Can Invisalign and Metal Braces do the Same Things?

With the option of using Invisalign clear trays for straightening teeth, you might ask why anyone would choose traditional metal braces?

While Invisalign is an excellent choice for many people, there are some situations that warrant traditional braces.

Cases that Require Braces

Traditional braces typically close gaps and align the teeth faster than Invisalign braces. Metal are also flexible, in that attachments and bands can be added to brackets to dynamically change teeth and jaw alignment. Metal braces are generally the appropriate treatment for the following conditions:

• Teeth rotated more than 20 degrees
• Severely tipped teeth, angled over 45 degrees more than healthy alignment
• Significant gaps between teeth
• Severe Overbites
• Craniofacial Anomalies

A convenient benefit of dental braces is that they do not have to be removed for brushing, so there is no chance that you’ll lose or misplace your important dental appliances. As younger patients have a tendency to remove aligner trays for extended periods of time (against the advice of their dentist), delayed results and lost dental trays are often a byproduct of removable braces. Bonded brackets used in traditional braces take this out of the equation.

Am I Qualified for Invisalign?

Invisalign alignment trays offer a simple solution for less complex problems. For general straightening without severe overbites and tooth crowding, Invisalign is a popular treatment choice. If you are willing to wear your clear aligners for the full amount of time required, you can see great results. This makes Invisalign ideal for slightly older teen or adult patients.

While Invisalign can be used in some cases of moderate alignment problems, metal braces are still the most dependable way to provide a healthy bite and beautiful smile when multiple issues are present in a patient’s dental alignment.

The Bottom Line

Invisalign treatment has been proven to work well for common cases of misalignment, while providing an aesthetically pleasing option to traditional braces. However, many people, especially those who have complicated dental problems, still prefer or require dental braces. Though braces may be more noticeable, the time spent wearing them pays off well in both your appearance and overall oral health.

If you are in the Gardena, California area and would like to know more about your teeth straightening options, call South Bay Dentistry and Orthodontics.