Invisalign vs metal braces – which should you pick?

Lots of people find they need to visit an orthodontist to help correct issues such as crowding, crooked or rotated teeth, gappy smiles, or misalignment of their teeth so that they can smile with confidence. This normally involves having braces fitted to help move their teeth into the desired position. Needing to have braces fitted should not be daunting but it does involve making a decision on which brace is best for you.

The most commonly seen braces are Invisalign and metal braces. But which one should you pick?

Invisalign vs Metal braces – What is the difference?

While both work towards giving you straighter teeth, they are different in how they achieve the desired results. Working out which is best for you, depends on your individual needs and requirements.

A metal brace is a traditional sort that people think about when someone mentions orthodontics. This involves metal brackets which are glued to the teeth and have a metal wire running between them.  The brackets can be metal or the same colour as your teeth.  When it comes to the bands used over the brackets, some teenagers and children like to try different coloured bands to give their braces a unique edge! 

Invisalign aligners are designed to be discreet and barely noticeable when you’re wearing them. This orthodontic option makes use of aligners to gradually move teeth to the right position. The aligners are custom-made from a unique blend of materials that makes them a lot more comfortable to wear. 

Invisalign vs Metal braces – What do metal ones have to offer?

Metal braces stay fixed in place which means they’re always exerting gentle forces on your teeth. They generally also involve quicker treatment times so you can understand why they’re great for people who may have a certain time line in mind for when they’d like to achieve their ideal smile by. Metal braces are often the only solution for people with complex orthodontic needs.

What do Invisalign braces offer?

If you do not like the idea of having braces permanently fixed to your teeth for the entire treatment period, you’d like the fact that Invisalign aligners are removable. They are perfect for people who want to fix minor imperfections with their smile and can also work really well for complex cases but Invisalign can sometimes be a bit more expensive than metal braces.

Caring for this type of brace involves cleaning them after eating or drinking as well as every morning and night. This requires real commitment so you have to be ready to really want that perfectly straight smile before you get started! 

Invisalign vs Metal braces – Which is best?

The simple answer is that each has its own unique features. It is better to carefully look into each and pick which works best for you once you have the professional guidance of an orthodontist. At The All England Practice, we offer both metal braces and Invisalign braces to our patients. If you need an orthodontist to help you get the straight smile you’ve been wishing for, we are the people to trust. Contact us today to book your appointment.