Teeth care is a very important part of healthcare and goes beyond just brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Straighter teeth are one of the most coveted procedures of teeth care and beginning this process deserves thought, care, and research. If you’re looking into the options for teeth correction for either you or a child, you’re in the right place.
Traditional braces and Invisalign are two of the most popular options today for straighter teeth. While both options work to straighten and improve your smile, they work differently and have vast differences. Below is some information to help you decide which choice, Invisalign vs braces, is best for you.
Braces
Over 4 million people in the U.S. wear braces, which goes to prove its overall effectiveness. Braces are made of metal, plastic, or ceramic and are a way of straightening your teeth and the long-term health of your gums by spreading the pressure across all your teeth.
This method averages 18 months to three years depending on cooperation and type of fixture.
Invisalign
The Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing clear liners that straighten your teeth. It differs from braces because of the lack of metal, wires, and other restrictions that come with wearing braces.
They are made of flexible plastic that fits snuggly and plans out the exact movement of your teeth. This method averages about 12-18 months with proper cooperation and type of fixture.
What do they do?
Both Invisalign and braces are great options to fix dental issues such as
- Overly crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Crossbites
However, traditional braces can be used to fix more serious teeth problems such as severely crooked or complicated teeth that Invisalign can’t fit around.
Pros & Cons of Braces
While braces are the most common form of teeth alignment on the market, this method has its positives and negatives. Some positives and negatives are:
Ease of Access
Traditional braces have been around since the 1820s and are the go-to treatment option for almost all orthodontics. This means that any orthodontist you visit will be able to perform treatment with the use of braces.
Results
Since braces have been on the market and used longer than any other aligner, the results are definite. Braces have more positive outcomes than any other aligners.
Treatment
Braces are fixed and can’t be taken off by anyone but the orthodontist. This makes treatment faster and more efficient while limiting the risks of infection or contamination.
Regular checkups are also necessary with braces so that the orthodontist knows the progress and success of the treatment while keeping any faulty issues at bay.
Visibility
Braces are highly visible and this can be a problem, especially for adults who would like to have the option of not making their alignment public knowledge.
Diet
Some hard foods can potentially tamper with the effectiveness of braces. Treatment with traditional braces requires staying off these foods until the braces are removed, which could last from months to years.
Pros & Cons of Invisalign
Just like braces have its positives and negative, so does Invisalign. Taking these into consideration before making such a huge dental decision is important. Here are the positives and negatives:
Comfort
Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal or plastic wires or brackets on Invisalign which are similar to mouthguards and lack sharp edges. This reduces painful cuts in your mouth and just general discomfort.
Attractiveness
Since Invisalign is clear is a more aesthetically pleasing option for most. They are more attractive and people won’t know that you’re wearing them, which lessens the chance of feeling self-conscious while fixing your teeth. According to Forbes decaying teeth and gum problems make one in three young adults aged 18 to 34 (33%) reluctant to smile and with Invisalign, this can turn the number around.
Removable
Invisalign can be removed for brushing, eating, and flossing. This helps you practice better hygiene without feeling like something you’re doing might be affecting your braces. It also reduces the chances of gum diseases that can happen while having your braces on as an effect of not being able to clean your teeth properly.
Time
A negative of Invisalign is that they must be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day. This decreases your eating/brushing/flossing time and forces you to wear them at times when you might not feel the most comfortable doing so.
Discomfort
Getting your Invisalign fitted might be a source of discomfort and even slight pain. It’ll take some time for your teeth to adjust to a new set of aligners and you might want to use some pain relievers during this process.
Cost of Invisalign vs Braces
Traditional braces tend to be more affordable than Invisalign. Braces cost around $1,500 to $5000 while Invisalign averages at $5,500. These prices might differ depending on where you live, the orthodontist you visit, and if you have insurance that covers such.
Which Is Right For you?
There are many factors in deciding between traditional braces and Invisalign as your treatment of choice for a straighter smile. When it comes to the outcome of your dental care, there are several factors to keep in check and the information above gives you a starting mark on how to decide.
Book a consultation with one of our orthodontists today to start your process and take comfort in the fact that you will only come out with the best smile regardless of your choice between Invisalign vs braces.
