Do you suffer from excess food getting stuck in your teeth from crooked teeth? Maybe you have always wanted a smile with a more orderly look. A straighter set of teeth provides many benefits for overall oral health and cosmetic appearance. Modern orthodontics offers some viable options for straightening teeth.
What Is the Best Option for a Straighter Smile?
For many years, patients have relied on metal wires and rubber bands (commonly known as braces) to straighten their teeth. Time-tested and effective braces straighten teeth with gradual adjustments and tightening over a specific, pre-determined period set by a dentist or orthodontist.
A newer option that renders straight, beautiful teeth called Invisalign® can deliver similar results using custom plastic aligner trays worn on a near-constant basis. Our Parramatta orthodontist prescribes new aligner trays that slowly shift teeth into a preferable alignment throughout the procedure.
Traditional Braces in Parramatta: How They Work
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets bonded to the front surface of each tooth, connected by wires, and secured with small elastic bands. The orthodontist carefully adjusts these wires during regular appointments, applying precise pressure to gradually move teeth into their desired positions.
When pressure is applied to a tooth, osteoclasts break down bone tissue on the compressed side while osteoblasts build new bone on the opposite side. This process, called bone remodelling, allows teeth to shift position while they remain firmly anchored in the jawbone.
Pros of Traditional Orthodontics
Patients who decide to straighten their teeth with braces can count on the following benefits:
- Dependable treatment with decades of proven success
- Highly effective for complex cases, including severe crowding, significant bite issues and major misalignments
- No compliance issues since they remain permanently attached until treatment completion
- Withstands daily wear and tear
- Cost-effective compared to newer alternatives
- Modern braces offer more comfort than versions from past years
Cons of Traditional Braces
While conventional braces are highly effective, they do present some challenges:
- Highly visible brackets and wires
- Dietary restrictions
- Oral hygiene challenges
- Initial discomfort and soreness after adjustments
- Adjustment appointments every four to six weeks
Invisalign in Parramatta: The Clear Alternative
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made for your teeth. Your Parramatta orthodontist uses advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to create a complete treatment plan mapping tooth movement through each phase.
Patients wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks before progressing to the next set in the series. With each new aligner, teeth gradually shift—little by little, week by week—until they reach their final prescribed positions.
Pros of Invisalign
Choosing clear aligners offers several unique benefits:
- Nearly invisible appearance
- No metal or rubber to worry about
- Removable for eating and drinking
- More effective oral hygiene
- Fewer office visits than traditional braces
- Predictable treatment timing
- Comfortable with no sharp edges
Cons of Invisalign
While clear aligner therapy offers many advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Requires discipline to wear 20–22 hours daily
- May not be suitable for complex orthodontic issues or severe misalignments
- Aligners can be lost or damaged, potentially extending treatment time
- Generally more expensive than traditional braces
Comparing Invisalign and Traditional Braces
Treatment Process and Timeline
- Traditional braces treatment ranges from 18 months to three years, depending on the case's complexity. Adjustments occur every 4–6 weeks, lasting about 30 minutes each.
- Invisalign treatment takes 12–18 months for average cases, though this can vary greatly. You'll change aligners at home every one to two weeks and visit your Parramatta Invisalign provider every six to eight weeks to monitor progress and receive your next sets of aligners.
Aesthetics and Comfort
The most obvious difference between these options is appearance and comfort. Traditional braces are noticeable, while clear aligners are nearly invisible. Clear aligners typically causes less irritation to cheeks and gums, though both options involve some discomfort during the teeth-moving process.
Lifestyle Considerations
Life goes on during orthodontic treatment, so your daily habits and preferences should factor heavily into your decision:
- Dietary freedom — You can remove Invisalign to eat, so there are no food restrictions. Braces require avoiding certain foods that could damage them.
- Oral hygiene — Maintaining clean teeth with removable aligners is simpler than navigating brackets and wires.
- Activity level — Athletes and musicians who play wind instruments might prefer the flexibility of removable aligners.
- Discipline — Younger patients or those who struggle with compliance with clear aligners might benefit from fixed braces.
Cost and Insurance
Traditional braces in Parramatta typically cost less than Invisalign, though prices vary based on case complexity. Many insurance plans covering orthodontics will provide similar coverage for conventional braces and clear aligners. Our office offers various payment plans to make either option affordable for our patients.
Suitability for Different Cases
Traditional braces generally work best for:
- Complex bite issues
- Severe crowding or spacing
- Significant tooth rotations
- Patients (especially younger ones) who might struggle with compliance
Invisalign is typically ideal for:
- Mild to moderate orthodontic issues
- Adults concerned about professional appearance
- Patients with excellent dental hygiene habits
- Those willing to maintain the discipline of wearing aligners consistently
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Severity of Orthodontic Issues — Be guided by your dentist’s recommendation based on your specific case. Some complex movements require the consistent force that only traditional braces can provide.
Lifestyle and Personal Preferences — Consider your daily activities, professional requirements, and personal comfort preferences. The best orthodontic treatment is one you'll comply with consistently.
Budget and Financial Considerations — While cost shouldn't be the only factor, it's practical to consider what fits within your budget or insurance coverage. Our team can help explain financing options for both treatments.
Contact Your Parramatta Orthodontist
With two effective treatments for misaligned teeth, our patients can rest easy knowing they have options and friendly advice for getting their smiles in order! We invite you to contact our practice for more information on Invisalign and traditional orthodontics!