Having a beautiful smile is something many people strive for. There are so many different treatments and options available that it can feel overwhelming to decide which one is the best choice. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is a clear alternative in terms of practicality and aesthetics.
Although it may not seem as effective, it’s less invasive than traditional metal braces with greater flexibility regarding treatment time. While some people choose to get Invisalign for their entire lives, traditional braces have some advantages too. Explored here are the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces.
What is Invisalign Treatment?
If you have crooked teeth or an overbite, Invisalign is the perfect solution. It’s a clear, removable alternative to traditional braces. Instead of the usual metal wires and brackets, custom-made aligners gradually move your teeth into place. You can remove them when you eat or brush your teeth and put them back on when you’re done. That’s why they are also known as removable aligners.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign gradually moves your teeth into place by changing their position. You’ll get a new set of aligners for each stage of treatment. Your dentist will check their fit and design the next aligner, bringing you closer to your goal of having a smile you can be proud of.
Advantages of Invisalign
It’s a faster treatment. That isn’t to say that traditional braces aren’t effective, but Invisalign allows for quicker treatment. Because you’re not wearing metal brackets, Invisalign isn’t very painful and doesn’t cause jaw or headache like traditional braces.
These clear removable aligners allow you to eat foods that might cause irritation and pain with traditional braces. However, you can take a break from treatment when it gets too uncomfortable.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Many people have this question. Invisalign treatments are quite reasonable, depending on the number of aligners you need and whether or not your dentist offers discounts.
You only need to wear them for as long as possible to get your teeth where they’re supposed to be. For example, if you’re like most people and have a lot of crowns or fillings, you’ll likely need about six months of wear for each set of aligners. The Invisalign cost ranges between $3000 to $4900 per set.
What are traditional Braces?
Traditional braces are metal wires that are used to correct teeth’ positions. They’re made from a combination of stainless steel and nickel-titanium, which are adjusted to move your teeth into place. Traditional braces might cost less than Invisalign, but they’re more uncomfortable and inconvenient than clear aligners.
Advantages of Traditional Braces
You can wear traditional braces with most other orthodontic appliances, such as retainers. They are more comfortable in terms of pain, but they require a certain lifestyle change. You’ll need to wear them for about two years and have to clean your teeth thoroughly every night.
What are the Disadvantages of Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Because it takes longer than Invisalign, you risk dealing with tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. You’ll have to take care of your teeth so they don’t get cavities, and you shouldn’t eat hard food or sticky candy. If you’re in an accident, traditional braces make it more difficult for doctors to treat your injuries.
How much Does Traditional Braces Cost?
The price for traditional braces ranges between $2000 and $5000 – considerably lower than Invisalign. Therefore, if you’re struggling with your teeth and want a faster treatment that won’t make you suffer other side effects, Invisalign might be for you.
Who Uses Invisalign?
Invisalign is more commonly used by adults than children. Although there are some problems in aligning teeth for preschoolers, straightening uneven smiles can be much harder for young kids. Adults with prominent overbites and crooked teeth often find Invisalign convenient, effective, and relatively less painful than classic metal braces.
Conclusion
There are different reasons why you’d choose one or the other treatment. Invisalign is less invasive and more comfortable since you can take the aligners out and brush your teeth when they’re not on. Because it takes longer, traditional braces are inconvenient in terms of pain and lifestyle change. However, Invisalign might be better than traditional braces if you want faster treatment, you don’t want to deal with sensitivity, or if you have dental problems that require extra care. Either way, you should check out this Cosmetic dentist in Clackamas so they can provide more insights on which treatment is best for you.
