Invisalign OR Braces - What Should You Choose?
- Written by News Company
When you want to straighten your teeth, you’ll probably first consider braces and Invisalign. These are the most popular options and they work best for teeth straightening. However, choosing between those two is a daunting task.
Both offer significant benefits and both work to perfect your smile. So, how do you choose?
Teeth Straightening
Teeth straightening is not just about the look of your teeth - although most do it for the aesthetic pleasure of having a beautiful smile. Here’s more information on teeth straightening on this website.
The main reason you should get your teeth straightened is the health of your mouth. You see, when your teeth have spaces between them, this allows food and bacteria to get stuck in there and wreak havoc on your oral health.
And the mouth is where it all begins, so this impacts your health in general too. Keep this in mind the next time you’re too afraid to visit your dentist.
As a bonus, your new straight teeth will be much easier to clean and floss, your bite will be straighter and your jaw more aligned.
The Difference Between Metal Braces and Invisalign
Both of these will give you more or less the same result. The difference is in how they work. So, your decision will depend on this.
Metal, traditional braces are probably the first thing you think of when you think about teeth straightening. Find more info on metal braces on this page: https://www.dental-treatment-guide.com/braces/metal-braces
The metal brackets of the braces are glued to the teeth and then metal wires are interlaced between them to help shape your teeth.
Some dentists will let you know that they have the wires in the same color as your teeth, so they are harder to notice.
You can also opt for a bunch of different colors which is good for kids. It helps them get used to their new braces better.
Invisalign allows you to wear your braces in a discreet way. The trays that make Invisalign are clear, so no one will notice that you’re wearing them. They are also removable.
They are made from smooth, clear plastic molded based on your mouth impression. Wearing them is easy and barely noticeable to you as well. The trays are replaced as the time goes on to better suit your shifting teeth and keep moving them.
Benefits Of Traditional Braces
Here are some of the benefits you can expect from metal braces:
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You can’t remove them - This might not sound like a benefit, but it is. They stay in place until your dentist decides it’s time to remove them and you can’t do it yourself. Invisalign can easily be removed whenever you feel that you need to, so patients often lose them or forget to put them on. It’s easier to get used to wearing braces all the time because, well, you have to.
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Length of treatments - This follows the previous benefit. Since they are irremovable, they work faster than Invisalign. You have to wear them all the time and there is no temptation to take them off. Patients typically wear them for about two years. This is good if you don’t have a strong sense of discipline.
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Monthly checks - You will be seeing your dentist every month so that they can adjust your wires according to how your teeth shifted. This means that you’ll be able to know if you have a cavity or any problem with your teeth as your doctor will let you know.
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Cleaning isn’t that hard - You can still brush and floss as you would regularly, which means you can maintain proper oral health.
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The cost - Metal braces are a bit cheaper than Invisalign, with their price peaking around $5500.
After you are done wearing your braces, you will likely be given a retainer to wear every night to keep your teeth in the same form for longer. You’ll have to keep cleaning and taking care of your teeth properly.
If your issues are more complex, then you will probably have to go for this option.
Benefits of Invisalign
Here are some of the benefits of Invisalign:
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It’s removable - One of the biggest points of comparison of Invisalign vs braces is the fact that you can easily remove them when you need to. So, when you need to eat or attend an event, you can remove them and slip them back on when you want to. Keep in mind that you have to wear them at least 20 hours a day in order for it to be effective. Your food won’t get stuck and you’ll have a bit more freedom.
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The look - Let’s admit it, metal braces don’t look that great, even with wires in the color of your enamel or colorful ones, they just don’t. However, Invisalign is clear so no one will be able to see that you are wearing it. This is especially great for adults and even teens who don’t want metal braces. Most people won’t notice that you are wearing them.
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Comfortable - Invisalign trays are smooth and fitting, so they won’t cause you any scrapes inside your mouth as metal braces might.
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The length of treatment - When you wear Invisalign every day for at least 22 hours, your treatment will likely be done within 18 months. For people with fewer teeth problems, it can be done within 6 months.
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Cleaning - Invisalign trays are cleaned with the company’s cleaning system and you can also wash them with a brush and warm water. You can also brush your teeth easily. You should wash your trays regularly as well as your teeth.