Choosing Invisalign® Over Traditional Braces

Traditional braces may have been the go-to orthodontic option for decades, but if you want straighter teeth,  you don’t need to settle for metal brackets and wires. Invisalign® is an innovative orthodontic solution that straightens teeth, closes gaps, and corrects minor bite problems — all without any metal wires. Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro creates beautiful smiles with the Invisalign clear aligner system right here in our Hercules, California, office.  

If you’ve wanted straighter teeth — without wires and brackets — Invisalign could be the orthodontic solution for you. Keep reading to explore the top reasons to choose Invisalign over traditional braces.

Comparing Invisalign to traditional braces

Invisalign is a clear orthodontic aligner made from dental-grade transparent BPA-free soft plastic. The system gradually shifts your teeth into the desired location by utilizing a series of clear trays — each new tray shifting your teeth closer to their ideal location.

Both Invisalign and braces can close gaps, straighten teeth, correct crowding, and correct bite issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. However, traditional braces accomplish these goals with rough wires and brackets, which may cause blisters and oral lesions.

Other reasons to consider Invisalign include:

Discrete appearance

Metal braces are far from discrete, and that’s one of the most common reasons why teens and adults want to postpone orthodontic treatment. Metal braces are visible when talking, smiling, and posing for pictures. Adults, in particular, may hesitate to get braces in case they affect self-esteem at work. 

Invisalign trays are made from clear plastic, and they’re barely noticeable. Whether you’re on a date, giving a presentation at work, or simply spending time with friends, you can feel confident with Invisalign.

Safety

Traditional braces are notorious for causing blisters, lip/cheek lacerations, and oral lesions. Wires can shift and poke the inside of your mouth, causing even more discomfort. Because Invisalign trays are created from plastic material, your chance of sustaining these types of sores and injuries is dramatically reduced. The trays don’t contain any sharp edges or metal components that pinch, poke, rub, or cut your mouth. The aligners are even individually trimmed so they fit perfectly and comfortably against your gums.

Convenience

Invisalign clear aligner trays should be worn for 22 hours each day. However, they can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth. This is a significant advantage over traditional braces. The brackets and wires on metal braces easily trap food, which can be both embarrassing and hard to clean. 

With Invisalign, you aren’t limited to what you can or can’t eat during your treatment. Simply remove your trays to eat and drink, brush your teeth, and then place your trays back in your mouth.

No need for messy impressions

Even the process of getting your Invisalign aligners is easy. The iTero Element Scanner® provides highly detailed 3D images of your mouth. This means there’s no need for physical impressions and goopy molds, which is especially welcome news for those with a sensitive gag reflex!

Predictable treatments

Only Invisalign uses the patented material, SmartTrack®. Thanks to the SmartTrack material and ClinCheck® software:

• Treatments are faster than with traditional braces
• Treatment is predictable from your first to your last tray 
• Treatments are more comfortable 

Are you ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Book your Invisalign consultation at our Hercules, California, practice by calling 510-254-3328. You can also request a consultation online with our easy-to-use scheduling tool.