Is Invisalign Similar to Traditional Braces?

A beautiful smile never goes out of style, but what’s the best way to get it? If you want straighter teeth, it can be hard to choose between Invisalign® and traditional braces. Here’s how these treatments compare.

When people think of their teeth, they usually focus on a picture-perfect smile. However, your teeth actually play a much bigger picture in your oral and general health.

You may have individual teeth, but they all function as a unit. They help you chew, speak, and create your facial structure. In an ideal world, teeth would naturally grow into their ideal position. But in reality, it’s more common for people to have crooked teeth or alignment issues. 

Unfortunately, these issues make it harder to practice good oral hygiene at home. They can also throw off your bite — or how your upper and lower teeth align — which takes a toll on your teeth and jaw. As a result, misaligned teeth can lead to a variety of issues, such as:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Uneven wear
• Chewing problems
• Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders
• Headaches

In the past, orthodontists used traditional teeth straightening methods, like braces. These systems involved bands, brackets, and wires to shift your teeth into a new position. Although they still offer proven results, there’s also a new and modern technique — Invisalign®.

Dr. Nicole Thompson, our expert orthodontist in Richmond, TX, proudly offers a variety of teeth straightening options at Lovely Smiles Orthodontics in Richmond, Texas. Whether you want traditional braces or Invisalign treatment, Dr. Thompson can help you get the smile of your dreams. Contact us to learn more.

Why people love Invisalign

It’s hard to resist the Invisalign system — after all, it’s practically invisible. Unlike traditional braces, it uses a proprietary SmartTrack® material to make a series of removable aligner trays that shift your teeth throughout your treatment. 

And, since you can remove your aligners, you don’t have to modify your diet or stick with foods that are easy on your braces. Instead, you simply remove your Invisalign tray before you eat! 

Getting started with Invisalign is also different from conventional methods. Invisalign’s advanced 3D digital technology creates a perfect image of your teeth using their iTero Element® scanner, Not only does this form an accurate digital model of your teeth and gums, but it’s easy and comfortable.

But the best part? Dr. Thompson develops your entire Invisalign treatment program on a computer, so you know what to expect before you even begin your treatment. 

Why people love braces 

Invisalign may have numerous advantages, but there are some situations where conventional braces are the better choice. On top of that, traditional braces have come a long way in recent years. 

To start, today’s braces use smaller, flatter, and more comfortable metal brackets. You can even customize your experience and choose fun shapes from Wild Smiles BracesⓇ. There are also colorful elastics — and systems that don’t use elastics at all! And if you want a less obvious choice? Dr. Thompson offers LightForceⓇ — the first 3D printed braces system — and BRIUS™ Independent Movers™.

But why consider braces over Invisalign?

Solving complex problems

Some alignment issues are more complex than others. These situations might require vertical correction, individual teeth requiring rotation, or lateral movement. And, when those issues occur at the same time, regular braces could provide better results.

The Invisalign system also uses your back teeth as the foundation when bringing the rest of your teeth into alignment. If your molars also need repositioning, braces could offer better solutions.

“Setting and forgetting” your treatment

Straightening your teeth with removable aligners may be great, but you have to wear them for at least 20 hours each day if you want to get results. You also have to care for your aligners properly — and keep an eye on them to avoid losing them.

Braces can offer better solutions for some people because they remain in place throughout your entire treatment.

If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, Dr. Thompson can guide you through all your options. With so many choices, it’s easy to find the perfect fit for every correction and lifestyle.

To find out more, contact Lovely Smiles Orthodontics by phone at 832-219-7687 or request an appointment online today.