Do you suffer from a degree of dental misalignment? You may need orthodontic treatment. If you dislike the idea of traditional metal braces and would prefer to straighten your teeth in a more discreet way, you might be a candidate for either Invisalign or lingual braces. Both treatments are aesthetically pleasing, but there are some significant differences between them. Let’s talk about how they compare.
Appearance
Invisalign aligners are constructed out of a special type of plastic that is designed to be as thin and discreet as possible. However, they are not completely invisible. Lingual braces, on the other hand, consist of brackets and wires that are attached to the backs of your teeth. They may be noticed less than Invisalign.
Convenience
Invisalign aligners are removable, which means they allow you to eat almost anything. Lingual hidden braces are bonded onto the teeth, so just like metal braces, they come with some dietary restrictions. However, some individuals prefer the convenience of having their braces attached to their teeth, especially if they believe they might forget to wear Invisalign as much as they should.
Oral Hygiene
Both treatments require you to pay more than the usual attention to oral hygiene. Failure to do so with Invisalign might allow your aligners to trap food particles and bacteria against your teeth, while missteps in oral hygiene with lingual braces can lead to a similar result. Whichever treatment you choose, your orthodontic team will coach you on how to keep your teeth as clean as possible.
Comfort and Speech
When you first get Invisalign, you might find that you produce extra saliva because the aligners will be a foreign object in your mouth. You might also find that they have a minor impact on your pronunciation. Something similar might happen with lingual braces. With both treatments, patients tend to adapt pretty quickly.
Effectiveness
Both types of treatment can address a wide range of dental misalignment issues. However, they each have their limitations. For example, Invisalign may not be able to correct severely rotated teeth, while lingual braces aren’t ideal for treating a deep overbite. After your orthodontist has a chance to examine your teeth, they’ll let you know if one treatment is better suited for your circumstances than the other.
Price
Both Invisalign and lingual braces can vary in price depending on the severity of a case. Most orthodontists work with financing companies to help patients afford treatment, so if you cannot (or do not want to) pay upfront, you may have options available to you.
Both lingual braces and Invisalign are remarkable, effective, and discreet treatments. If you would like to learn more about one or both of them, get in touch with a qualified orthodontist.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason and the Polaris Orthodontic Center team are proud to have helped many patients benefit from Invisalign. Dr. Mason is also one of the few dental professionals in our area who is qualified to offer lingual braces. If you are curious about your orthodontic treatment options, contact us at 614-781-6990.
