Did you know that straight teeth can improve oral health? In fact, apart from appearance, well-aligned teeth help maintain better overall dental hygiene. If you’re looking to restore your aligned smile, your main options are metal braces or clear aligners (Invisalign). While both are designed to give you a straighter smile over time, they each have their differences.

Traditional (or metal) braces

With metal braces, metal brackets are cemented onto the enamel of each tooth. The orthodontist passes a metal wire between the brackets, which are then joined together with coloured elastic bands. The arch of the braces can be gradually adjusted to bring the teeth back into a better position.

Invisalign (or clear aligners)

Clear aligners are transparent trays made from a 3D image of the patient’s mouth. The patient receives a succession of progressively different aligners that gently move the teeth by less than a millimeter to achieve a better position. These aligners are worn all day long, except during meals and tooth brushing. Each tray is worn for one to two weeks before moving on to the next tray.

Advantages VS disadvantages

With traditional braces, there’s no risk of losing your braces, unlike aligners, which can easily be lost. Metal braces are also better suited for complicated tooth corrections. Invisalign aligners are more effective for slightly or moderately misaligned teeth.

However, Invisalign offers an aesthetic advantage, as clear aligners are difficult to detect. It’s also easier to maintain good dental hygiene, as the aligners can be removed and reinserted without difficulty. Similarly, because the aligners can be removed, there are no dietary restrictions as with traditional braces. Transparent aligners are also more comfortable to wear than braces, which can disturb the tongue and lips.

Traditional braces and Invisalign are both suitable options for gaining an aligned smile, but to choose which one is right for you, it’s important to discuss it with an orthodontist. For a reference, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist.