What's the difference between Invisalign aligners and other methods of correct and aligning teeth?
Invisalign aligners
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Description
The Invisalign System uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays (aligners) that fit over teeth. Aligners are custom-made and changed every 2 weeks to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Traditional braces are stainless steel brackets and wires that are attached to the outside of the teeth. Wires are adjusted throughout treatment to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Aesthetics
Virtually invisible.
Highly visible.
Efficiency
Suitable for most cases from mild to moderate complexity. Treatment outcomes are dependent on the experience level of the practitioner.
Suitable for nearly all cases.
Oral Hygiene
Invisalign aligners can be removed for normal brushing and flossing, making it easier to maintain a good level of oral hygiene throughout the course of treatment.
Oral hygiene is harder to maintain with fixed braces when brushing and flossing. For these reasons, fixed appliance patients can find they have increased plague accumulation and gingival inflammation during treatment.
Comfort
Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This short-term effect is typically described as a feeling of pressure. Speech may be temporarily affected at the beginning of treatment.
Mouth sores/ulcers can be caused by the irritation from components of the braces. Broken brackets and wires can also cause discomfort and may require urgent attention from your treating practitioner.
Compliance
Research show that because aligners are virtually invisible, there is a high level of patient acceptance with Invisalign treatment. However, levels of compliance with elastic wear can vary from patient to patient being treated with aligners.
High level of compliance braces are fixed to the teeth for the duration of treatment. However, levels of compliance with elastic wear can vary from patient to patient.
Removable
Removable, but aligners should be worn a minimum of 20-22 hours a day for best results.
Not removable. Braces are fixed to the teeth for the duration of orthodontic treatment.
Differences in how it works between:
Invisalign aligners
The Invisalign System uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays (aligners) that fit over teeth. Aligners are custom-made and changed every 2 weeks to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Traditional braces
Traditional braces are stainless steel brackets and wires that are attached to the outside of the teeth. Wires are adjusted throughout treatment to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Ceramic braces
Traditional ceramic braces are clear brackets that are attached to the outside of the teeth. Wires can be either tooth-coloured or metal. Wires are adjusted throughout treatment to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are metal brackets and wires that are bonded to the back of teeth. Wires are adjusted throughout treatment in order to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
