Perfect smiles may not seem like much, but a straight smile can do wonders for your self-esteem. Thanks to your dentist, getting straight, aligned teeth is a possibility. However, the way you wish to proceed can vary.
While getting metal braces used to be your only option, thanks to advances in orthodontics, that is no longer the case. A new tool in the dental world allows you to get that straight smile without resorting to the unseemly traditional braces.
Invisalign can help you get your teeth straightened discreetly and much more conveniently. Considering how fast Invisalign is catching up, prices have also gone down to the point that they now cost just a little more than metal braces. Of course, traditional braces still hold their place in the dental world, and in some cases, they may be the only way for you. But, for now, let’s find out their differences.
Treatment Period
While the treatment period varies for each patient, it usually is shorter with Invisalign. Traditional braces push each tooth while Invisalign retainers put force on all the teeth at once. Therefore, Invisalign is faster. This equal force makes them move more quickly as a whole.
However, if you wear Invisalign retainers, you’ll have to wear them diligently for 22 hours a day. Otherwise, lack of discipline can lead to disappointing results or a longer treatment period.
Convenience
Unlike traditional braces, which you can’t remove, Invisalign retainers are removable. You can remove them while eating or brushing your teeth. However, it does require the wearer to be vigilant so as not to lose them and wear them for the required time. Since traditional braces aren’t removable, you don’t have to worry about losing them or forgetting to put them back in.
In terms of food restrictions, Invisalign wins. Since you can remove them, you can eat anything as long as you maintain proper oral hygiene while putting them back.
On the contrary, with traditional braces, you will have trouble eating hard or sticky foods. Additionally, you always have to worry about food getting stuck in them.
Appearance
Usually, appearance is the most significant winning factor for Invisalign. Because the retainers are clear, you can have them on, and no one will even notice.
On the other hand, metal braces are always noticeable, except for specialised lingual braces, which are more expensive.
Dental Visits and Maintenance
For metal braces, you will have to visit your orthodontist every month so that they can tighten your braces. On the other hand, with Invisalign, you just have to change your retainers as per your dentist’s instructions.
Your dentist will do most of the work before the retainers go on. They’ll take a 3D picture of your smile and teeth. Based on that, the lab will prepare your retainers. Thus, you’ll only have to visit to check the treatment’s progress.
Maintenance for traditional braces requires you to brush your teeth and floss while brushing the braces. With Invisalign, you can brush normally while taking off your retainers and cleaning them with the specified cleaning system.
Invisalign vs Braces Price
Invisalign tends to be costlier than traditional braces. However, it varies case by case. Furthermore, if your insurance covers orthodontics, it should cover conventional braces and Invisalign. The price of Invisalign starts from $3000 for mild cases and goes up to $8000 for complex cases.
The Final Verdict
The whole thing comes down to personal preference. If your case is very severe, Invisalign may not be able to do much for you, and in that case, you’ll have to get braces. However, a consultation with our experienced dental team will be able to answer that question.
Whichever method you choose, you will have to practice dental hygiene to avoid discolouration and other problems. With Invisalign, you also need to establish a sense of discipline so as not to lose the retainers and remember to put them back on. In conclusion, you need to consider your requirements and go for what suits you.
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