Some matchups are world-class. They represent the perennial struggle between the old stand-bys and the audacious newcomers, between the tried-and-true and the up-and-coming. In few places is this more evident than with orthodontic dental treatments meant to straighten smiles.
In today's world, you can choose traditional metal braces or clear aligner therapy to treat crooked teeth. Dr. Haley Schmitt and her team are enthusiastic about these corrections as they not only align your smile but can help your dental health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and treat, minimizing dental decay and the need for restorative care.
So before deciding which approach will work for you, here's a head-to-head comparison of Invisalign® aligners and conventional braces.
Round One – Fixed vs. Removable
Traditional braces work through brackets and wires, which attach to and connect your teeth, allowing your orthodontist to periodically tighten wires and reposition teeth. Invisalign exerts the same physical force on teeth but through precisely engineered trays that you change regularly. Each aligner is different, and the series progressively moves your teeth.
By virtue of design, clear aligners are removable, so they don't interfere with eating or at-home oral health care. However, most people who've experienced metal braces can attest to how you need to avoid certain foods and how brushing and flossing are a real struggle when working around fixed metal objects.
Round Two – Visible vs. Transparent
Though metal braces are now available in less obvious colors, their presence is undeniable. Each time you smile, the brackets and wires are visible. But clear aligners live up to their name. Invisalign uses proprietary blends that remain crystal clear against your teeth and maintain clarity during the weeks you wear each aligner. This virtually guarantees that few people will notice them.
Round Three – Comfort
Most people agree that smooth plastic causes less irritation than sharp metal, especially when it's happening inside your mouth. With Invisalign, you won't need wax to protect your lips and cheeks from the brackets and wires, nor will you have to worry about broken wires cutting your mouth.
Instead, each aligner is carefully crafted to fit your teeth without rubbing or slipping.
We Are Invisalign Dentists in Brentwood, TN
If you've always dreamt of a perfectly aligned smile, your aspirations are more within reach than ever. Dr. Schmitt and her team are ready to help realize your vision through clear aligner therapy. Feel free to call us to learn more.