When it comes to achieving straighter teeth, patients can benefit from two widely-used and effective options in orthodontics: traditional metal braces and the more modern Invisalign. Both methods move the teeth into their proper position over time, and are two routes for achieving similar outcomes. However each method has its unique pros and cons, which is why one option may be a better solution for you and your goals.

ESTHETICS

One of the cons of traditional metal braces is quite obvious—the metal is always visible and can consequently deter some patients who are looking for a more subtle orthodontics solution to straighten their teeth. Invisalign on the other hand, uses clear aligners made from medical-grade polyurethane plastic that are changed every 2 weeks. Often times, adults undergoing orthodontics may choose to go with Invisalign just for this esthetic aspect, since Invisalign is virtually invisible and unnoticeable.

SPEED

Invisalign typically allows patients to achieve their desired results more quickly than traditional braces. On average, Invisalign treatments take about 6—9 months, whereas traditional braces on average take about 1-2 years.

REMOVABLE

Although it is advised to wear Invisalign aligners 22 hours per day, patients are instructed to remove them while eating. This allows patients to brush and floss before putting the aligners back on, in order to prevent food from getting stuck in their aligners. Patients with braces sometimes have to work a little harder to keep their teeth and brackets clean, since braces are not removable once they are placed on by the orthodontist.

PATIENT COMPLIANCE

Braces have very dependable outcomes in orthodontics since they are fixed in place and are not removable. Therefore, the orthodontist is confident that the teeth will move as expected. Invisalign however, requires total compliance from the patient to wear their aligners for 22 hours per day. Patients who do not strictly follow this protocol risk longer treatment times and having to re-start their treatment. Therefore, we do not recommend Invisalign for younger children and teenagers, or for adults who do not feel confident that they can adhere to the strict protocol of wearing the aligners.

CASE SELECTION

Some orthodontics cases are better suited for traditional metal braces due to the complexity of the movements needed to achieve the desired smile. While Invisalign is a great option, it has limitations in the movements it can achieve. Therefore, more intense cases are sometimes only achievable through metal braces. However your dentist or orthodontist at Miracle Dental will help guide you through which option is best suited for your goals in achieving your dream smile!

Although many dentist are trained to treat a wide span of cases with Invisalign, it is always best to use the services of an orthodontist for more complex and severe cases, as they are the specialists in the field. At our state-of-the-art orthodontics center, more routine cases are treated by our skilled cosmetic dentists, and the more advanced and complex cases are treated by Dr. Kohanzadeh, who is a highly experienced UCLA-trained orthodontist. No matter your needs to straighten your smile, we are confident that we can help you achieve your goals at Miracle Dental Implants & Orthodontics.