Invisalign Vs. Braces: Which One Is Suitable for You?
When you straighten your teeth, you achieve a beautiful smile besides improve your overall oral health. Straightening your teeth helps align your jaw, correct your bite, and also prevents infections like cavities making your teeth easier to clean. When you consider orthodontics to straighten your teeth, the two most popular choices for treatment are traditional braces and Invisalign.
Invisalign is a virtually invisible clear aligner. BPA-free dental-grade plastic helps make Invisalign aligners that are smooth and comfortable. You must wear the aligners over your teeth to allow them gently and gradually move your teeth. The aligners are configured according to 3D images of your teeth taken by the dentist in elk grove, CA, using state-of-the-art technology.
Metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands helped make traditional braces mounted on your teeth. You can have metal, ceramic, or combined materials and even make the braces discrete by having the dentist match them to the tooth enamel.
You might confront challenges deciding which is better, Invisalign or braces, and have several questions in your mind. However, the elk groove dentist determines the treatment that best suits your needs and smile by exploring various options. It is why we have compiled information you must consider before deciding.
How Effective Is Invisalign over Traditional Braces?
Metal braces are nonremovable and efficient in fixing complex tooth issues. Braces can align teeth and close gaps faster than Invisalign. The duration of the treatment varies because patients must wear the braces for 18 months to 3 years. However, you start noticing the movement of misaligned teeth in a relatively short time to help boost your self-confidence.
If you qualify for Invisalign near you, the therapy allows you to complete your treatment from six to 18 months. However, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. Invisalign aligners are removable but have specific guidelines on how long the aligners can remain off your teeth. Therefore compliance with your dentist’s instructions is essential to achieve faster results with Invisalign.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost Vs. Braces?
Traditional braces are generally more affordable and cost between $ 1800-$ 5500. However, the cost of braces depends on the duration of the treatment and the severity of your complication. On the other hand, the cost of Invisalign is approximately $ 5000 and depends on how many aligners must use during the entire treatment. The cost of the scanning technology, the flexible material helping make the aligners, et cetera, are all considered when providing the cost of Invisalign.
As can be seen, the prices of orthodontic treatments, whether with traditional braces or Invisalign, are nearly similar and shouldn’t cause concerns.
What Are the Benefits Accrue with Invisalign?
If you qualify for treatment with Invisalign in elk grove, CA, you accrue many benefits. Although Invisalign and traditional braces straighten your teeth, the appliances are different in many ways.
Traditional braces make it challenging for you to maintain oral hygiene. You risk the buildup of plaque around the braces, resulting in tooth decay and staining. Invisalign clear aligners being removable allow you to maintain excellent dental hygiene so long as you clean your teeth every time you eat or drink anything. The aligners also need cleaning by rinsing them in warm water.
Invisalign doesn’t restrict you from having the foods you love or the beverages you want because the removable aligners make it convenient for you to remove them and replace the aligners on your teeth after you are done. Unfortunately, with traditional braces, brackets can dislodge, and the archwire can break, making it essential to avoid sticky and hard foods. Furthermore, you must have the braces repaired by the orthodontist as soon as possible to enable them to function efficiently.
When wearing traditional braces, you must visit your orthodontist every month for adjustments and tightening. It confirms you must pay extra for every visit, and the expenses continue for the duration of the treatment. Fortunately, if you have Invisalign clear aligners, you visit the elk groove dentist every six to eight weeks to assess your progress and to collect your fresh batch of aligners. However, you must change your existing aligner for a new set every two weeks.
Metal braces, besides being uncomfortable, are also unappealing and can create sores in your mouth. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners aren’t likely to create any discomfort in your mouth and remain virtually invisible for the duration of your treatment.
The description might make you think Invisalign is the solution you must seek to straighten your teeth. However, before you decide, we suggest you schedule an appointment with Laguna Dental & Orthodontics to help the professional assess the complexity of your situation and recommend the best treatment suited for you.