The methods and technologies used for orthodontics today are incomparable to those used decades ago.
Many still live under the misconception that braces ruin one's appearance and cause a lot of discomfort, even though today traditional solutions are not as problematic as they once were.
Indeed, nowadays wearing braces can be considered fashionable, but many people – whether due to their work or self-confidence – don't want to join this trend. For them, Invisalign invisible braces can be a great choice!
Many people are not yet familiar with this modern alternative, even though it provides a much more aesthetically pleasing way to straighten teeth, while also having many advantages over traditional methods.
What are the arguments in favour of invisible braces, such as those used by NaturaDent? What is the difference between them and traditional orthodontic solutions? We have answered these questions below!
However, before we get to the main topic of our article, we consider it important to highlight that our dental practice already offers Invisalign orthodontics with Platinum II Provider status, which guarantees our expertise and experience.
What makes braces invisible?
Before weighing up the pros and cons, it's very important to answer one of the most important questions that arises regarding invisible orthodontics.
This is none other than why is this orthodontic method invisible?
In this area, many people think of aesthetically fixed braces, which are entirely based on the traditional method, but supplemented with clear or tooth-coloured options.
However, in reality, invisible orthodontics offers much more than that! The Invisalign technology, also used by NaturaDent for example, is a completely new method that has little to do with classic solutions.
In this case, a clear aligner made of a completely transparent material is fitted to the teeth, which is custom-made to apply gentle pressure to the problematic teeth, so with regular use, they will realign into their correct position within a few months.
Although it's made from a completely transparent material – like a comfortable and invisible mouthguard – it can still be removed from the mouth at any time, making it easy to put aside for eating or sports.
Since the regulating rails are made from a transparent material and are easy to get used to, they can be worn at work, school, and even for more important events to achieve the desired outcome.
Invisible or traditional braces? Let's look at the pros and cons!
Now that we know what technological background Invisalign invisible braces has, it's time to go through the pros and cons for or against them.
We have reviewed the key aspects below, highlighting the specific features of both traditional and invisible orthodontics in each case.
Hygiene
One of the biggest problems with traditional orthodontic methods is hygiene. Due to the metal components that create a network around the entire set of teeth, cleaning them is extremely difficult, making the removal of food debris trapped between the teeth more cumbersome.
Even more problematic is that the cleanliness of the elements that come into contact with teeth presents difficulties, requiring much greater attention, while there is no possibility for the patient to simply remove the splint from its place.
However, invisible orthodontics represents a new level in this area, as the transparent Invisalign aligners can be easily removed anywhere, anytime, they can be cleaned, disinfected, and there is an opportunity to thoroughly clean the teeth.
If we proceed this way, the teeth will not decay or rot under the invisible braces, meaning that a perfect smile can be restored without having to forgo the health of our teeth.
Invisible braces lie on the table
Planability
Alongside hygiene, we must also talk about predictability in relation to orthodontics. Many people don't know, but the application of traditional braces cannot be planned in advance, thus requiring continuous adjustments – corrections – after they are fitted.
An experienced dentist can clearly visualise the result, but the patient will only encounter discomfort for many months before experiencing a favourable change.
In contrast, for example, the use of Invisalign invisible braces is preceded by thorough planning. At NaturaDent, for instance, we only believe in the highest quality, which is why we use 3Shape and iTero scanners to create the perfect orthodontic plan.
This is important not only so that the patient can see the result of orthodontic treatment in an engaging animation, but also so that the necessary splints for the process can be precisely designed, which need to be changed every two to three weeks to achieve the desired outcome.
Comfort and aesthetics
Both orthodontic techniques require getting used to, however, experience shows that in terms of comfort and aesthetics, invisible orthodontics is on a much higher level.
Traditional metal braces are considered by many not to be something one can get used to, but rather just endure, but the biggest problem with them is that they cannot be removed even for an hour, so that the patient can catch their breath a little.
With invisible orthodontics, there is no such discomfort, as it can be removed at any time, even for a few minutes, and thanks to its softer material, it serves as a much more comfortable wear.
Furthermore, we don't need to worry about the aesthetics either, as the latter doesn't affect confidence, doesn't cause discomfort, and allows you to live exactly the same life as before.
Security
When it comes to safety, we can again highlight the method of invisible orthodontics, as with its use, it is practically impossible for the patient to get injured.
This is why clear aligners are made from thin, flexible material, which, to exaggerate slightly, are like a thin mouthguard, providing extra protection for the teeth during sports.
In contrast, traditional braces can easily have small parts break off or fall out, which can injure the patient's tongue or gums, sometimes requiring dental intervention, often as first aid.
Metal vs Metal-free
It is also important to compare orthodontic techniques in terms of materials. Many people have never been able to achieve a perfect smile because they could not wear traditional braces due to a metal allergy.
However, this is no longer a serious problem with Invisalign clear braces, as this technology is made entirely from metal-free, therefore safe, and biologically neutral materials.
This means that it can indeed be used by anyone, even those with metal allergies, as biocompatible medical plastic does not cause allergic complaints in 99.99 percent of cases.
Treatment outcomes
Invisible braces can be an ideal solution for all related problems when the position of the teeth needs to be corrected, making them a good decision for both minor and major crowding.
It is effective when correcting minor displacements, for lateral tooth movements, but also when teeth need to be tilted or rotated, and even in the case of so-called overjet (when the upper incisors are further apart from the lower ones), it is also effective.
In such cases, it can achieve results as good as traditional orthodontic solutions, but it has its limitations in more severe cases.
This is the case, for example, if the crowns of the teeth are too short, if the tooth movement is too complex for planning, but this method is also not recommended in cases of significant tooth loss or inadequate oral hygiene. In such cases, dentists typically prefer classic orthodontic solutions.
It should be emphasised, however, that in most cases, invisible orthodontics can be applied successfully – even in children with remaining teeth.
Treatment duration
Orthodontics is a time-consuming task, as an overly powerful movement of the teeth can lead to unforeseeable consequences and injuries, so patience is always important.
However, with invisible orthodontics, faster results can often be achieved. By using the right technology, it is possible to straighten even significant crowding in a matter of months.
The exact duration of orthodontic treatment is patient-dependent, however, in our experience, even the correction of more serious crowding or misalignments can be achieved up to 3-5 months faster with invisible aligners.
Since invisible orthodontics is predictable, it is possible to calculate precisely during the first dental consultation: how long the teeth straightening will take with regular wear of the aligners, and what result can be expected.
There
Of course, we can find differences not only in technology or efficiency, but also in price, between traditional and Invisalign invisible orthodontics.
The reason for this is mainly to be found in the fact that while known orthodontic solutions have been on the market for decades, manufacturers have had time to find solutions for cost reduction.
Furthermore, their application does not require as much preparation and planning as, for example, fitting Invisalign braces, which consequently costs more than traditional methods, but in return offers numerous benefits.
The invisible nature, speed, outstanding efficiency, and modern technology play a pricing role in this orthodontic technology, but due to the points mentioned, more and more people are choosing it over traditional types of orthodontics.
