Debbie Are you looking for ways to fix your teeth and improve your smile?
You’ve probably contemplated getting either braces or Invisalign. Despite braces being the go-to solution for misaligned teeth, more people are opting for Invisalign. That’s because Invisalign can offer the same benefits and results without the discomfort that braces usually cause.
Yet, despite people choosing Invisalign over braces, some patients prefer to get brackets. It all comes down to everyone’s personal circumstances, but each treatment has its pros and cons. If you’re indecisive about what treatment to get, this article enters the debate of Invisalign vs braces, which will help you make a final decision.
Price
When it comes to cost, both braces and Invisalign are relatively straightforward options. Generally speaking, the price of traditional orthodontics varies by location and the type of braces involved.
While Invisalign treatment doesn’t consist of metal brackets or wires, it still comes with dental visit costs, lab fees, and the associated equipment like an aligner and aligning device.
In other words, you can’t expect to save on Invisalign if you live in a major city. Your treatment’s cost will depend on many factors, like the number of teeth you want to align, your location, and whether any additional treatment is needed. However, in most cases, Invisalign is more affordable than braces.
Appearance
Traditional dental braces are a lot more visible compared to clear Invisalign. The clear aligners you use with your treatment are invisible to others, and no one will ever know you’re wearing them.
This can be practical for those who are more self-conscious about their appearance or suffer from self-esteem issues. This is most common among younger ones. If you’re doing this research for your child and wondering, “are there any pediatric orthodontists near me,” you can quickly find one and ask them for their input.
Additionally, Invisalign braces stay on your teeth for the same number of weeks and are removed at the end of the day.
Comfort
Braces are usually fixed onto your teeth with brackets and wires. On one hand, it’s comfortable never to have to worry about removing them before eating or swimming. On the other hand, the brackets and wires can be painful, especially when you have to get your braces tightened.
Invisalign is an alternative option that allows you to gain the same results without wearing braces. This means you can wear it at night and remove it when you’re eating, washing your face, or doing anything else.
You can eat when you feel like it, swim in the ocean, and play sports without pain. You can also choose what type of Invisalign treatment is right for you. You can have clear aligners that are gentle and discreet, or you can choose invisible braces that are clear and completely invisible.
Convenience
There are advantages and disadvantages to both braces and Invisalign when it comes to convenience. Dental braces are easy to use because you do not have to take them out. However, you won’t be able to eat certain things because they would get in the way.
On the other hand, Invisalign is easy to use. Yet, Invisalign trays need to be removed and stored properly before eating. Having to remove and re-insert before every meal can be annoying for some people.
Effectiveness
Braces have been the top solution to improve the appearance of smiles for ages. Patients can’t remove braces, so they must wear them 24/7, 7 days a week, as the orthodontist recommends.
Invisalign trays are removable, which may prevent some patients from following the suggested time of use. Your teeth will shift if you forget or lose the trays, making it more difficult to retain them.
Patients often use Invisalign trays for a shorter time than recommended, which may extend treatment time. Because braces can also work more effectively in severe tooth misalignment cases, traditional braces are also more effective.
Care and Cleaning
Brushing and cleaning are a must, regardless of whether you’re using braces or Invisalign. When wearing Invisalign, you must regularly clean your tray to prevent your aligners from catching bacteria.
But, with braces, you have to watch out for any foods that can get stuck between your brackets. It’s a common issue when wearing braces, so you’ll have to use a small brush to get food out of the wires to keep them clean.
Which One Is Best For You?
No two cases are alike, so you’ll have to do your research. What’s good for one person may not work for another.
When it comes to choosing an orthodontic option, try answering these questions: What’s the best way to improve the shape of my teeth? Are you interested in straightening your teeth, aligning them, or perhaps putting them back in their correct position?
Depending on your answer, you may prefer one option over another. Once you’ve figured this out, deciding between braces and Invisalign can be easier.
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular dental appointments and checkups are crucial for effective treatment, regardless of whether you wear braces or Invisalign. Yet, wearing braces will require you to visit your dentist every 3-4 weeks. Whereas with Invisalign, you only have to visit every 4-6 weeks.
Invisalign vs Braces: Explained
If you’re looking for ways to align your teeth and improve your smile, you may be going back and forth between choosing one option or the other. Analyzing the debate of Invisalign vs braces will help you evaluate your personal case and choose a treatment that suits you best. If you are still struggling with making a final choice, call your local dentist and have them give you their professional opinion.
Did you like these helpful tips? If so, we’ve got other health-related posts on our website that you might find useful. Check them out!
