Invisalign® more expensive. However, you can get an affordable Invisalign® treatment from URBN Dental.
Both invisible braces and Invisalign® are good options for patients who want to correct, align or shift their teeth inconspicuously. However, like stated above, there are several differences between both treatment options, and depending on your dental care, one orthodontic option may be more suitable than the other option. Scheduling a consultation with one of our well-trained and professional emergency dentist can help you to determine which of the orthodontic option might be highly recommended for you.
Though braces are mostly associated with kids and teenagers, they are designed to perfectly correct/align the arrangement of the teeth irrespective of age.
Are you looking to straighten your crooked teeth or you just need a routine dental check and cleaning? URBN Dental can give you highly recommended and desired results. You can entrust your smile in the good hands of our professional dentists. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today to see how well we can improve your smile.
Our dentist office near me would examine your dental condition to determine whether you are a good candidate for either the Invisalign® treatment or invisible aligners. If you’re eligible for the Invisalign® treatment and you are ready to go for it, we will contact the Invisalign® dentist on your behalf and get you your first set of Invisalign® trays.
Don’t forget, Invisalign® treatment is extremely useful for aesthetic purposes and simple, less severe dental cases, while the invisible braces are more functional and work more efficiently at fixing complex, more severe dental cases. Invisible braces also work faster at closing gaps between the teeth and aligning/shifting the teeth than the Invisalign®.