If you want to straighten your teeth, you should consider Invisalign vs braces. Like anybody out there who wants straight teeth, you may wonder which one is the most appropriate for you: Invisalign or braces? To figure this out, you definitely need the advice of a specialist.
Invisalign and braces were especially designed for teeth straightening. Therefore, you will have a gorgeous smile and perfect oral health. To make sure we understand the difference between braces and Invisalign, let’s see what they are.
Braces have metal brackets which are glued to the teeth and tied together via wires. A wire is fixed on each bracket with a tiny rubber band. Today, you can get brackets colored close to your enamel color. In this way, your braces will be more discrete.
On the other hand, Invisalign is invisible. They consist in aligner trays which are made of smooth, clear plastic being worn over your teeth. Therefore, your dentist will need X-rays and pictures of your teeth to create an accurate 3D image and configure the aligner trays.
Invisalign vs Braces
The great thing about Invisalign is that it is completely clear. Furthermore, you need to keep it on your teeth for about 22-24 hours per day for six to 18 months. The treatment time depends on the needs of the patient. These cost approximately $5,000. Furthermore, when it comes to maintenance, you need to brush the trays and then rinse them in luke warm water.
On follow up visits to the dentist’s office, the doctor may recommend you to periodically change the aligner trays. Most likely, you will be advised to change them every two weeks. Furthermore, you will visit your dentist every 4 or 6 weeks to do follow ups and see how the treatment goes.
The pros of wearing Invisalign
- No discomfort caused by wires.
- You will not experience problems with food getting caught in between your teeth.
- No problems or aching when eating.
- Invisalign is invisible and removable.
The cons of wearing Invisalign
- You may experience discomfort due to tooth movement.
- It is advisable to remove it before eating and drinking anything but water.
- You must brush it after each meal to prevent staining.
Braces vs Invisalign
Braces are made of metal. However, if you want something to make you stand out, you can choose for colored brackets. Furthermore, the enamel-colored ones will be more discrete. You need to wear it for approximately 2 years, 24/7. The costs can vary between $1,800 and $5,500.
Furthermore, you will need to take care of the brackets, using special thin brushes. When wearing braces, you need to brush your teeth after each meal to prevent any food from getting stuck in your brackets. Also, water pick may come in handy in this situation. You need to pay monthly visits to your dentist’ office.
The pros of wearing braces
- Require only flossing and brushing.
- No temptation to leave them out.
- Far more effective for complex issues.
The cons of wearing braces
- You will experience pain, discomfort and sores when your teeth will move.
- It is possible for you to experience tooth discoloration.
- You will find it difficult to eat hard and sticky food.
Summing up
You should visit your dentist’s office to establish whether Invisalign vs braces are more suitable for you. Depending on your needs, you will be advised to use one of these options to straighten your teeth. Make sure you maintain your oral hygiene to prevent other problems from occurring.
Image Source: Meadowtown Dental
