Want to create that perfect smile? But you're not sure if Invisalign will work for you?
When it comes to finally achieve the straight teeth you've dreamed of, you probably have a ton of questions. Factors like cost, time, and effectiveness come into play.
Luckily we've done the work for you and have created a guide to help you find out if Invisalign or braces are going to be the best fit for you.
Both Invisalign and braces have great benefits for your oral health, but which choice out will get you the best results? Continue reading to find out!
Invisalign or Braces: What's the Difference?
When it comes to their goal, both Invisalign and braces aim to straighten your teeth, improve your smile, and benefit your overall oral health. Yet at first glance, they are different in a lot of ways.
Many of us are familiar with braces, which have been around much longer than Invisalign. Braces are metal brackets that are adhered to each of your individual teeth by your doctor. They are then connected using a metal wire.
Your doctor will tighten and manipulate the wire in order to gradually move each tooth into its proper place. The wire is also held into place using small rubber bands. These come in a variety of colors.
Rather than using brackets and wires, Invisalign is able to straighten teeth by using a series of clear, appliances or aligners. These are made using molds specifically to move your teeth.
Why Choose Braces?
When it comes to braces, the most common form is still metal. They are not removable like Invisalign because the brackets are stuck onto your teeth. This can be a deterrent to some who don't like the look of braces.
However, the
benefit of having braces is that they tend to work faster and are better at fixing complex issues when it comes to your bite and teeth positioning.
Treatment time for braces can be anywhere from 18 months to 3 years. Although this timeframe can vary from patient to patient. It's always encouraging to see the quick results that wearing braces can bring.
There is a lot of maintenance that goes along with the braces treatment plan. This is because you will have to avoid certain foods that can get caught in your braces.
You also will need to go to follow-up visits to your doctor to have your braces adjusted. Typically your doctor will expect you to visit every 4 to 8 weeks. These visits involve changing your bands and also tightening or changing the wire. These visits only take about a half-hour on average.
It's also somewhat inconvenient to try and clean or floss your teeth while wearing braces. Luckily there are ways of managing this using tools made specifically to help braces wearers with
oral hygiene.
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign is another option for those who are eligible. This is because many people like that they can remove the aligners when needed. You can take it out to clean your teeth, when you eat, and for special occasions.
That means that they won't prevent you from eating what you like during your treatment plan. They are also practically invisible when wearing them. Invisalign aligners are also fairly comfortable.
Typically a person's treatment plan with Invisalign consists of between 12 to 48 trays. Treatment time is usually between 6 and 18 months. The key is in the consistency of the patient wearing their aligner for 20-22 hours a day.
If you forget to wear your aligner, this could prolong your treatment time.
Invisalign treatment plans also require you to go to regular office visits. Usually, your doctor will expect to meet with you ever 4 to 6 weeks. At that time you'll go over your progress and see how much closer you are to achieving your smile goals.
You'll have to switch out your aligners every 1 to 2 weeks as your teeth shift. This is another important part of your progress. If you don't keep up with your appointments or switching your aligners, you may have setbacks in your goals.
How Will You Decide?
As mentioned earlier, there are a few factors that you will want to take into consideration. These can depend on your unique situation and the recommendations of your doctor.
For example, braces tend to be a less expensive option. Although this isn't always the case depending on your specific circumstances. If braces are the cheaper method, this may be a deciding factor.
Invisalign tends to cost an average of $5,000 whereas braces can be a range of
$1,800 to $5,500. There's also a chance that you might lose or break your aligners which means you will have to purchase a replacement.
Also, Invisalign isn't a good fit for people who require bridgework, have back tooth bite issues, need to rotate canine or premolars or move teeth vertically.
Ultimately the only way to know for sure will be to consult with your doctor.
Find the Right Choice For You
Choosing between Invisalign or braces isn't just a matter of preference. It takes a professional to know which is going to be the best option for your individual situation and goals.
Not everyone is eligible for using Invisalign. Others may prefer the more cost-effective option of having braces. You may also want braces to avoid losing your aligners or forgetting to wear them as needed. If your child is considering both, braces may be a better option to make sure they continue to make progress.
Either way, both Invisalign and braces are effective options for achieving your goals. We hope this information gives you further insight as to what you can expect when you choose between Invisalign and braces.
Want to get started on making your choice? Schedule your consultation and we'll help you determine your best option. Take the first step
here.
