Invisalign Alternatives

When investigating teeth straightening solutions, it is important to consider all possible options. While an excellent system, Invisalign may not be the best choice for everyone. An alternative treatment could suit your oral health needs more effectively and achieve better results.

Other times, a removable aligner system might not be the right choice for other reasons. For example, if you are likely to forget to wear or mislay your aligners, consider having fixed braces instead. Because these are fixed in place for the duration of treatment, there is no risk of losing them.

Which Other Options Are Available?

Various other options are available, including fixed and removable solutions. These include:

• • Traditional metal braces
  • Lingual braces
  • Clear ceramic braces
  • Other invisible aligner systems.

Traditional Metal Braces

Most people are familiar with traditional metal braces. They have metal brackets that are cemented onto your teeth. Thin metal wires are attached to the brackets, increasing tension using colored elastic bands.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional Braces?

Advantages of traditional braces include:

• Price. They may be a more cost-effective solution.
• Precise tooth movements. These braces are strong and durable and work well.

You could consider traditional braces if you don’t feel self-conscious about straightening your teeth.

Disadvantages of traditional braces include:

• Oral care.You must dedicate more time to thoroughly cleaning around the brackets and wires. Excellent oral hygiene is essential with fixed traditional braces because otherwise, plaque and tartar can build up around the brackets, increasing your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, or both.
• Dietary changes.During treatment, you must avoid anything that is very hard, sticky, or crunchy and could damage your brace brackets or break the wires. If your braces break, you must see your orthodontist quickly for a repair. Delaying the appointment could affect your treatment outcome.
• Comfort. The brackets and wires can rub on your cheeks, lips, or gums uncomfortably. Covering the brackets or wires with orthodontic wax can help provide a temporary solution.

Lingual Braces

If you are concerned about your appearance but would still benefit from having fixed braces, we can discuss the possibility of lingual braces.

How Do Lingual Braces Work?

Lingual braces have brackets powered by wires that work very differently from traditional metal braces. Instead of the brackets being fitted on the outer surfaces of your teeth, these brace brackets are fitted on the inner surfaces of your teeth nearest to your tongue so they can’t be seen when you talk or smile.

The brackets are typically thinner than ordinary metal ones, making them more comfortable. The brackets are custom-made, so they tend to be more expensive than traditional braces, as they must be made to fit each tooth perfectly.

The wires pairing the brackets are carefully shaped to ensure they cannot be seen. They must also be precisely made to exert the right pressure to move teeth. Elastics aren’t needed.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Lingual Braces?

The advantages of lingual braces include:

• Virtual invisibility.Due to the position of the braces, they are almost undetectable to others.
• A more comfortable option. Because the brace brackets are placed next to the tongue, the risk of irritating the cheeks and lips is reduced.
• Custom treatment.Each brace bracket is individually tailored to fit your mouth. The custom design ensures treatment is more comfortable.
• Smaller brackets.Lingual brace brackets are smaller than traditional braces, resulting in less irritation and a smoother treatment experience.

The disadvantages of lingual braces include:

• Higher costs.Lingual braces cost more than other brace solutions due to their customized design and specialized installation process.
• Oral care is trickier.Because the brace brackets are fitted inside your teeth, they are harder to keep clean. You would need to pay extra attention while brushing and flossing to clean around the brackets and wires.
• Slower treatment.Lingual braces can take longer to achieve the desired outcome than conventional braces.
• Speech. The placement of the brace brackets next to your tongue could mean you develop a slight lisp or find it more difficult to pronounce certain words. Generally, these problems are resolved as you get used to the braces.

Clear Ceramic Braces

Numerous clear ceramic brace systems are available and are more discreet compared to traditional metal braces. These are fixed braces, but the brackets are clear or tooth-colored instead of metal and made from ceramic.

The brackets are still attached to wires. However, the wires can be thinner or tooth-colored. Sometimes, elastics aren’t necessary.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Clear Ceramic Braces?

Advantages of clear ceramic braces include:

• Because the brackets are clear, they are less visible, but it’s important to know they can still be seen.

Disadvantages of clear ceramic brackets include:

• Price. Generally, clear braces are more expensive compared to metal braces.
• Durability. The brace brackets can also be more fragile as the ceramic material can chip or break more easily.
• Diet. As with all fixed braces you would need to make some dietary changes, avoiding foods that could damage the brackets and wires.
• Oral care. You will need to spend extra time cleaning around the brackets and wires thoroughly.

Other Invisible Aligner Systems

Since Invisalign was first introduced onto the market, numerous other similar aligner systems have been introduced. These systems use clear plastic aligners; some may be cheaper than Invisalign.

However, Invisalign is the world leader for a reason. It uses the latest and most advanced technologies, and the company producing the system is continually researching and refining its Invisalign products.

A cheaper invisible aligner system may work reasonably well for straightforward orthodontic problems. However, it’s still worth considering Invisalign if you have more extensive issues requiring correction. You may ultimately receive much better results.