The Pros And Cons Of Invisalign Vs. Sublingual Braces

There are different kinds of invisible braces. Invisalign is just a brand name for plastic removable braces, but there are also sublingual braces that are difficult to spot. Here are the pros and cons of these two kinds of invisible braces in order to inform and help you decide which kind you would prefer.

Pros

Invisalign

These braces are like trays for whitening teeth. You can easily pop them in and out so you can brush, floss, and eat normally, and the results are so gradual that no one can really tell that your teeth are being straightened. Additionally, Invisalign braces are impossible to see because they are made of a clear plastic resin that just makes your teeth look glossy. You never have to worry about brackets and wiring breaking or cutting into your lips and cheeks, either; for the most part, they are very comfortable to wear and use.

Sublingual

Sublingual braces are comprised of the same brackets and wire as traditional braces, only these braces are mounted to the backs of your teeth. They can only be detected if you have wide gaps between teeth where the wires might be seen, or if you laugh really big. They cannot cut your lips and cheeks, and they make kissing more comfortable. Some insurance companies will cover these braces because they use the same materials as traditional braces.

Cons

Invisalign

Brute force can break these braces, or knock them out of your mouth. As long as you steer clear of situations and sports where blows to the face are possible, you are fine. You also have to follow your treatment plan closely and wear your braces and change to the next set when your orthodontist tells you to; otherwise, your teeth will just slip back into their old positions. These braces are rarely covered by most dental insurance plans because they are considered "cosmetic".

Sublingual

You might frequently nick your tongue on these braces because of their location. You have to make extra efforts to clean and brush the brackets because more food is likely to get stuck on the brackets as your tongue moves food from side to side. Like traditional braces, you will have quite the tedious flossing process, perhaps more so because you cannot see behind your teeth as you use the special floss threaders to get the floss between your teeth. You may also talk differently in order to avoid feeling the braces and brackets with your tongue.


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