The Experts Take on the Invisalign vs Braces Debate
If you have crooked teeth and are wanting to make them straighter, you might be wondering if you should get braces or Invisalign. Both are popular methods of straightening teeth, but they are very different.
Not everyone can use Invisalign. It’s usually for mild teeth problems that do not require any jaw work such as fixing an overbite. If you are confused if you can use Invisalign or not, you first need to ask the orthodontist.
If you’re able to choose between Invisalign and braces, you might be unsure about which one to pick. Here is a breakdown of each as well as the cost.
How Does Invisalign Work?
This is a clear device that fixes crooked teeth. They are a type of invisible braces. Your teeth will be fitted with medical-grade plastic that applies pressure to the teeth. As they apply pressure, the teeth are guided into a new position. These clear braces are more discreet and often used when people do not want traditional braces.
However, Invisalign has some pros and cons to consider before choosing them. Make sure you have all the information before choosing clear braces.
Invisalign Problems
One of the main problems is that they are not suitable for complex corrections. They only work for minor straightening. So, some people might only be able to get braces.
You also need to remove braces to eat. It can be damaged by food and liquid, so make sure you never forget to take them out before a meal. You also need to make sure you are keeping your Invisalign in for at least 20 hours a day. This requires a lot of discipline.
If you are worried your child will not follow these guidelines or if you’re concerned that they will lose the trays when they remove them, you might want to put them in clear braces. If liners are lost, you lose treatment time and you have to pay for new ones.
Sometimes you also need Invisalign attachments which are more work and more money. The attachments help to control teeth movement and you will need more consultations when the doctor when attachments are needed.
Benefits of Invisalign
The main benefit of Invisalign is that they are clear and have a better appearance. They are also more comfortable than braces since they sit around your teeth rather than having brackets on the teeth. Invisalign is much more comfortable than braces.
Brushing and flossing are also much easier since you do not need to weave the floss around the wires and brackets. You are also free to eat whatever you want with Invisalign since you remove them when eating. With braces, you cannot eat popcorn, nuts, or bagels.
Invisalign also requires fewer visits to the orthodontist. You also need to go in every 4 to 6 weeks to get the next level of trays. With braces, you go to the doctor every time you need an adjustment which can be as little as every one or two weeks in the beginning.
Braces Problems
The main problem with braces is the discomfort and the appearance. You will have metal brackets and wires in your mouth for years. You will also find that you get irritation and cuts very often because of the hard material of the brackets.
You also have to stay away from hard food for the entire time you have braces in your mouth which can even be two or three years in some cases. If you eat hard food, you have to go into the office and pay more money to get the braces fixed.
Braces can also leave stains on the teeth if your brackets are on the teeth for more than two years. You will also need to go to the orthodontist very frequently to get the braces checked and adjusted.
Benefits of Braces
Braces are best for those that have complex issues that cannot be fixed with Invisalign. You will also have many options to choose from including ceramic braces and colored wires depending on how noticeable you want your braces to be or not to be.
You also do not have to worry about them needing to be removed while eating. This means there is less of a chance of you losing them. Braces are especially better for children who might be more likely to lose Invisalign.
Invisalign Vs Braces Cost
One of the most important deciding factors is the cost. You will need to think about which one you can afford before deciding. In general, the braces cost is almost always less unless you also require some jaw corrections. Then the total cost of braces and an expander can be very high.
Invisalign is usually about $3,000 to $7,000 while braces are about $2,000 to $6,000. Keep in mind though that the final cost depends on the corrections you need. It also depends on the complications or delays you might experience along the way.
Sometimes, braces can end up being cheaper if you need small corrections and follow all the guidelines so that your brackets do not become damaged.
You can also get tax-deferred payment plans for both braces and Invisalign. Some orthodontic offices also offer their own plans where you can pay monthly or pay each time you need an adjustment rather than needing to pay for everything all at one time.
Invisalign Vs Braces- Which One is Better?
This really depends on your situation. Make sure to read Invisalign reviews before getting them as some people find they do not like having to remove them when it comes to eating and brushing. Braces can be easier and more convenient for some people, including children.
If you have an easy-to-fix issue, you might find getting a few Invisalign trays easier. If you will need several trays and are afraid of losing them, you might want to consider getting braces to make everything more efficient.
When in doubt, talk all the plans and details over with your orthodontist.
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