What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Conventional Braces, Lingual Braces, and Invisalign?

Braces are the devices which fix or straighten your teeth and help you attain a confident smile. Braces have been in use for a long time now. People prefer visiting an orthodontist and getting braces quite at an early age so as to remove any major problems later in life. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy and happy individual. It is not easy to decide anything hence, selecting the braces well suited for your individual requirements is also tough. However, a lot of dentists, as well as orthodontists, deals with this subject-matter who is trained and experienced in this field can help you reach a conclusion. In this article, we are listing some of the advantages and disadvantages of Conventional braces, Bilingual braces and Invisalign.

There are different types of braces and depending upon the problem you are facing, you would be provided with the solution. Each and every variety of braces has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The types of braces include conventional braces, lingual braces and Invisalign (invisible braces). Let us see what the differences among them are.

Conventional Braces:


Conventional (or traditional) braces are those which are made up of wires and brackets, the most common form and has been in use since the beginning. Each section is fitted to the outside of your teeth and the archwire (a wire compatible with the dental arch and used with braces to correct teeth irregularities) is opened into these sections. As the archwire endeavours to rectify the problem with your teeth, it slowly moves your teeth into their ideal position.



The customary traditional braces used steel brackets (the metal braces). Notwithstanding, nowadays the brackets of the braces are a lot smaller, making them not so much observable but rather more agreeable to wear. They likewise come in various different colours and thus, even the younger generation is facing no problem in wearing those. One other form of conventional braces are the porcelain braces which use porcelain sections that mix in with the shade of your teeth. This makes them all the more stylish and satisfying alternative.


Advantages:


These kinds of braces have been around for quite a while, so there is enough logical proof to showcase their effectiveness. They are reasonable for patients of almost any age and can address seriously rotated teeth and deep bites and can undoubtedly close extraction spaces and adjust affected teeth. Brackets are fixed to the teeth but are not removable like Invisalign, so are continually working hence, providing a better result.


Disadvantages:


As traditional braces are fixed to the front of the teeth, they are not (or cannot be) removed for eating. Or maybe, the patient can eat whatever they like with the brackets on as long as they brush and floss after every dinner. Patients who don't maintain proper oral hygiene may end up having white spot injuries on the teeth. These white zones, evident when the supports are removed towards the end of the orthodontic treatment, mark the beginning of tooth decay brought about by the development of plaque which restrains salivary flow.



Lingual Braces


These braces are a strategy for orthodontic treatment where the sections, wires and all other materials used to realign your teeth are altogether mounted on the tongue side. In an analysis, the sort of braces you are likely most acquainted with can be thought of as outside apparatuses, as in the majority of their equipment is mounted on that part of the patient's teeth that is visible. Lingual braces, including the wires, are individually structured to fit the requirements of each and every patient. Because of the level of innovation involved with the designing of these braces and wires, a longer period of time is needed alongside a greater expense.




Advantages:


The first and foremost advantage of lingual braces is that they are invisible to others. If you wish to fix your teeth structure without worrying about how braces would appear in a social gathering, lingual braces are an option for you. These are best suited for adults as they would not have to face embarrassment during formal meetings.


Disadvantages:


Such braces should not be provided to patients with a narrow jaw as the method of fixation of lingual braces would not leave space for the tongue creating a claustrophobic situation in the mouth. Also, some kind of pain or discomfort is felt when a patient starts using lingual braces owing to the use of wire in bracket making of such braces. Care and caution are needed to be taken as otherwise, the patient might be the victim of cuts and other damages. Also, the orthodontist might restrict your diet to soft meals only.



Invisalign:


Invisalign is for all intents and purposes an invisible method to straighten your teeth. A combination of removable clear aligners, uniquely crafted for your teeth and worn for approximately six months to a year, step by step move your teeth into the right position without the requirement for wires or clasps. A reasonable alternative to the above-mentioned lingual braces, Invisalign is appropriate for grown-ups as well as for other age groups.




Advantages:


The benefits of invisible braces are many. You are free to remove the braces at any time which makes it easier for you to brush your teeth or have the food of your choice. It is not even essential to wear it continuously for 24 hours straight. Furthermore, you need not see your orthodontist on a regular basis. A check-up once in two weeks is considered sufficient for patients using Invisalign or invisible braces.


Disadvantages:


Invisalign though functions to correct the structure of your teeth is not suitable for patients who have severely rotated teeth. Orthodontists also never recommend Invisalign for extraction cases. Also, patients are not able to wear it for 22 hours a day (the required time-frame) as they are aware that it can be removed any time and hence, the whole process of putting the teeth in place takes a longer time than expected. The cost attached to the invisible braces is also high.

Concluding notes for the Readers