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Think of the first time you are introduced to someone. It is said that we judge people within the first 3 seconds based on their appearance, style and grooming. A genuine and warm smile is part of what makes a great impression and socially, straight white teeth connote health, youthfulness and energy.
Luckily, having straight teeth is not an impossible goal. Advances in dentistry have made it possible to straighten and whiten teeth, in order to give you a great smile that people will remember and know you by.
Are metal braces the only option?
Traditionally, metal braces have been used to straighten teeth. We are all familiar with the sight of metal and colourful rubber bands on the teeth, and of course, the horror stories of the braces being so painful that you could eat only soft porridge, and having food such as leafy vegetables stuck on the braces.
Metal braces are still being used but today, it is not the only option we have. Advances in dentistry through the past decade have made more aesthetic and comfortable options available to us. We now have metal-free options such as Invisalign, which lets you straighten your teeth without affecting your appearance. But can Invisalign fix crooked teeth? Is Invisalign painful? Find out all that and more below!
Invisalign vs Braces: What are the differences?
| Braces | Invisalign | |
| Material | Consists of metal brackets and wires, with ceramic options | Utilises patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack |
| Fixed or removable | Fixed permanently on the teeth until the end of the treatment | Removable clear aligners |
| Comfort | May cause irritation from brackets and wires | Comfortable as the aligners are smooth |
| Aesthetics | Visible and affects appearance | Nearly invisible and discreet |
| Eating restrictions | Restrictions on sticky or hard foods | Removable for eating and cleaning |
| Discomfort | Patients may experience discomfort after adjustments | Minimal discomfort during aligner changes |
| Difficulty in cleaning | More difficult; food can get trapped around brackets and wires | Easily removable for brushing and flossing |
| Frequency of dental visits | More frequent adjustments and check-ups | Fewer appointments required |
| Repair needs | Requires professional repair if broken | Aligners are replaced periodically, less prone to damage |
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Is Invisalign really effective?
Invisalign clear aligners have become a popular choice for patients seeking a discreet alternative to traditional braces. But how does Invisalign work? It all begins with a digital scan of your teeth, which captures precise 3D images of your dental structure (video above). These scans form the basis for creating a customised treatment plan.
Aligners are then fabricated based on this plan, which you wear to gently shift your teeth into place. As your treatment progresses, adjustments are made every few weeks to achieve the desired alignment. Unlike traditional braces with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and allowing for fewer dietary restrictions.
However, since Invisalign aligners are removable, patients must be disciplined about wearing them consistently to ensure teeth remain aligned. It's recommended to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day.
At Dental Designs Clinic, we offer all options of metal braces, Damon self-ligating braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign.
The Dental Designs Difference
Dental Designs offers a customised treatment plan for each and every patient, as we believe everyone is unique.
Our philosophy is "no extraction whenever possible." 9 out of 10 patients we see have successfully straightened teeth without extractions. We will work with you to advise you on all your options, and to work towards the most suitable treatment plan for you where you are in control of how you desire your teeth to be aligned. Along the way, you will be guided by our dentist on how your teeth are aligned and adjusted along the way to achieve your final result of your choosing, even before you start your treatment with us.
Unsure which one is more suitable for you? Just drop us a message here and we will be happy to assist!
References
- White DW, Julien KC, Jacob H, Campbell PM, Buschang PH. Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized, prospective trial. Angle Orthod. 2017 Nov;87(6):801-808. doi: 10.2319/091416-687.1. Epub 2017 Jul 28. PMID: 28753032; PMCID: PMC8317568.
- Gu J, Tang JS, Skulski B, Fields HW Jr, Beck FM, Firestone AR, Kim DG, Deguchi T. Evaluation of Invisalign treatment effectiveness and efficiency compared with conventional fixed appliances using the Peer Assessment Rating index. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017 Feb;151(2):259-266. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2016.06.041. PMID: 28153154.