Download Blackrock, Co Dublin Braces vs. Invisalign

Newpark Clinic
Dr. Máirlín O’Donnell
Specialist Orthodontist
Tel: (01) 210 4588
70 Newtownpark Ave.
Blackrock, Co Dublin
Web: www.dublinbraces.ie
Email: [email protected]
facebook.com/newparkclinic
Braces vs. Invisalign
If you are considering orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth or your child’s teeth, you may have
questions regarding fixed braces (wire) compared to Invisalign (clear plastic). Both braces and Invisalign are
designed to straighten teeth whilst improving the smile and oral health, but their methods of movement
differ. Only by attending a specialist, who is equally competent in treating with both systems, can you get
impartial and objective advice about the best treatment for you.
Braces
What Are
They
Braces consist of metal brackets which are
glued to your teeth, and tied together by
wires and tiny rubber bands.
Look/Colour Metal wire
Can add colour around the brackets
Can pay extra for enamel colour wire and
brackets
Removable
No, but can be taken off and put back on
for very specific social occasions such as
weddings and MRIs (note: fee involved)
Gum-shields are available specifically for fixed
braces
Invisalign
Invisalign is designed to be invisible. Aligner
trays made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free
clear plastic are worn over your teeth to
subtly and gently move your teeth.
Clear/Invisible with regular cleaning
Yes, but need to be worn 22 hours a day
Generally removed only for meals and
brushing, but there is the ability to take
them out for special events
Braces
Invisalign
Pros
More effective for very complex bites
No temptation to leave them out, less self
discipline is needed
Extra cleaning required with regular brushing
and flossing due to non-removable nature of
the brace
Invisible, clear, more discreet
Removable
No food caught around brackets
No difficulty eating or flossing
Advisable for grinding & enamal damage
Tends to have less discomfort with tooth
movement due to consistant & gentle forces
Cons
May have some pain, sores or discomfort
from wires, brackets or tooth movement
Breakages can be irritating to gums
Advised not to eat sticky or hard foods
Noticeable appearance
Higher risk for tooth staining with poor
brushing
Must remove before eating or drinking
anything but water
Must brush after each meal to avoid staining
Attachments may initially rub against lips or
be more noticeable from a social standpoint
Can have less food restrictions
Not Ideal
For
Patients playing contact sports, can suffer
from damage to brace, teeth & gums if hit
on the mouth
Patients with:
Bridgework
Back tooth bite problems
The need to rotate canines or premolars
The need to extrude teeth vertically
Poor compliance to keep the trays in for at
least 22 hours daily
No speech impairment
Slight speech impairment/lisp most noticeable
for the first 1-3 days and also when tired at
the end of a long day
Speech
Orthodontic Every 6-8 weeks
Visits
Upkeep
Follow Up
Care
Length of
Treatment
Cost
Change aligners every 2 weeks at home
Orthodontic visits every 12-16 weeks
Brush brackets and wires after every meal
Recommended dual ended tooth brush
Floss daily with Super-floss
Electric Water Pick may be useful
Brush and rinse aligners in cold water daily
Retainer Brite cleaning fluid for aligners daily
Daily flossing as normal
Similar for both:
Plastic retainer worn every night for 2 years
and/or bonded retainer (small wire on the
inside of the front teeth) if recommended, to
stay on forever, but can easily be removed
Similar for both:
Plastic retainer worn every night for 2 years
and/or bonded retainer (small wire on the
inside of the front teeth) if recommended, to
stay on forever, but can easily be removed
Similar for both:
6 months - 2.5 years, treatment times always
vary on an individual basis
Similar for both:
6 months - 2.5 years, treatment times always
vary on an individual basis
Similar for both:
€3,000-5,000 prices always vary on an
individual basis
Similar for both:
€3,000-6,000 prices always vary on an
individual basis