Invisalign versus Braces

Invisalign versus Braces
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system used to straighten your teeth and consists of very thin, individually adapted shells for the upper and lower jaw made of transparent plastic that can move teeth and straighten misaligned teeth with gentle pressure. The way to a confident smile is easier than expected. The straightening teeth for adults takes long no wires, brackets, or multiple trips to the orthodontist. Invisalign brings a breakthrough in terms of treatment duration and comfort. The thin shells made of transparent plastic fit snugly against the teeth and ensure a gentle correction of the tooth position in the expected position. But how does Invisalign compare to traditional metal braces?
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign aligners are made by taking an accurate 3D scan of the teeth at an appointment in your certified orthodontist’s office. This state-of-the-art technology of dental impressions enables your orthodontist to create very thin pairs of aligners that are precisely-fitting down to the smallest detail. Thanks to the use of highly developed technology and materials, the aligners are comfortable and non-irritating and virtually invisible to those around you. With Invisalign, you will start to see improvement in tooth position and self-confidence after only a few weeks of treatment.
How do traditional braces work?
Traditional braces are usually used during the growth phase of the teeth – i.e. in children. In adults, braces can often only be used to correct misaligned teeth. Braces are made of metals such as steel or titanium, plastics or ceramics. Depending on the reason for the treatment, the dentist uses fixed or loose braces. Children are usually treated with loose braces, as this gentler form is supported by the still existing tooth growth. Traditional braces consist of 3 components:
* Brackets: plates made either of metal or of tooth-colored ceramic, one of which is glued to each tooth. The bracket usually consists of 4 wings and a slot in which the wire is inserted. The slot contains the information about how the tooth should be positioned later.
* Bands: metal rings that are placed on the first large molars. These are used for stability and as a device for introducing additional orthodontic appliances. Behind the ligaments, the wire is bent over so that it does not stab the cheek or gums.
* Wire: is replaced regularly. With its pre-curved shape, it serves as a guide for the ideal tooth position
These components work together to guide the teeth to the desired position.
How is Invisalign different than braces?
Invisalign is indeed a development in traditional orthodontics. While fixed and loose braces are often used in children and adolescents, since the jawbone is still malleable, dental aligners are a proven method for tooth correction for adults. The much gentler form of therapy integrates effortlessly and inconspicuously into everyday life, without any restrictions in professional life. Slight misalignments such as crowded teeth, tooth gaps, or simply crooked teeth can be resolved with the Aligners. The dentists make the exact diagnosis at a personal appointment in the practice. While traditional orthodontics rely on permanently installed wires and brackets, which can be adjusted as required, for most braces, Invisalign relies on the plastic shells that are gradually exchanged and that move the teeth closer and closer to the desired position with gentle pressure. As with braces, the teeth are a little more sensitive to pressure in the first few days after inserting a new pair of splints, as they are moved gradually. However, usually less and shorter on average than in the case of recently adjusted braces. Time in the waiting room and time-consuming visits to the practice are also reduced to a minimum with Invisalign.