Invisalign® and braces are very different tools that can give patients an even smile with straightened teeth. Because patients must wear teeth alignment devices for a while, you might wonder if you will need repairs to your device. Patients often wonder if one type of device needs more repairing than another. For most patients, one method has a clear advantage over the other when it comes to problems with repairs.
Patients who use Invisalign to straighten their teeth use only two trays at a time. Dentists will sometimes place tooth enamel-colored attachments to assist the Invisalign trays. Invisalign trays are less noticeable than traditional braces. There are no wires, springs, or other metal parts with Invisalign.
Many things can go wrong with traditional braces. If patients eat hard or sticky foods, a bracket can come loose. Often even when a patient is very careful, they may still have a wire or spring come loose. This can be painful and means an extra trip to the dentist for a repair. Braces wearers must also use floss threaders and must replace loose or broken rubber bands.
The biggest problem that Invisalign users have is misplacing or damaging the trays. The trays are plastic and can deteriorate. Because the trays are removable, some absentminded people may lose them or accidentally throw them away. Other patients do not place the Invisalign trays in the case or in a safe place. Dentists do not advise that patients eat with the Invisalign trays in because chewing and grinding can damage the plastic trays.
The dentist uses a digital program to design the custom-fit Invisalign trays. These trays are designed for the incremental movement of teeth. The patient will step from one set of trays to the next. There may be many sets of trays. This slows down the progression a little but makes the wearing experience much more comfortable for the patient. Some patients may need a few attachments along with the tray, but many do not.
With minimal care, Invisalign trays are durable and easy to use. Patients can get into a good care routine at home and will only need to return to the dentist when it is time to get the next size trays. Traditional braces have a lot of different parts that will not work correctly if a piece breaks or goes missing. Young patients especially struggle with needing frequent repairs. Patients who have good care routines with Invisalign have to make far fewer trips to the dentist.
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Invisalign trays are an easier way to a beautiful smile for many patients. Once you establish a good hygiene routine, you will only have to worry about wearing the trays the recommended amount of time each day. There are no pesky wires and brackets rubbing sores on the inside of the cheeks and lips, making eating a miserable chore. You may want to consider repairs and dentist chair time when deciding between braces and Invisalign.
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