Back then, traditional metal braces were the only option to straighten teeth. Today, with dentistry becoming more modernised, additional forms of orthodontic treatment are uncovered: lingual braces and Invisalign.
So, what do we know about both Lingual Braces vs Invisalign? Which one is a better choice for your smile?
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign are clear, transparent aligners made of BPA-thermoplastic that are used to straighten teeth and correct misalignment. You’ll be expected to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day during treatment, but you’ll be able to remove them for the remaining 2 hours when you need to eat or brush your teeth.
Because the aligner mouthpieces are custom-designed, they are moulded to fit your mouth anatomy. Traditional braces have similar effects to Invisalign, albeit braces are thought to be faster in terms of results. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, however, you might want to consider Invisalign.
The Pros And Cons Of Invisalign
To learn more about Invisalign, here are the pros and cons of the treatment:
A Smile of Confidence
The clear aligners are made with a translucent material. You can proudly display them when you smile. You don’t have to take them out when interacting with others. Wear it to show that you have a good mindset!
Improved Tooth Alignment
When your teeth are misaligned, you’re more prone to clench your teeth, which causes severe wear and tear on your smile. Even chewing and biting without causing tooth damage may become challenging. When your upper and lower teeth are positioned together, Invisalign aligns and positions your teeth and jaw to fall into the correct position.
Keeps Your Gums Healthy
Clear aligners aid in the promotion of better gum health, which is an important aspect of dental health. Periodontal disease can develop if there are gaps between teeth. This is because plaque is more likely to stick to teeth, creating gum swelling due to tooth decay. As a result, transparent aligners can help you enhance the condition of your gums.
Treatment Won’t Work If The Plan Isn’t Followed
If you stick to the treatment plan and wear the aligners for up to 22 hours a day, you’ll see immediate benefits. Because of the unpleasantness of wearing the aligners and without being aware of the treatment schedule, many patients have struggled to do so. If you don’t commit to it, you won’t get the results you want as quickly as you’d want.
Results Take Time
There is a good case to be made that wearing transparent aligners will not result in faster results than traditional braces. This, however, is dependent on the type of treatment you require. When compared to traditional braces, Invisalign may take less time to straighten your teeth if your teeth are crooked or misaligned. You might ask your dentist about treatment times.
What About Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces, commonly known as “inner” braces, are placed inside the surface of one’s teeth. They are particularly popular amongst adults because they’re completely invisible when you smile.
These braces are tailored to fit the shape and size of your teeth. Your orthodontist will take an exact impression or digital scan of your teeth, which will be used to produce bespoke wires and brackets that will tightly fit along the line of your teeth and help you move them into the appropriate position over time.
The Pros And Cons Of Lingual Braces
What about the pros and cons of lingual braces?
They’re Discreet
The most obvious advantage of this type of treatment is how discreet the braces are. The brace is hidden behind your teeth and out of sight. Unless you tell them, most people won’t notice you’re wearing lingual braces.
Straightens Malocclusion
A malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth. There are various forms of malocclusions, all of which can be properly addressed using lingual braces. They can correct your smile and offer you flawless occlusion whether you have crowded teeth, spacing, an open bite, an overbite, or missing teeth.
No Damage To The Front Tooth Surface
There should be no damage to your front teeth if you take adequate care of them throughout your orthodontic treatment and maintain strong oral hygiene, regardless of the brace you choose. However, suppose any damage occurs as a result of eating the improper foods or not brushing thoroughly enough during your treatment. In that case, the symptoms will not be visible to others because you are wearing lingual braces.
They Are Expensive
Because the cost of the brace itself is higher, especially if the brackets are custom-made or gold, as is the case with traditional braces, Lingual braces are the most expensive. They also require specialised training for professionals to understand the method. Because they aren’t as accessible as standard braces, adjustment appointments take longer.
You May Develop A Lisp
After the brace is fitted, you may develop a lisp. Although, this should only last a few days. If you work in a job that demands a lot of talking, it’s usually recommended to have your braces fitted on a day when you can take a few days off (like a weekend or annual leave) to get acclimated to speaking.
Lingual Braces vs Invisalign – Which One Is Better?
Both Invisalign and lingual braces are viable solutions if you’re seeking a discreet way to straighten your teeth. The primary distinction between these two orthodontic treatment options is that Invisalign uses translucent plastic trays, whereas lingual braces use brackets and wires.
Treatment times may differ, and lingual braces are typically more expensive than Invisalign. However, you’ll need to discuss which choice is ideal for you with your dentist or orthodontist.
Dr. Ramesh is a dedicated dentist in St Marys passionate about providing personalized, high-quality care. With years of experience and a commitment to continuous learning, he specializes in a range of dental treatments, ensuring patients achieve optimal oral health and confident smiles.
