Invisalign® Aligners vs. Braces: What to Choose?

If you’re one of the about 20% of Americans who is unhappy with the appearance of crooked, misaligned, or shifting teeth, then you have two popular options to consider: Invisalign aligners and traditional braces. You can find both methods from a local center for cosmetic dentistry. But what would the best cosmetic dentist in Houston, TX, recommend to you?

Here are the chief advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as recommendations for finding the best method of achieving a straight, even, attractive smile.

Braces: Pros

Braces consist of metal brackets that are bonded to your teeth, and connected by a series of metal wires and rubber bands. While they’re a visible feature, you can accessorize them with colored bands to make a statement and show off your personality with your braces.

Because braces have been the standard for straightening teeth for many decades, they’re widely available, whereas Invisalign treatment may not be available at a given center of cosmetic dentistry. They have a track record of success, and because they’re non-removable, they work constantly to move your teeth to a straight, even smile.

Braces: Cons

Unfortunately, the drawbacks of braces almost outweigh the positives. Braces are famously uncomfortable, and can make people insecure about wearing them. Wires and brackets can cause abrasion and even bleeding.

You may also have difficulty eating, especially small, hard foods like seeds and nuts. Sticky foods are famously difficult to get off of braces. Worse, the presence of braces can make brushing difficult, and flossing is a pain.

Braces are absolutely not recommended for people with gum problems, and they have a risk of permanent tooth discoloration due to stains forming under the brackets.

Invisalign Aligners: Pros

Invisalign clear aligners are BPA-free plastic retainers that are carefully molded to fit your teeth, based on impressions taken at the dentist’s office. They sit clear in the mouth and move your teeth to a straightened smile as you upgrade to plastic retainers that gradually but dramatically shift your teeth.

Invisalign treatment is great for those who’d be self-conscious wearing braces. The aligners don’t change the way that you look. Even better, you would have no limitations on the foods you can eat, nor will oral care be made more difficult. Removable Invisalign retainers make maintenance easy. And because these advantageous cosmetic tools are so popular now, you can find Invisalign orthodontics at a local advanced cosmetic dentistry center.

Invisalign Aligners: Cons

While there are many advantages of being able to remove your retainers, they may work more slowly than braces do. It’s also possible to lose the retainers if you’re not careful. Also, they may be pricier than braces because of the frequent replacements. However, the cost comes at such a distinct advantage over braces, that the cost may not be a consideration. A center of cosmetic dentistry can prepare you for living with Invisalign aligners so that you don’t encounter any problems and see fast results.

Visit Made Ya Smile to learn more about the Invisalign system and other options for improving your smile. As the best cosmetic dentist in Houston, TX, Made Ya Smile offers many options for correcting a crooked or damaged smile.