Who doesn’t want to have perfectly straight, aligned teeth? Most people you see on TV or in the movies smile their best while sporting white, clean, and yes, straight teeth! The main problem is, most of us are not born with naturally aligned pearly whites. That is why we need orthodontic procedures. But have you considered which one is the best for your condition? Here at Dentistry on Solent near Norwest, we always want to help our patients in every way we can. We will give you some points on how to choose between Invisalign vs braces by putting them head to head on several aspects that you need to consider, so it is easier for you and your dentist to decide which procedure suits you better.
Braces vs Invisalign: Durability
When it comes to strength and durability, traditional or metal braces wins the game. Braces are known to be the go-to orthodontic procedures of dentists with patients who have moderate to severe teeth misalignment. The metal wires and brackets can hold the pressure of gradually moving these teeth to their proper positions without breaking. We don’t think there has ever been a case of complex crooked teeth that metal braces were not able to address. Invisalign aligners may be durable as they are made with high-grade thermoplastic material, but they might not be strong enough to compare with the metal gears of the braces.
Braces vs Invisalign: Aesthetics
Now, this part instantly goes to Invisalign. It is actually one of the main reasons why Invisalign was developed because no matter what kind of braces you may be using, wearing them was too bulky and attention-grabbing. Now, you can straighten your teeth as discreetly as possible, without the tacky metal wires and brackets to reveal your treatment. The clear aligners of Invisalign are virtually invisible, the only person who knows you are having your teeth straightened is, well, you!
Braces vs Invisalign: Treatment time
This will actually depend on how mild or severe your misalignment is and how cooperative you are with the treatment. Metal braces typically stay on for 1 to 2 years, but it can be shorter if you are diligent with your follow-ups and you follow the dos and don’ts exceptionally well. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners need to be worn at least 22 hours a day every day. Depending on the complexity of the patient’s needs, the treatment typically lasts for 6 to 18 months, but some still have them on for longer.
Braces vs Invisalign: Comfort
Another sure-win for Invisalign is the talk about comfort. The dental aligners used for Invisalign are smooth and customised to snugly fit on the patient’s teeth, they actually feel nothing more than the real surface of your pearly whites! With braces, the metal wire-and-bracket system may be replaced with ceramic or smaller parts to make it more comfortable to wear. However, it will not measure up to the smoothness and sore-free usage of the clear aligners of Invisalign.
Braces vs Invisalign: Cost
Braces can cost between $1800 to $5000, depending on how complex your orthodontic needs are and what type of braces you would choose. Ceramic and lingual braces are more expensive than the metal ones. Meanwhile, Invisalign averages at around $5,000 for the whole treatment procedure. In the US, the braces cost can range from $3,000 to $5,000, while Invisalign could cost you from $3,500 to $8,000. Consult your dentist about their treatment fees so you can have an accurate idea of how much they truly cost.
In the battle between Invisalign vs braces, both can have their own pros and cons. What we can advise you is to talk to your trusted dentist so they can guide you on how to choose what orthodontic treatment would solve your problems best.
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