With the introduction of Invisalign, patients finally had an alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign offers a more comfortable treatment, a more natural appearance in the teeth and a better overall treatment experience. This begs the question, why do so many people use braces instead of Invisalign? Below, we’ll take a look at why some patients are still choosing braces when Invisalign offers so many clear benefits.
1. Better for Younger Patients
When it comes to Invisalign vs. braces, younger patients (and their parents) tend to lean towards traditional braces. Braces aren’t removable, which typically makes them a better option for patients who may not be consistent enough to adhere to the Invisalign treatment plan on their own. With traditional braces, parents can be confident that their children will complete their treatment as outlined. When younger patients choose Invisalign, there is always a risk that they will not wear the aligners as recommended. Missing days of usage or improperly caring for the aligners can extend the duration of treatment. For these reasons, parents often opt for braces.
2. Better for Complex Cases
Regardless of the age of the patient, braces are often the winner when it comes to treating more complex dental issues. There is no doubt that Invisalign is effective for straightening the teeth. However, braces incorporate dynamic technologies and devices to correct even the most complicated issues. In addition to crooked or misaligned teeth, braces are ideal for correcting severe overbites and underbites, gaps in the teeth and more. For patients who are interested in correcting more than minor misalignments, braces offer the more effective solution.
3. Potential for Faster Treatment
Considering both of the benefits above, it’s easy to see how braces could theoretically offer a faster treatment than Invisalign. For younger patients who may be inconsistent with Invisalign usage, or for patients with more complicated dental concerns, braces can accelerate treatment time and produce results faster. Of course, braces do have their drawbacks, as they give patients less flexibility with their treatment. As such, this is something that patients will have to give some thought to before deciding on one of these treatments.
Still, both Invisalign and Braces have their place in orthodontics. If you would like to determine which of these treatments is best for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser.
