Comparison between Invisalign® and Brackets
Invisalign® is an orthodontic technique that uses advanced 3D technology using precision transparent aligners that are changed at intervals of 7-10 days; while the brackets, better known to all, metallic or transparent are small pieces that are attached to the tooth and joined together by means of an arch.
What are the differences between Invisalign® and Brackets?
Comfort: Invisalign® splints can be removed so they allow us to eat and clean them without difficulty, it also does not rub against the inside of the lip and does not generate any type of wound; the brackets need greater cleaning precision since they are fixed and exceptional hygiene must be maintained, there are foods that we cannot eat with them, such as hard or sticky foods, and they can rub and generate small sores or canker sores on the mucosa.
Both treatments can cause small discomfort at the beginning due to tooth movements, but it takes a few days to adapt.
Collaboration: with the Invisalign® technique we need a lot of collaboration on the part of the patient because it can be withdrawn and it is necessary to use them approximately between 20-22 hours a day for the treatment to be successful; while the brackets, since they cannot be removed, do not need as much collaboration. In both techniques we will have to use auxiliary elements that do require collaboration from the patient, such as elastics.
Aesthetics: Invisalign® is a very aesthetic technique that is barely visible since it consists of transparent splints and small attachments the color of the tooth that are glued to them that are slightly perceived; while the brackets are visible as they are metallic, although a safer option would be sapphire brackets (transparent).
Time: the duration of the treatment depends on the complexity of the case, normally an Orthodontic treatment lasts around a year and a half, two years; but there are shorter Invisalign® treatments according to the needs of each patient, Lite and Express.
Visits to the Orthodontist: visits with a brace treatment will have to be once a month, while with Invisalign® visits can be further spaced according to the number of splints delivered. Likewise, the possible emergencies are less with Invisalign® than with brackets since they can come off and would need to be cemented again.
The different appliances are tools and it is the responsibility of the orthodontist know and master the different techniques with a solid base of orthodontic, biology and biomechanical knowledge. There are good and bad treatments with Brackets and with Invisalign® or any appliances. Whoever does the treatment is the Orthodontist. So The best Technique is to put yourself in the hands of good Orthodontists, such as our Dr. Marina Párralo.
