These days, there are lots of options when it comes to orthodontic treatments for straightening teeth and fixing misaligned bites. In days gone by, the usual treatment consisted of having to wear metal braces that attached to the teeth by brackets. While these kinds of braces are still worn by many people, Invisalign aligners and lingual braces (otherwise known as invisible braces, inside braces or hidden braces) are also available.
What are Invisible Braces?
Truly invisible braces are lingual braces that your orthodontist will apply behind the teeth. In this way, they are a bit like a reversed version of traditional metal braces. Instead of the metal brackets being attached to the front of the teeth, lingual braces have metal wires and brackets attached behind the teeth.
The biggest advantage with these invisible braces is that they are completely hidden. This is compared with regular braces with are often quite noticeable. For anyone who might be worried about standing out in a crowd, lingual invisible braces offer a great balance of effectiveness and discretion. They are even more invisible than Invisalign!
Which is More Comfortable to Wear?
Invisalign aligner trays are very popular nowadays and for very good reasons. Not only are they far less noticeable than traditional metal braces, but they also have a reputation for being more comfortable to wear. Given that lingual braces are also much less noticeable, which option is more comfortable?
Just like regular metal braces, lingual braces will take some getting used to. One of the biggest issues that many people face is the feeling of the metal brackets on the inside of their teeth. Initially, they will rub up against the tongue and can irritate it and cause sore spots until it toughens up. This is also true for Invisalign; the plastic aligners can take some getting used to. Invisalign aligner trays are made of a smooth plastic, so there isn’t the same sort of irritation. But, some patients find the shaper edges of the aligner trays can irritate the tongue and the inside of the mouth. Patients will become used to both treatments in a short amount of time.
Both Invisalign and inside braces work to gently move teeth into a new position. So there may be some discomfort during your next set of aligner trays, or when your orthodontist tightens the wires. The discomfort will lessen as the teeth move and have less pressure placed on them.
So, which one should you get? Both are effective treatments and both offer the primary advantage of being practically invisible. Both have the same level of discomfort initially and during key points in treatment. The option really is up to you!
To talk to an orthodontist about which treatment will suit your lifestyle, contact Evolution Orthodontics today.