Most people would agree that having straight teeth is important. They not only look good, but they also make it easier to chew and speak properly. Sadly, not everyone is born with perfectly straight teeth. The good news is that various treatments are available today to help straighten teeth.
Two of the most common teeth straightening treatment options are Invisalign and braces. These treatments can be effective in achieving the goal of straighter teeth.
Choosing between the two can be tough. Both have pros and cons, and the ideal option for you will depend on your specific needs.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the differences between Invisalign and braces so you can make an informed decision about which is right for you. Keep reading to learn more!
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without using traditional braces. Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligner trays that are custom-made for each patient and designed to gradually shift teeth into their desired position and proper alignment.
The most common orthodontic issues addressed by Invisalign are:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Overbite (when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth)
- Underbite (when the lower teeth bite over the upper teeth)
- Crossbite (when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth)
- Open Bite (when there is a space between the biting surfaces of the front or side teeth)
The aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable material that is virtually invisible when worn. Because they are nearly invisible, Invisalign aligners are a popular treatment option for adults and teens who want to discreetly correct their smile.
Pros of Invisalign Treatment
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if Invisalign is right for you. Invisalign is a popular treatment option that has many benefits over traditional braces. Here are some pros of Invisalign treatment:
- Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, so they won’t affect your appearance. Plus, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them.
- You can remove your plastic aligners for eating and drinking, so there are no food restrictions.
- You can remove your aligners for brushing and flossing, so you’ll have no problem keeping your teeth clean.
- There’s no need to worry about rubber bands or metal brackets and wires poking and scratching your gums or cheeks.
- With traditional braces, you must be careful not to damage the brackets and wires. With Invisalign, there are no fragile parts to worry about.
- The invisible aligners are made from a comfortable, smooth material that won’t irritate your mouth or gums.
- Treatment with Invisalign is typically faster than traditional braces, so you can get a straight smile sooner.
If you’re looking for an orthodontic treatment that is convenient, discreet, and affordable, Invisalign may be the ideal option for you. Talk to your orthodontist about it.
Cons of Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign has many benefits, but there are also some drawbacks to consider before starting treatment. Here are five potential cons of Invisalign:
- Invisalign is more expensive than traditional metal braces.
- It can be less effective than traditional braces for severe cases of misalignment.
- Patients must be diligent in wearing their aligners as prescribed to see results.
- Patients must clean their aligners regularly to avoid staining and odours.
- Invisalign may not be covered by dental insurance like traditional braces.
While Invisalign may not be right for everyone, it is still a great orthodontic treatment option for many patients looking to improve their incredible smile!
What Are Braces?
Dental braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments. They are composed of metal brackets that are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth and an archwire tied over the brackets. The braces apply pressure to the teeth and gradually move them into their correct position.
There are different types of braces available today, including:
- Traditional braces: These are the most common type of braces. They are composed of metal brackets and wires.
- Ceramic braces: These are similar to traditional braces, but the brackets are made of clear ceramic material.
- Lingual braces: These are braces that are placed on the back surface of the teeth, making them invisible from the front.
- Clear braces: These are made of clear plastic and are less visible than metal braces.
Treatment time can vary depending on the severity of the case, but most people wear braces for 2-3 years. After treatment is completed, patients need to wear a retainer to keep their teeth in place.
Pros of Traditional Braces
Braces are the traditional way of straightening teeth and have been around for many years. They are still one of the most popular orthodontic treatment methods available today.
Traditional braces have many pros, which is why they are still a popular choice among patients. Some of the main advantages of traditional braces include the following:
- They can address a wide range of dental problems.
- Traditional braces are usually much cheaper than other types of braces, making them more affordable for most people.
- Traditional braces can be adjusted and tightened as needed throughout your treatment, meaning they can be more effective in getting your teeth into the correct position.
- You can usually choose the colour of your traditional braces, which means you can personalise them as you want.
Cons of Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment, but they are not without drawbacks. Here are eight cons of traditional braces to consider before beginning treatment:
- Treatment with traditional braces can take two or more years to complete.
- Traditional braces can be uncomfortable, especially when they are newly attached. The brackets and wires can rub against your cheeks and gums, causing irritation.
- They can make it difficult to keep your teeth clean. The brackets and wires make it hard to reach all parts of your teeth, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
- You may need to avoid certain foods during treatment, as conventional braces can easily trap food particles behind the brackets and wires. This means you’ll need to be more meticulous when brushing and flossing; otherwise, you could have bad breath or tooth decay.
- The braces can cause damage to your teeth and gums. The brackets and wires can chip or break your teeth if they are not installed properly or if you accidentally bite down on them too hard. Additionally, they can rub against your gums, causing them to become swollen, sore, or even bleed.
- Traditional visits require regular dental visits for tightening and re-adjustment.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, many new and innovative teeth straightening treatments are now available.
Traditional braces are a tried-and-tested method of straightening teeth. Aside from being cheaper, it is more effective in addressing severely misaligned teeth. However, they are also the most visible type of braces which is why they are not recommended for patients looking for a more discreet option.
Invisalign is another popular treatment option that uses clear aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Invisalign is virtually invisible and can be more comfortable than traditional braces. Aside from these, their treatment time is also shorter. However, it is only recommended for patients with mild and moderate alignment problems.
If you’re wondering which dental treatment is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced dentist for a consultation.
Final Thoughts
Straighter teeth can give you various benefits, from a better smile to healthier teeth. Here at Comfort Care Dental, we believe in the importance of straight teeth and offer a variety of treatments to help our patients achieve straighter teeth.
Whether you are considering conventional braces, Invisalign, or other teeth straightening methods, we invite you to visit our clinic for a consultation. We will help you learn more about the benefits of straighter teeth and how we can help you achieve them. Visit our website or call us to schedule a consultation appointment.
We hope this information will encourage you to take the next step towards achieving a beautiful smile and good oral health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. Here are eight qualities that make a good candidate for Invisalign treatment:
- Patients should have all of their adult teeth.
- Invisalign treatment works well on patients with mild to moderate teeth crowding or spacing.
- Good candidates should have healthy gums and bones.
- Patients should be committed to wearing their aligners for 20-22 hours per day.
- Invisalign treatment may not be suitable for patients with complex dental problems.
- Good candidates should be willing and able to visit their dentist or orthodontist regularly.
- Patients should be prepared to take care of their aligners and clean their teeth properly.
- Good candidates must have realistic expectations about Invisalign treatment.
If you are considering Invisalign treatment, talk to your dentist or orthodontist to find out if you are a good candidate.
While Invisalign offers numerous benefits, one of the downsides of Invisalign treatment is that it tends to be more expensive than other treatment options, such as traditional braces.
The average cost of Invisalign treatment is $6,000 to $9,000. This is higher than the average cost of braces, although the exact cost will depend on several factors.
Here are five factors that can influence the cost of Invisalign treatment:
- The severity of your dental misalignment: The more complex your dental misalignment, the longer your Invisalign treatment will take and the more aligners you will need. As a result, you can expect to pay more for Invisalign treatment if you have a severe dental misalignment.
- The length of your treatment: The length of your Invisalign treatment will also affect the cost. Simple cases may be as short as six months, while complex ones can take up to 24 months. Generally speaking, the longer your treatment takes, the more you will pay.
- Your location: The cost of living in your area can also influence the cost of Invisalign treatment. You can expect to pay more for Invisalign treatment in major metropolitan areas than in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Your dentist’s skill and experience: The experience and training of your dentist or orthodontist can also impact the cost of Invisalign treatment. Specialists with extensive experience providing this treatment will charge higher for their services.
- Your insurance coverage: Some insurance plans provide coverage for orthodontic treatments, while other insurance providers do not. If your insurance plan covers orthodontic treatments, you may get a discount on the cost of Invisalign treatment.
To help lessen the cost of Invisalign treatment, you may ask your dentist for flexible payment options such as monthly payment plans.
Invisalign is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and has been proven to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate misalignments. If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, rest assured that it is a safe and effective option.
Invisalign aligners must be kept clean at all times. Here are ten tips on how to care for Invisalign aligners:
- Brush your teeth and aligners twice a day. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions.
- Rinse your aligners after every meal. This will help remove any food particles that may be stuck to them.
- Clean your aligners using the Invisalign cleaning solution or with mild soap and lukewarm water at least once a day. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the aligners.
- Dry your aligners thoroughly after cleaning them. Do not store them in your case wet, as this will cause them to become brittle.
- Store your aligners in a clean, dry place when you’re not wearing them. A moisture-free environment will help to prevent bacteria from growing on the aligners.
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods while you’re wearing the aligners. These can damage the aligners or cause them to become dislodged from your teeth.
- Be careful when handling the aligners. Dropping or mishandling them can cause them to break or crack.
- Try not to drink anything other than water while you have your aligners in. Other beverages can stain the aligners or cause them to become discoloured.
- Avoid smoking while you have your aligners in. The nicotine in cigarettes can yellow the aligners and make them difficult to clean.
- Inspect your aligners regularly for any cracks, chips, or other damage that may have occurred since you last wore them. If you notice any damage or you have any concerns, call your dentist for assistance.