Invisalign Or Braces: Which Is Better?

Invisalign Vs Braces – Which one looks better? 

Perhaps the biggest benefit of Invisalign (and one of the major reasons it was created in the first place) is that it is not as conspicuous as braces. Most patients would prefer that people don’t know that they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. They want to avoid the unwanted stares and nosy embarrassing questions that people tend to ask when they see them with braces on. The solution is typically to go for virtually invisible braces. Invisalign is not obvious. It won’t show in photos and most people won’t even know you have it on until you tell them. This definitely reduces the level of self-consciousness that comes with metal braces. These days, people can also get ceramic braces or lingual braces that are installed behind the teeth. But they’re simply no match for Invisalign as far as aesthetics go. 

Invisalign Vs Braces – Which one is more comfortable?

Regardless of your choice, adjusting the position of your teeth comes with a level of discomfort. It is a small price you’ll have to pay to get the beautiful smile you’ve always desired. However, comparatively, Invisalign comes with less discomfort. That’s because it applies less pressure on your teeth as a whole. Metal braces usually cause soreness and some pain when the brace is installed each time it is adjusted. Braces also have sharp edges that may cut your tongue and inner lip tissues. Invisalign is also the safer option of these two. It is less of a safety risk compared to Braces and is often more recommended for people who play sports or engage in any other rigorous physical activity. 

Invisalign Vs Braces-Price

Both braces and Invisalign require some level of financial commitment. However, traditional braces are generally more affordable compared to Invisalign. You may spend between $2,500 and $8,000 to get braces. Invisalign on the other hand costs between $3,500 and $8,000. The exact cost often depends on the severity of your case and the number of trays you need to get. 

These days Invisalign has become more affordable than it used to be. This is due to recent advancements in the 3D scanning technology and material used for making these aligners. Your orthodontist will give you an estimate of how much each of these treatment options will cost before the treatment commences. Both braces and Invisalign can be covered by insurance although how much the insurance company will be willing to cover varies from one provider to the other.  

Invisalign Vs Braces – Which one works better?

Most patients want to know which of these two solutions works best before making a decision. The truth is, Invisalign is not always the best treatment option and may not work for all orthodontic cases. 

For cases that are too complex for Invisalign treatment, orthodontists often recommend braces. For instance, while Invisalign may not work for rotated or overlapping teeth, traditional braces can correct it effectively. 

One major factor that further improves the effectiveness of braces is that you have to wear them at all times. Once an orthodontist installs braces for you, you’ll have to wear them 24/7. Invisalign trays are removable. Patients often abuse this and they end up not complying with the recommended usage time (at least 20 hours per day). If you forget to use the tray as often as you should, you’ll not see the desired result.

Invisalign Vs Braces-Convenience 

In terms of convenience, both braces and Invisalign have different areas where they shine. If your definition is convenience is not having to worry about taking out or replacing your braces once it is installed, then you will find traditional braces a preferred choice for you. However, the price to pay for this is that you will not be able to eat certain foods. Many people find this annoying about braces. 

On the flip side, if your idea of convenience is getting to eat whatever you want because you can simply remove the tray and replace it after your meals, then Invisalign would work better for you. The only challenge many people encounter with Invisalign is the possibility of forgetting to remove or replace the Invisalign. There’s also the risk of misplacing it or damaging it one way or another. 

Oral care 

Another aspect of convenience you have to consider is how easy it will be to clean your mouth with either of these methods. With braces, there’s no special care or cleaning required. You simply have to brush your teeth normally. However, it may be a bit challenging to clean your teeth thoroughly especially since it is possible for food to get stuck under the braces. 

With Invisalign, it is easier to brush your teeth and floss. You simply have to remove the brace and clean your teeth normally. The challenging part is keeping your tray clean and hygienic. You have to rinse and brush the tray daily. You also have to soak it in a cleaning solution for a few minutes every day. There are also a number of do’s and don’ts as far as cleaning your aligner tray is concerned. All of these can be an inconvenient hassle that many people would rather avoid. 

Follow-Up Treatment

With either braces or Invisalign, you’ll need to schedule regular visits to the orthodontist. However, how convenient these orthodontist appointments are will depend on the option you choose. With Invisalign, your visit to a dentist’s office will be less frequent (usually once every 6 weeks). For braces, you’ll have to visit every month to have the braces checked and for adjustment. If you are on a busy schedule, Invisalign may work better for you. The overall length of treatment is also shorter for Invisalign. You can be done with treatment within 6 to 18 months while braces take an average of 2 years. 

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best orthodontic treatment for you. Ultimately, you should seek guidance from a professional to determine which of these options will work for you. That’s what you get when you visit our dental clinic in London Ontario. The dental professionals at Sbenati dentistry will evaluate your situation and recommend the best treatment approach. They’ll also provide all the information you need to help you make the best decision.