Achieving a flawless smile is a common aspiration. However, only some are naturally gifted with a straight set of teeth. Thankfully, modern orthodontic solutions are helping millions of people worldwide flaunt the perfect smile with confidence.

Perfectly aligned teeth can be achieved with the help of braces. If you plan to straighten your teeth, you must choose conventional braces or their invisible counterparts, also called Invisible braces.

Confused about which one is most suitable for you? Don’t worry! In this blog, we will guide you through the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and invisible braces to help you make an informed decision and get your treatment done from the best dental hospital.

Invisible Braces

Invisible braces are customized mouthpieces crafted from medical-grade plastic. Your dentist will provide multiple trays of invisible braces, which you must change and use every two weeks. Each tray is custom-made to adjust to your mouth, and eventually, it moves and applies gentle pressure, guiding the teeth to their intended position.

Here are the pros and cons:

Advantages:

• Comfortable

“Will the braces be comfortable?” is the first thing that comes to our mind when considering braces. Invisible braces are widely known for the uncompromised comfort they provide users in the long run. These braces do not cause any cuts or discomfort, usually associated with regular braces. 

• Removable

Unlike conventional braces that are fixed using brackets and wires, invisible braces can be easily removed every day before eating. This helps in maintaining proper oral hygiene.

• Aesthetically Pleasing

Compared to traditional metal braces, invisible braces are practically “invisible,” as understood from the name. It fits your teeth perfectly and is almost invisible to the eye from a distance. The discreet appearance of the invisible braces is one of the reasons why many choose them over traditional braces.

• Brush and Floss Easily

Patients opting for invisible braces can remove their mouthpiece before brushing or flossing. This helps maintain proper oral hygiene, which is not the case with conventional braces.

• Freedom to Eat Hard and Chewy Foods

Conventional brace users are usually advised to avoid consuming chewy and hard food like popcorn and nuts to prevent irritation and damage to the braces. On the contrary, invisible braces must be removed before eating, so there is no reason to avoid hard and chewy foods.

Disadvantages

• Treatment Limitations

They may not be suitable for people with excessively crowded teeth, numerous cavities, severe gum disease, or extremely rotated teeth.

• It Needs to be Removed Before Eating

While you can drink water wearing your invisible braces, it must be removed before eating. Since the plastic is soft, the braces can get damaged or stained from food.

• Can be Expensive

Unlike traditional braces, invisible braces rely on cutting-edge technology for digital scans, 3D modeling, and custom aligner fabrication. This technology investment adds to the overall cost of the treatment.

Conventional Braces

At a time when there were no invisible braces, aligning crooked teeth was made possible with the invention of conventional braces. Traditional braces comprise metal brackets that are affixed to the front of your teeth using an adhesive and connected by wire. By doing so, pressure is applied to different areas, moving the teeth to their correct position. 

Here are the pros and cons:

Advantages

• Addresses Different Dental Issues

Traditional braces are well-known for treating crooked teeth, misaligned bites, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, jaw problems, and more. These braces adhere to each tooth, creating a beautiful smile for the most difficult cases.

• Affordable

As traditional braces do not rely on digital scans or 3D modeling, these braces can be slightly affordable.

• Different Options to Choose From

Generally, traditional braces come with metal brackets and wires that may not appear aesthetically pleasing. However, patients now have the option to choose from lingual or ceramic braces for a more discreet style.

Disadvantages

• Uncomfortable

Compared to invisible braces, traditional braces can often cause discomfort inside your mouth. They take time to get adjusted and sometimes result in cuts and irritation.

• Not Completely Invisible

Although lingual and ceramic traditional braces are available, they are still noticeable and not completely discreet like invisible braces.

• Restrictions on Food

Traditional braces imply you must refrain from nuts, popcorn, bagels, or sticky food. These can get stuck to the braces and damage the wires or brackets, leading to a visit to the dentist.

• Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing teeth while wearing traditional braces can be difficult. As these braces can’t be easily removed, you must be extra careful while brushing and flossing, or there could be plaque build-up, stains, and decay. Here is how you can brush your teeth when wearing traditional braces:

• Can’t Be Easily Removed

Compared to invisible braces, traditional braces require the help of a dentist to be removed. Whether you’re eating, drinking, or sleeping, you must always wear braces to maximize effectiveness.

Why Do People Choose Invisible Braces Over Traditional Braces?

Numerous people are considering invisible braces, and there are multiple reasons for that.

Firstly, invisible braces are comfortable to wear, and since they are easy to remove, you can relish your favorite food without restrictions. 

Next, they aren’t visible, making them an attractive option for those who prefer a discreet orthodontic treatment. Removing your aligners allows you to maintain optimal oral hygiene without obstructions. The difference between this and traditional braces is significant where food particles can easily get trapped.

Invisible braces are custom-made and use advanced technology to provide high precision, ensuring that your teeth move gradually into their desired positions.

Gnathos Dental is here to help if you are looking for the best dental hospital in Hyderabad. We bring over 15 years of experience in offering world-class dental treatments tailored to our patient’s needs. Receive expert consultations and guidance for invisible braces in Hyderabad from our elite team of dentists and oral surgeons. Book an appointment today!