Straight Teeth in Less Time
Invisalign Vs. Braces: Which Is Best For You?
Lois Murray
Long gone are the days where the only way to straighten your teeth was with braces. Now, there are multiple treatment options available, and Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. But how do you which one is best for you? Consider the differences in the following key areas so you can make a decision on your own.
Fitting & Application
The biggest difference between both of these teeth straightening methods is the fitting and application. Braces require pads to be affixed to each tooth using dental cement and will need to remain attached throughout the entire process. Invisalign uses a series of removable trays that will make gradual adjustments over time, making it easy to clean your teeth or eat certain foods by simply removing the trays.
Both braces and Invisalign require visiting a dentist regularly for adjustments and inspections, and both have a similar time-frame for how long it will take to make the changes to your teeth.
Appearance
Invisalign and braces are drastically different in terms of their appearance. The clear plastic trays used in the Invisalign process make it very difficult for most people to notice that you are wearing them. Whereas, braces can be very apparent to others with even a quick and casual glance.
This drastic difference is what makes Invisalign so popular with adults that do not want the social stigma of wearing braces in their older age, which will help improve self-esteem.
Levels of Correction
The one area where braces shine is the extreme levels of correction they are able to perform. It's absolutely fascinating to see time lapse examples of how braces can correct even the most extreme alignment issues. Unfortunately, this is one area where Invisalign may not be the best treatment method.
Invisalign works well at correcting problems such as small over-bites and minor adjustments, but it is simply not a viable solution to major alignment issues. This is because the trays are unable to put significant enough force on the teeth to make big changes.
Cost
Braces are going to be cheaper than Invisalign in most situations. But a 2008 study found that Invisalign only costs about $500 more per each year of treatment when compared to traditional braces for adults. If you thought Invisalign may be out of your price range, you may be surprised at how comparable it can be.
If you are interested in getting braces or Invisalign, meet with dentists, like those at Port Orchard Dental Care Center, for a consultation. They will be able to look at your teeth and make a recommendation about which one is best for you based on the kind of corrections you need.
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I had braces when I was a kid. Back then, you had to wear those metal wires and rubber bands for what seemed like forever. When I saw that my child’s teeth were going to be crooked like mine, I was dreading the years of braces and orthodontist appointments and limited diets that I saw stretching ahead of us. I was pleased to find out that braces today are very different from braces when I was a kid. They don’t need to be worn for nearly as long, and they aren’t as intrusive, either. My daughter got braces that can barely be seen, and she can remove them when she eats, so she doesn’t have to give up her favorite foods. I was so impressed that I started a blog to talk about modern day tooth straightening techniques. Braces have come a long way.