Is Invisalign More or Less Effective Than Fixed Braces?

If you shy away from showing your teeth or feel self-conscious about your smile, then you may already be in the market for an orthodontic treatment. Bridging aesthetic benefits with structural advantages and making everyday tasks like eating and brushing your teeth easier and more convenient, orthodontic dentistry deals with the alignment of teeth and how best to straighten them.

Those familiar with the industry will already know that there are some who favour fixed braces, while an increasing number of dental practices are introducing Invisalign dental services in Essex. But is one better than the other? How does Invisalign, as the more modern of the two, compare with traditional fixed braces? And how do you know which one is best for you?

Advantages of Invisalign Compared to Fixed Braces

The advantages of Invisalign have catapulted the orthodontic solution to the forefront of the market, instantly making a straighter and brighter smile more accessible. Invisalign marks a move away from the classic use of fixed braces – metal boxes held together by a wire which is tightened throughout the treatment program – replacing these metal boxes and wire with removable clear plastic aligners.

Not only does this mean that Invisalign is far less visible, but it also means the aligners can be removed for eating and for cleaning – both your teeth and the aligners themselves. The impact this has on dental hygiene cannot be overstated.

Other advantages of Invisalign include the more comfortable fit of the aligners compared with sharp metal boxes, and the accessibility of the treatment with at-home packages available from some suppliers. Not to mention, the access to other complimenting treatments including teeth whitening and treatment projection mapping.

When Are Fixed Braces Better?

Of course, no solution is 100% perfect – and when it comes to more complex and severe cases of misaligned teeth, we often find that fixed braces are a more effective solution.

This is because fixed braces cannot be removed or tampered with by the client. They are also stronger and offer a more supportive hold across the teeth, helping to push them into a straighter line.

Fixed braces tend to be the preferred method when dealing with younger clients and patients and are most often seen among teenagers with misaligned teeth and cases of malocclusion.

Choosing the Right Orthodontic Treatment for You

With that in mind, most clients will find that their dental practitioner will recommend the best approach to their case and the severity of the misalignment.

With Invisalign fast becoming an attractive alternative, due in no small part to its namesake ‘invisible’ design and build, they urge all clients who are keen to find out more about this treatment to get in touch with dentists in Essex as soon as possible. They can discuss packages and processes and ensure that you have all the information you need to manage your expectations from day one.