Orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve the overall health and appearance of your smile! Most people think of traditional bracket and wire braces when they hear the word “orthodontia” but Invisalign in leesburg virginia has given patients another option for a beautiful and healthy smile. Let’s see what some of the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces are.

Invisalign versus Traditional Braces

For decades, the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces have been the most widely used treatment for orthodontia. However, the past 20 years has seen an explosion of clear aligner therapy options appear on the market.

Traditional braces use metal brackets bonded directly to the teeth to support a metal arch wire that is threaded through the brackets and is periodically tightened and adjusted to shift teeth to the desired placement. Some advances in traditional braces have seen the fabrication of clear brackets with white arch wires to make braces a bit more aesthetically pleasing.

Invisalign uses a series of BPA-free, clear plastic trays that the patient wears over their teeth for 22 hours a day. Each set of trays is worn for 10 to 14 days before they are changed out to another set, gradually shifting the teeth.

Benefits of Invisalign

The most obvious benefit for Invisalign is the aesthetics. Invisalign is virtually unnoticeable and is much more comfortable than brackets and wires. The trays are smooth and will not cause the sores and irritation that is typical with traditional braces. If you play contact sports, Invisalign is a safer option since brackets can cause cuts in your mouth.

Oral hygiene is considerably easier with Invisalign. Metal brackets and wires can make brushing and flossing properly very challenging but with Invisalign trays, you simply take them out and complete your oral hygiene routine as usual. The removable factor is also very helpful during eating since food can become lodged between brackets and wires and cause decay and staining.

Choosing Your Treatment Path

Regardless of which treatment you choose, you can expect some discomfort and soreness as your teeth shift. Unfortunately, this part of orthodontic treatment is unavoidable.

Treatment with Invisalign is usually shorter and less painful than traditional braces; however, you must be dedicated and wear your trays for 22 hours every day. Patients that cannot comply with the 22 hours might be better off with non-removable braces.

Oral hygiene is much easier with Invisalign since you can’t take the trees out to brush and floss. Food easily becomes lodged in braces and can lead to staining and decay that you would not otherwise get with Invisalign. Invisalign trays are easily cared for by simply brushing them with soap and water before putting them back in your mouth.

Invisalign relies on patient compliance and failure to comply can lead to longer treatment time. Additionally, Invisalign may not be right for extreme cases. Your dentist or orthodontist is the best person to determine if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment and which treatment option is best for your individual case.

More on Invisalign : How does Invisalign Work?