Almost everyone has some type and severity of malocclusion, also known as tooth misalignment. There are two primary types of misalignment: dental and skeletal. A dental misalignment involves only the teeth, while a skeletal misalignment involves a malformation of the skull. Some of the most common malocclusions include:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Crowding
- Gapped teeth
Orthodontic treatments, such as traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners, address these issues. At 5th and Olive Dental in Seattle, we offer both of these options. In this article, we’ll explain more about both of these.
Traditional Braces
For many years, traditional braces were the primary method used for correcting malocclusions. In some more severe cases of overcrowding, extractions would be performed, or, in some cases, oral surgery was required to straighten teeth.
This treatment requires brackets to be placed on each tooth with an archwire running between them. The wire is tightened, putting pressure on the teeth to shift them into proper alignment. Every few weeks, as the teeth shift, patients must return to the dental clinic to have the wire tightened.
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Advantages
Traditional braces offer several advantages:
- Versatile: traditional braces can be used to resolve a variety of mild to complex dental and skeletal misalignments. In addition, braces can be used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances, such as headgear, to correct serious misalignments.
- Precise: since braces can put more pressure on teeth, results can be more exact for patients with more complex malocclusions.
- Styles: traditional metal braces are the most common- but there are more discreet traditional methods as well, including ceramic (clear or tooth-colored) or lingual (attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front). However, it is important to note that while dental insurance will usually cover a portion of traditional metal braces, it may not cover as much, if any, of the cost of these two.
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Disadvantages
There are also a few disadvantages associated with traditional braces:
- Appearance: traditional braces are much more obvious than clear aligners, which makes them less appealing- especially for teens and professional adults.
- Inconvenient: traditional braces are fixed in place until the end of treatment. Patients must give up certain foods (crunchy, sticky, etc) to avoid potentially damaging the brackets and wires. The good news is that you don’t have to be concerned about compliance like you would with clear aligners.
- Office visits: traditional braces typically require office visits at least every 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes more often, to tighten the wire as the teeth shift.
Invisalign
Invisalign was introduced to the market in the late 1990s as an alternative to traditional metal braces for mild to moderate malocclusions. This treatment option consists of a series of thin, transparent, plastic trays that are custom-made to fit your teeth.
The trays are fabricated to put even pressure on your teeth, shifting them into their appropriate positions within the jaw. This is best for patients with mild to moderate malocclusions, though it may be effective for more severe cases in conjunction with attachments. Invisalign attachments are tooth-colored resin buttons placed on teeth for the aligners to clip onto.
Invisalign is an orthodontist-directed treatment, which means that periodic visits are required to ensure that your teeth are shifting properly.
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Advantages
Invisalign clear aligners offer several advantages:
- Appearance: aligners are virtually invisible, which means the treatment process is more discreet than traditional braces. This is why it is so popular, especially among teens and professional adults.
- Comfortable/Convenient: aligners must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day- but can be removed for eating and oral hygiene practices. This means that you don’t have to be concerned with food restrictions. Also, while periodic check-in visits are necessary to monitor progress, the visits are spaced farther apart. Plus, the aligners are made from smooth plastic, which means you don’t have to be concerned with brackets and wires scraping the inside of your mouth.
- Treatment time: on average, treatment takes 12 to 18 months. Patients with very mild cases may see resolution in as little as 6 months. However, it is important to note that every patient is different, and these treatment times are not guaranteed.
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Disadvantages
There are also a few disadvantages associated with Invisalign:
- Cost: the cost of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces- however, dental insurance may not cover this treatment because it is considered cosmetic. Our office staff will work with your provider to find out about your coverage options. If you need help, we do offer financing options.
- Compliance: since aligners are removable, compliance can sometimes be an issue. In order for treatment to be effective, the aligners must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. You may be able to expedite treatment by wearing them on the longer end of the spectrum.
- Scope: Invisalign is primarily recommended for patients with mild to moderate malocclusions and may not be suitable for more severe cases. If your teeth are severely rotated or crowded, or you have large gaps, this may not be the best option. This is also not suitable for skeletal malocclusions.
Quick Comparison of Invisalign vs. Braces
Below, we’ll offer a quick comparison of Invisalign clear aligners vs. braces:
| Invisalign | Traditional braces | |
| What can it treat? | Mild to moderate dental malocclusions, possibly more complex with the use of Invisalign attachments | Mild to complex dental and skeletal malocclusions |
| Cost | $1,200 to $8,000 Depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion and how many aligners you need | $3,000 to $7,500 Depending on the type of traditional braces you are using |
| Treatment time | 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion | 12 months to 3 years, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion |
| Oral Hygiene | Aligners are removable, making oral hygiene easier. Simply brush and floss teeth as usual and rinse aligners under cool water when taking them out or putting them in. Aligners should be cleaned once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. | Brackets and wires complicate oral hygiene. However, you can use an interdental toothbrush and a water flosser to get around them. Cleaning around brackets is critical, as bacteria can accumulate in these areas and cause tooth decay. |
| Food Restrictions | Invisalign aligners are removable, which means food restrictions are not necessary. You can eat what you like, just be sure to clean your teeth before replacing aligners. | You must avoid foods that are sticky, crunchy, or otherwise difficult to chew. These foods can damage brackets and wires, which can impact your treatment time. |
| Adjustments & Treatment Monitoring | You must visit the clinic periodically to monitor your progress. If adjustments are required, such as adding attachments or additional aligners, the dentist can do this at any time. | You must visit the clinic every few weeks to have the archwire tightened as the teeth shift. |
What can it treat?
Invisalign
Mild to moderate dental malocclusions, possibly more complex with the use of Invisalign attachments
Traditional braces
Mild to complex dental and skeletal malocclusions
Cost
Invisalign
$1,200 to $8,000 Depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion and how many aligners you need
Traditional braces
$3,000 to $7,500 Depending on the type of traditional braces you are using
Treatment time
Invisalign
6 months to 2 years, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion
Traditional braces
12 months to 3 years, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion
Oral Hygiene
Invisalign
Aligners are removable, making oral hygiene easier. Simply brush and floss teeth as usual and rinse aligners under cool water when taking them out or putting them in. Aligners should be cleaned once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Traditional braces
Brackets and wires complicate oral hygiene. However, you can use an interdental toothbrush and a water flosser to get around them. Cleaning around brackets is critical, as bacteria can accumulate in these areas and cause tooth decay.
Food Restrictions
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are removable, which means food restrictions are not necessary. You can eat what you like, just be sure to clean your teeth before replacing aligners.
Traditional braces
You must avoid foods that are sticky, crunchy, or otherwise difficult to chew. These foods can damage brackets and wires, which can impact your treatment time.
Adjustments & Treatment Monitoring
Invisalign
You must visit the clinic periodically to monitor your progress. If adjustments are required, such as adding attachments or additional aligners, the dentist can do this at any time.
Traditional braces
You must visit the clinic every few weeks to have the archwire tightened as the teeth shift.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation with 5th and Olive Dental
If your teeth are misaligned, schedule your consultation with the team at 5th and Olive Dental. We are located on Olive Way in Seattle. Our office hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday by appointment only.
In addition to orthodontic treatments, we offer many other dental services for the entire family, from children to seniors. Whether it’s your child’s first tooth or you need to transition to dentures, we can help. You can schedule your appointment by calling the office or by visiting the website. New patients can download and fill out the new patient paperwork prior to their visit to expedite the first visit.
