Braces Vs. Invisalign - Which Is The Right One For You?
Teeth are the focal point of each smile. This attribute makes them a crucial confidence boost for most people. Although this case is mostly true for individuals with well-aligned teeth, not all is lost for those with crooked teeth thanks to braces and Invisalign. Both methods play a vital role in fixing almost similar dental issues. Nonetheless, it is only human for one to wonder the pros and cons of using braces Vs. Invisalign for orthodontic treatment purposes.
Traditional braces have a long and proven history of orthodontic treatment. They are basically metal brackets that are glued to the teeth and held together by small rubber bands and wires. On the other hand, Invisalign entered the orthodontic treatment market in 2000 with the aim of straightening teeth while boosting a patient’s smile and dental health. The major distinction between the two treatment methods is visibility since braces are visible metal brackets while Invisalign is almost invisible aligner trays. Here is an in-depth analysis of braces Vs. Invisalign that can help you land the best option for your orthodontic treatment.
Factors for Comparison between Braces and Invisalign
Colour
Braces typically appear as metallic-silver. However, a patient can opt to pay extra to have the brackets to match the preferred color, for instance, the enamel color. Invisalign aligner trays, on the other hand, are made to be discrete or almost invisible.
Cost of Treatment
You must consider your budget when choosing between the two.
Getting braces costs between $1,800 and $5500 on average. The price of Invisalign as the preferred orthodontic treatment is $5000 on average.
Maintenance
For braces, the brackets are required to be brushed regularly through the assistance of a water pick. , Cleaning ought to take place when brushing teeth. Alternatively, Invisalign requires brushing and rinsing the aligner rays using Luke warm water or an Invisalign Cleaning system.
Make or Composition
Braces are metal brackets joined to the teeth using tiny rubber bands and wires. For Invisalign, the aligner trays are composed of comfortable, BPA-free, soft clear plastic. They are worn over the teeth to gently and slightly allow the movement of teeth. An orthodontist will likely utilize impressions, X-rays, and pictures to not only come up with an exact similar 3D image of his or her patient’s teeth but also place the aligner trays properly.
Treatment Duration
Unlike braces, Invisalign aligner trays are removable. In fact, they are supposed to be worn for about 22 hours per day for a period of six to eighteen months in a bid to work properly. Since braces are irremovable, they need to be worn 24/7 for nearly two years. In both cases, the duration is determined by a patient’s treatment needs.
Follow up Appointments
Patients with braces are required to honour their appointment once each month throughout the treatment period. Those with Invisalign ought to make follow up visits nearly every six weeks. Also, the aligner trays need changing after every fortnight or two weeks.
Candidates for Treatment
Mostly, braces are preferable for candidates facing the need to correct protruding, out of alignment, crooked or crowded teeth. However, children who are younger than eight years are not approved candidates since their permanent teeth have not developed long enough. Invisalign candidates make up a relatively smaller fraction compared to that of candidates for traditional braces. The reason is that it is limited to treating severe orthodontic issues.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each?
For Severe Cases, Braces Is The More Viable Option.
Highly useful for treating more severe orthodontic cases.
Additional cleaning measures are not necessary apart from the typical flossing and brushing.
Since they are irremovable until the treatment ends, the temptation to remove or wear them on preferred days is less or almost none.
Pros of Invisalign
With Invisalign, orthodontic patients do not have to worry about food particles getting caught between the braces. Hence, this factor eliminates the difficulty associated with different food types.
They are invisible, which makes them ideal for situations where appearance is vital such as public speaking.
Invisalign eliminates the discomfort associated with wires or brackets.
For solving simple orthodontic issues, Invisalign aligners provide Invisalign Express, which is a term for a shorter-duration option.
Cons of Braces
Patients with braces are prone to the risk of teeth discoloration.
When moving brackets, teeth or wires, patients may experience some discomfort, soreness or even pain.
Eating sticky or hard foods can cause some difficulties. In fact, the risk of food particles being caught between the wires or braces is imminent.
Braces are not ideal for patients with general dental health concerns such as tooth decay and gum disease. Hence, such issues must first be addressed before treatment with braces can be recommended.
Not ideal for patients who participate in rough contact activities regularly.
Cons of Invisalign
Not ideal for serious orthodontic issues.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners have to be removed before eating any meal or drinking anything else apart from water.
To prevent staining the aligners, you must brush your teeth after every meal.
Patients using Invisalign for orthodontic treatment may experience discomfort, especially during tooth movement.
Not suitable for patients with back tooth bite problems, bridgework, the need to move teeth vertically and lack of discipline in keeping aligner trays in for at most 22 hours per day.
The comparison or choice between braces and Invisalign can be undeniably confusing. However, it is important to base your decision of on your needs and the orthodontist’s recommendations depending on your treatment requirements. Based on the comparison above, Invisalign has proven to be a suitable option if you require a more discrete treatment method. In fact, drinking, eating, flossing, and brushing can be natural and convenient since the Invisalign aligners have to be removed before such activities. Hence, you have to be self-disciplined to avoid forgetting to remove them when necessary.
Although not all individuals with orthodontic problems are appropriate candidates for Invisalign treatment, it is important to consult a specialist if you are interested. You can locate the nearest and qualified orthodontist through the Internet from the comfort of your house or office. In turn, he or she will help you determine whether to use braces or Invisalign to straighten your teeth.
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