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Invisalign vs Traditional Braces

There are more solutions on the market now than ever before for straightening your teeth.
Invisalign® and conventional braces are two of the most popular solutions. While none is clearly
superior to the other, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Shawna Omid, DDS in Torrance and the surrounding region offers both Invisalign and
conventional braces. We can assist you in receiving the most appropriate treatment for your
specific situation. To make an appointment or learn more about our services, call (310) 362-4425
now.
Major Differences
Patients choosing Invisalign vs. conventional braces should keep in mind that neither therapy is
superior to the other. Treatment will be determined on a case-by-case basis. A proper diagnosis
is the first step in establishing what is best for a patient. Shawna Omid, DDS can next examine
the patient's treatment process objectives, lifestyle demands, and other factors.
Visibility is the biggest difference between Invisalign and traditional braces. Traditional braces
will be visible in the patient's mouth, whereas Invisalign is a more discrete choice. Invisalign
trays may also be removed, unlike conventional braces that are fixed to the patient's teeth. As a
result, individuals wearing conventional braces may need to alter their diet throughout therapy.
In any event, individuals with Invisalign or conventional braces must maintain a regular dental
hygiene practice and keep retainers after treatment is completed.
“When considering Invisalign and traditional braces, patients should first realize that no one
treatment is better than the other.”
Treatment Time
Though the length of treatment with Invisalign varies depending on the severity of the issue,
most patients are finished in 10 to 24 months. Patients with more misaligned bites or crooked
teeth, on the other hand, would most likely need to wear their aligners for a longer time. Some
people may need further, modest modifications for a few months after finishing therapy. Adults
who had braces as children, on the other hand, may be able to complete therapy in as little as ten
weeks.
Similarly, the length of treatment with conventional braces will be determined by a variety of
circumstances. The severity of the patient's condition, the quantity of space inside their mouth,
and the distance their teeth must go are all factors to consider. It's also important to think about
the patient's teeth, gums, and supporting bone health. Braces, on the other hand, are normally
worn for one to three years on average. Patients may lengthen their treatment period in both
circumstances if they do not properly follow guidelines.
“…patients may extend their treatment time by not following instructions closely.”
Efficacy
Patients prefer clear aligners like Invisalign to metal braces, according to at least one meta-
analysis, because of their inconspicuous nature, comfort, and ease of dental hygiene. Patients
using Invisalign had a quicker treatment duration than those with conventional braces, according
to many studies in the meta-analysis.
However, it's important to remember that Invisalign doesn't have the same level of accuracy as
traditional braces, so it's best for those with minor orthodontic concerns. While transparent
aligners are an excellent way to correct malocclusion in general, conventional braces may
reposition the teeth and jaw more severely. At Shawna Omid, DDS, we go to great lengths to
ensure that our patients receive the most effective and tailored treatment possible.
“How effective are Invisalign and traditional braces?”
Eating
Patients should wear their Invisalign trays in their mouths for 20 to 22 hours every day,
according to Healthline. These trays should only be removed for eating, drinking non-clear
water, and completing oral hygiene activities. Because Invisalign trays do not use wires or
brackets, there are no food restrictions associated with the treatment. To avoid discoloration,
patients should clean their teeth before putting their aligners back on.
Patients, on the other hand, will need to modify their meals while wearing braces. This is due to
the brackets' sensitivity to damage and the need for patients to avoid causing them to detach from
the tooth. As a result, foods that are overly firm, sticky, or chewy, such as popcorn, chewing
gum, hard crackers, and others, must be avoided. Limiting sugary meals and drinks is also
important since the combination of sugar and saliva can cause an excess of plaque that is difficult
to remove.
“What can I eat when I have braces?”

Aesthetics
One of the most appealing aspects of Invisalign for many patients is its near-invisibility. They do
not bring attention to the teeth, unlike regular braces, making them appealing to teenagers,
especially for senior photographs. Invisalign trays may be removed, which is useful for contact
sports.
Traditional braces may adjust the teeth and jaw more accurately than Invisalign, but traditional
braces are more unobtrusive. Invisalign, on the other hand, allows for less demineralization and
root resorption than traditional braces, reducing the risk of discoloration and tooth shortness. In
any event, all orthodontic devices have the ability to repair large gaps between teeth, correct
crooked teeth, and align the points of the teeth.
“…all orthodontic devices have the potential to close any wide gaps between the teeth, straighten
crooked teeth, and align the teeth tips.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Invisalign made of?
A.SmartTrack® is a proprietary thermoplastic material used in Invisalign trays. They're devoid
of BPA, BPS, latex, and gluten. They've also been authorized by the FDA for safe usage.
Q. How often will my Invisalign trays need to be changed?
A.It depends on your unique situation. Most patients, however, require a replacement every one
to two weeks. Shawna Omid, DDS can provide you with further information about what to
expect during a one-on-one session.
Q. How often will I need to see my orthodontist while I have Invisalign?
A.During treatment with Invisalign, patients will still need to visit the orthodontist on a regular
basis. Once every five to six weeks, these visits will take place. Patients who use Invisalign will
need to see an orthodontist less frequently than those who use traditional braces.
Q. What are traditional braces composed of?
A. Brackets, bands, archwires, spacers, ties, buccal tubes, and ligatures make up traditional
braces. The bands wrap around the tooth to anchor the brackets, while the brackets hold the
archwires that move the teeth. To make room for the bands, Shawna Omid, DDS will place
spacers between your teeth.
Q. How often will I need to get my braces tightened?
A.The response changes depending on the situation. Most patients, however, require braces
tightening every six weeks. Shawna Omid, DDS, may be able to offer you a better understanding
of what to expect.
Q. Do I still need to visit my dentist while wearing braces?
A. Yes. Traditional braces make it more difficult to keep up with oral hygiene regimens, so it's
especially vital to be attentive throughout orthodontic treatment.
Definition of Invisalign® Terminology
Aligner Trays
With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out
each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten
the teeth.
Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)
The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue
to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of
time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.
ClinCheck® Software
ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the
patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.
Gum Line
The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient
struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear
away.
Incisal Ridges
Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion
and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.
iTero Element® Scanner
An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s
teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly
when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite,
crossbite, and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.
Overbite
An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the
lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.
Polyurethane Resin
Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight compound
that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.
SmartForce Attachments
SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s
teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth.
Smart Track® Material
Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of
movement, increases the speed of treatment, and applies a gentle force to the teeth over
time.
Smile-Scan
Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and
eyes before giving a score.
Vivera® Retainers
Vivera® retainers are a type of retainer that consists of clear plastic material and helps to
maintain orthodontic corrections after a treatment.