Learn the Difference Between Invisalign in Westfield and Traditional Braces

If you’re unhappy with your smile and are ready to do something about your crooked front teeth, you’ll be surprised to know that traditional braces aren’t the only way to straighten teeth. Invisalign in Westfield is a great alternative for someone seeking a more discreet and flexible way to maintain a natural smile while receiving treatment. If you’re on the fence about the effectiveness of Invisalign, let us further explain some of the differences, so you can be more well-informed about which method of treatment you ultimately choose.

Appearance: Clear vs. Metal

For most patients, the decision comes down to overall appearance. While you were a teenager, having a mouth full of metal and colorful rubber bands might look cool, but as a working professional, you need something that doesn’t put the spotlight on your treatment. With traditional braces, you’re living with metal brackets and wires that are not hard to miss. However, with Invisalign, the clear, plastic aligners are practically invisible.

Timeline: Months vs. Years

On average, if you wear traditional braces, you can expect to receive treatment for 2-3 years, but if you choose Invisalign, the overall treatment timeline is drastically less. Although each patient is different and everyone exhibits different dental needs, Invisalign doesn’t require as many visits to the dentist in Westfield for wire tightening or adjusting. By choose Invisalign, you can be confident that your treatment will be much less than with traditional braces.

Flexibility: Removable vs. Undetachable

Apart from the look of your braces, the fact that Invisalign is removable is one of its greatest benefits. Metal braces are cemented onto the surface of your teeth, making it impossible to remove. Patients who opt for clear braces must be responsible enough to wear them at least 20-22 hours each day. Eating, drinking, and cleaning your aligners are the only times you should take them out, but if you need to remove them for a presentation, you can do so, but it’s important to reinsert them immediately following your presentation or big event.

Diet: Unrestricted vs. Restricted

When it comes to eating and enjoying the foods you love, you don’t want to have to give them up while working toward a straighter smile, right? Traditional braces can make it difficult to eat certain foods because of the increased likeliness that food will become trapped between your brackets and wires. Invisalign eliminates this problem because there’s nowhere for food to get trapped! By removing your aligners, you can eat whatever foods you prefer. All you’ll need to do is simply brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water before reinserting your aligners.

Other ways Invisalign differs from traditional braces is that the aligners are smooth, so there’s no need to worry about irritation to your mouth’s soft tissues. Also, cleaning is easy and requires no extra products like a water pick. A toothbrush, clear soap, and warm water are all you need to keep your aligners clean.

About the Author

Dr. David M. Weinman, DMD, graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo before enrolling at the prestigious School of Dental Medicine at the University of Connecticut, earning his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree. He and his team offer a wide array of dentistry services to help his clients achieve a beautiful smile. Whether its dental crowns, teeth whitening or Invisalign, Dr. Weinman can provide the best treatment with personalized care. Contact us at (908) 654-7200 to find out how we can help.