It’s a known fact that an individual’s overall appearance is influenced by their smile. However, misaligned, misshapen, or crooked teeth can impact it adversely. Many people choose braces or Invisalign to achieve beautifully aligned, healthy teeth.
But, if you have to choose between one of them, you may be wondering which is better braces or Invisalign for you or your child? This choice depends on personal preferences and requirements.
Here’s everything that you need to know about the Invisalign vs. braces debate:
Cost of Invisalign vs Braces
The cost of both these treatments varies from patient to patient. However, generally speaking. Invisalign proves to be a better option in terms of cost. The average cost of Invisalign lies around $5000, while braces cost somewhere between $4000 and $10,000.
Appearance
The major difference between Invisalign and braces is their appearance. Invisalign is almost unnoticeable, but metal braces tend to be more visible. The former is constructed using clear plastic, while the latter as the name shows, is made of metal.
So, if you want your teeth’ alignment to be as discreet as possible, Invisalign is the way to go because of its clear aligners.
Comfort
The process of changing the alignment of your teeth, whether you have braces or Invisalign, can be uncomfortable. However, Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces since it places less pressure on the teeth. Sharp edges on braces have the potential to cut the inner lip and tongue.
In case the patient participates in sports, wearing metal braces can prove to be somewhat risky. Having said that, people grow accustomed to braces or Invisalign with time and find them to be relatively comfortable.
Effectiveness
For years, people have been using braces to align teeth, get straight teeth, and improve smiles. As braces are not removable, patients must wear them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as directed by the orthodontist.
Since Invisalign trays are removable, patients may not always adhere to the prescribed treatment schedule. Furthermore, if you forget or misplace the trays, they will shift your teeth even when you’re not wearing them.
People who use Invisalign wear the trays for a shorter period than is recommended by their Invisalign orthodontist in Yakima, which can extend the time it takes to finish treatment.
In certain cases, when the teeth are misaligned up to a great extent, traditional braces are also more effective. Teeth that are rotated or overlapped cannot always be straightened using Invisalign.
Convenience
When it comes to convenience, both these options offer advantages and disadvantages. Braces are convenient because they do not require removal, but they can restrict your ability to eat certain foods, which is inconvenient.
When you want to eat your favorite hard or sticky foods, Invisalign makes for a more convenient choice, but it’s easy to forget to take out the trays and store them safely.
Invisalign may not be the best solution if you or your child misplace things often. Furthermore, you may feel it tough to remove Invisalign before meals and put them back in your mouth again during social gatherings.
Invisalign vs Braces Which is Faster?
How long do braces take to straighten teeth? It’s one of the most common questions people ask when getting treatment for misaligned teeth. To answer this, it can take you up to three years to get straight teeth after wearing braces. On the other hand, Invisalign offers a comparatively quicker resolution. In most cases, patients are not required to wear it anymore after two years.
Final Thoughts
The truth is that the decision between Invisalign and braces comes down to personal preference. So, to make the best decision for you or your child, consider the factors listed above. You should also speak with an orthodontist to see if Invisalign is right for you. Certain factors may restrict you from receiving this type of treatment.
Don’t wait any longer to improve your smile and gain confidence. Whatever option you select, maintain good dental hygiene and get in touch with your orthodontist if you have any questions. And before you opt for any treatment, make sure to ask your dentist all sorts of questions, such as what can you eat with Invisalign and the process for teeth cleaning with braces.