It is natural for you to have lots of questions when considering straightening and align your or your kid’s teeth. The normal choice one has to make is between braces vs. Invisalign. As you decide between the two other questions that often follow, which is more effective, affordable, and less time-consuming?
With so many questions and different orthodontic treatment options, you would want to make the right decision. While orthodontists use both braces and Invisalign to straighten the teeth, it also helps give them the ideal positioning, the teeth functioning, correcting the bite issues, having better look and oral hygiene.
Though the primary functions of Invisalign and traditional metal braces are the same, they differ quite a bit. Traditional braces typically use metal wires to position the teeth better. It can also be used to align the teeth so that the patient can get ideal movement and use of the teeth and jaw. Invisalign aligners whereas using clear plastic tray sets to better position the teeth.
Orthodontic treatment
Having a beautiful smile is quite a feature that all of us aspire for. But if you think going to an orthodontist to get your smile fixed is the only reason or a visit should be done when you are suffering from a toothache, think again. Orthodontic treatment helps you keep your oral health good, and good oral health is an integral part of maintaining your overall well-being.
Orthodontic treatment can help you with your bite issues, better speech, and even the chewing process. A treatment offered by a dentist involves a complex procedure, where orthodontists might have to fix jaw bones, soft tissues, facial bones as the teeth are moved into proper places.
Since it is a complex procedure, an orthodontist starts with a thorough exam of your teeth and mouth. When needed, do dental and jaw x-rays, take photos and study the records to customise a treatment plan.
Without proper orthodontic treatment, a misaligned set of teeth will cause abnormal wearing of them and other dental and health issues in the long run. It is essential to schedule a dental appointment with your dentist every six months to ensure your oral health is good.
Is it cheaper to get braces or Invisalign?
One of the factors that most people consider when opting for orthodontic treatment in braces vs. Invisalign treatment is the cost associated with each method. Hence it is not surprising that patients often contemplate the price between traditional braces and Invisalign and asks which one is cheaper.
The query’s answer is Invisalign, and the metal brace price depends on the patient’s teeth and alignment. The following factors can determine the amount you might have to pay for the Invisalign treatment:
- the oral health, condition of the teeth and jaw, and the work that the orthodontist have to put in for the correction
- Location of the dentist’s practice, since the average price varies depending on the city and country
- the detailed work that needs to be done for the correction
- does your insurance plan cover it
However, as per the Invisalign website, the treatment costs between $3,000 and $7,000, whereas traditional metal braces cost between $2,000 and $6,000. It is hence often viewed that in braces vs. Invisalign treatment, the latter costs more.
Is Invisalign more painful than braces?
When you are pitting braces vs. Invisalign in the department, which causes more pain, it is the metal braces. The pain caused by traditional braces is quite known, and there are quite a lot of anecdotal stories as to how much a patient suffered from the device. Often the level of pain caused due to metal braces during the first week is termed ad excruciating.
Metal braces will cause pain in your jaw and face leading to loss of sleep and, at times, wondering whether the dentist is a masochist. So be ready with bags of ice, eating mushy food, and taking ibuprofen after getting the braces. But the pain doesn’t go away totally after the first week. It will resist you every-time you visit the orthodontist for the tightening of the wire.
Compared to this, Invisalign treatment is less painful than metal braces. There is a significant discomfort due to wearing the trays for the first few days. There is also tenderness inside the mouth, but it is nothing compared to traditional braces.
When it is braces vs. Invisalign in the pain factor and comfort, the latter wins hands down because there is no sharp metal that jabs on your cheek. Also, you can remove the Invisalign aligners during a meal so you can eat whatever you want.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
Since Invisalign treatment uses customised trays for aligning and adjusting your teeth, it works faster than metal braces.
The clear Invisalign aligners used by the process puts pressure onto the teeth that enable them to get a uniform alignment slowly. You have to visit the orthodontist, typically every two weeks, to get a new aligner so that the teeth straightening process can continue. A dentist appointment must be taken every four to six weeks to ensure that the procedure is on track.
When you choose Invisalign treatment for the teeth straightening process, you can expect a complete result between 12 and 18 months. However, depending on the patient’s requirements and condition of the teeth and jaw, the duration can change.
In this scenario of braces vs. Invisalign, the latter is better suited since most patients require to wear traditional metal braces between 18 and 24 months. Older patients or ones with severe issues may have to wear it for longer.
Which is better braces or Invisalign?
Both Invisalign and braces have their pros and cons. Dentists who practice both would suggest the proper procedure for you depending on the condition of your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health. However, we offer you a list of advantages and disadvantages in the battle of Invisalign vs. braces.
Invisalign is a transparent procedure that has removable aligners. This allows you to eat anything you want without any worries. Also, you can brush and floss your teeth efficiently and correctly without any hindrance, thus avoiding any infection or decay. The treatment time is also reduced with fewer visits to the dentist. However, Invisalign can be used only for moderate or mild teeth anomalies.
Braces can treat a range of teeth problems and straighten even the most complex teeth structures. But it does come with certain drawbacks, like the braces cannot be removed, thus restricting the food and drink that you consume. Typically the treatment time is more than Invisalign and requires a frequent visit to the dentist. The process of brushing and flossing can also be challenging, and the process itself is painful and uncomfortable.
It is true that apparently, Invisalign seems a better option for teeth straightening when it comes to a choice of Invisalign vs. braces. But in reality, what will suit your condition best can be determined by a dentist only. In case you have the option to go for any, choosing Invisalign is always better than braces