At Eastern Virginia Orthodontics, there are an array of options to help you regain your best smile possible. If your biggest concern is straightening crooked or crowded teeth, you can choose between Invisalign or braces. If you have any doubts about which is the better option for you, look no further. This is how Invisalign and braces compare.
Length of Treatment
Invisalign and braces are similar in the way they straighten your teeth. However, one notable difference between them is the length of time your treatment takes. The severity of your problem determines how long it takes with either option. With Invisalign, if you carefully follow all instructions from the Chesapeake Invisalign orthodontist and wear them at least 22 hours per day, your treatment can last as little as six months or as long as 18 months. On average, treatment with braces can last 18 months to up to three years.
Teeth Cleaning
With Invisalign, you’re free to practice your regular oral hygiene routine without issue. Because you can remove them, it allows you to thoroughly brush your teeth and floss properly, allowing you to remove as many food particles as possible. By contrast, with braces in Norfolk, traditional oral hygiene measures are more challenging. Because braces are affixed to your teeth, brushing and especially flossing are not as efficient, which could lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease. However, there are special products tailored toward people who wear braces that can help.
Eating
You can eat whatever you want when you use Invisalign because they can be removed. As long as you avoid eating with your trays in, it’s fine. With braces, you have to be careful of what you eat and may get food particles stuck in them. Hard, sticky foods can damage the brackets and archwires, which can lead to hefty repairs. If that happens, it can also prolong your treatment.
Appearance
Invisalign is made with clear plastic, making the aligners virtually invisible. This allows you to show your teeth with confidence as they shift into proper positioning. Braces can be invisible if you get the lingual type, which is affixed to the backs of the teeth. There are also tooth-colored ceramic braces that make it harder for people to notice your treatment, at least up close.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether Invisalign or braces are better for you. Weighing out these pros and cons can help. If you need orthodontic treatment, Eastern Virginia Orthodontics can help. Contact our office in Chesapeake at 757-547-7002, in Norfolk at 757-583-2333, or in Virginia Beach at 757-340-2881.
