Invisalign Aligners Are More Discreet Than Braces

Maybe you want to straighten your teeth, but you are looking for a more discreet method like Invisalign®. These aligners have exploded in popularity because they are a less obvious way to correct misaligned teeth. Many people with alignment issues who were unsure about braces have now embraced Invisalign. You might be on the fence trying to decide between Invisalign and braces. For the right candidates, these teeth straighteners can provide an effective but less obvious correction.

The Invisalign look

Almost invisible and minimal, Invisalign trays are clear plastic. Dentists use a program to design a close fit. Patients who wear them do not have to worry about protruding lips. Many people cannot tell a person is wearing their Invisalign aligners from a distance. With proper care, the trays remain clear and unstained.

Invisalign is less complicated

The types of attachments that dentists install are another reason why Invisalign is a discreet choice. Not every patient will need attachments, and some only need a few. For those who do require attachments, the effect is minimal. The attachments are the color of tooth enamel, and the effect is never jarring.

Invisalign is cleaner and brighter. Because Invisalign trays are removable, patients can often get a better clean. It is easier to brush and floss the teeth and then replace the aligners after. Better access to the teeth means the patient is less likely to struggle with tooth decay and discoloration. Many Invisalign wearers see an improvement in the shade of their tooth enamel while wearing the aligners.

Braces are distinctive and unmistakable

Traditional braces are metal and easy to see. Dentists attach brackets to the fronts of the teeth that need to move, and a metal wire connects them. Rubber bands, often colored, hold the wire in place. Other items like springs, chains, and larger rubber bands can complete the assembly.

The brackets on the fronts of a person’s teeth can push the lips out. Invisalign aligners are nearly flat, but braces protrude from the teeth. The trays do not blend in with other dental work or with tooth enamel. Braces can change how the patient looks, even with a closed mouth. Some patients also struggle with gum health while wearing braces. Swollen and discolored gums can be very noticeable.