People suffering from tooth problems are desperately seeking a permanent dental solution. Straight teeth show a confident smile. Braces and Invisalign are treatments that can address this issue for orthodontic patients. But how do braces and Invisalign work? This blog post is all about the solution.
In fact, both braces and Invisalign are effective methods for straightening teeth. Additionally, each treatment has its own specialties. Orthodontists use them according to the dental condition. Dentoral Studio Valencia Town, Lahore, offers both treatment plans to solve your teeth problems effectively. Therefore, we will give a breakdown of the whole process of how braces and Invisalign, or clear aligners, work.
How Teeth Move: The Science Behind Straightening
Teeth are not fixed to the jawbone. Whether you choose clear aligners or braces, the periodontal ligament holds them in place. Moreover, braces and aligners both have the same purpose: to straighten the teeth.
When dentists continuously apply a gentle force to the teeth over time, it triggers the process. Consequently, this bone movement is called remodeling. Furthermore, it helps in the resorption and deposition of the bone teeth.
With time, it allows teeth to move to the ideal position. However, the application of force and pressure on the position differentiates the treatment, whether braces or Invisalign will perform best.
Braces: The Tried-and-True Fixed Appliance
Traditional braces are one of the most common dental treatments. In fact, they can solve major orthodontic issues, from simple misalignment to complex bite problems.
The Mechanics of Braces
Braces are a multi-component system that applies continuous passive force to the teeth. Ultimately, the goal of braces is to set the position of the teeth.
The common functioning of braces includes the following process:
Brackets: Orthodontists also commonly call braces brackets. They’re made of small metal, ceramic, and square glue bonds. Additionally, they act as handles. Their main purpose is to correct the tooth direction. Orthodontists place them on the front of each tooth for support.
Archwires: Brackets contain threaded slots for archwires. They’re made of specialized materials called nickel-titanium for upper and lower teeth. Moreover, these wires are thin and flexible.
Ligatures: Ligatures are made of plastic or rubber materials. Specifically, they’re small rubber bands that hold the arch into the bracket slots for tight positioning.
How Braces Move Teeth?
A gradual but continuous force can move teeth to the ideal position. Furthermore, the braces treatment process consists of the following steps:
Placement: Your orthodontist places the brackets and archwires in the ideal tooth position.
Continuous Force: Subsequently, the bonds and flexible threads help the jawbone to put continuous force on the teeth.
Adjustments: Within 4-6 weeks, your orthodontist will adjust the alignment and braces to fit properly to the teeth.
The key advantage of braces is their support in tooth rotation and perfect placement. Additionally, they resolve almost every kind of bite problem.
Invisalign: The Clear Aligner Revolution
Patients also know Invisalign as clear aligners. In fact, they’re becoming one of the most popular orthodontic treatments nowadays. Moreover, aligners are more comfortable than any other dental treatment. Essentially, it’s a kind of quick-fix solution for minor dental problems.
The Science Behind Invisible Aligners
The invisible aligners are removable dental trays that fit over your teeth. Your orthodontist customizes them according to the size and shape of your teeth. Furthermore, dentists design these transparent aligners using advanced 3D scanning and CAD modeling.
Clear Aligners Design and Process
The process of designing and making aligners is advanced and comprehensive. Typically, dentists divide it into three steps:
Digital Planning: First, the orthodontist takes a 3D scan of your mouth. Subsequently, your dentist uses this data to make a comprehensive treatment plan, which is called ClinCheck. It’s a cloud-based software for clear aligner therapy that gives a complete roadmap of treatment from start to finish.
Custom Design: After getting the plan, the dentist customizes the aligner tray design according to the map. Additionally, they’re made through flexible materials for better positioning and fixing.
Application: Once the customized design is ready, the patient can now wear these aligners. Meanwhile, for the grip of the teeth, small tooth color buttons or attachments bond with certain teeth for some time.
The Aligners’ Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of Invisalign is quite simple and gentle. With time, these aligners feel tight, and they move the teeth into the shape they hold. Essentially, you can call it a gentle force that is crucial. As a result, they create less discomfort.
Aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily. However, you can only remove them while eating, drinking something, or brushing and flossing. Consequently, it improves smiles. If you don’t wear them according to the prescription, it may result in reversal of the treatment.
Comparing Treatment: Braces vs. Invisalign
Dentists have proven both Invisalign and braces to be the best in their treatments. Therefore, we can determine the best fit for your teeth condition.
| Features | Braces | Invisalign |
| Visibility | Visible and Noticeable | Less Prominent |
| Removability | Can’t Remove | Removable |
| Oral Hygiene | Tough deep cleaning with specific tools | Easy to brush and floss |
| Patient Compliance | Low (fixed to teeth) | High (must be worn 20-22 hours) |
| Suitability | Best for severe dental problems, crowding, and bite issues | Best for mild and moderate teeth issues |
| Effectiveness | 90% of the success rate as per the reports | 88% of the success rates as per the stats |
Braces and Clear Aligners – Your Next Steps to a Straighter Smile
Till now, you’ve got a better understanding of how do braces and Invisalign work. Furthermore, if you’re still interested in these treatments, Dentoral Studio is here to help you. Our experts can perform a thorough examination of your dental problem. Subsequently, they’ll suggest the best treatment according to your teeth’s condition.
If you’re suffering from teeth problems and want a straighter and perfect smile, we’ll create the best customized plans. So, are you ready to start your perfect smile journey?
