Invisalign vs Braces: What’s the Difference?
A Guide to Choosing the Right Treatment for You
In the Invisalign vs Braces debate, both sides have merit and either treatment will produce the desired result of a more perfect smile. When making this choice, it’s important to consider individual preferences and needs. This is especially true if you’re considering Invisalign teen for your child, or you have procedural questions like how long does Invisalign take. This blog will provide the information you need to decide which choice is right for you when selecting the best treatment for your smile journey.
Invisalign vs Braces: What are the Differences?
Two Fundamental Distinctions Between These Treatment Options
There are two fundamental differences to understand when choosing Invisalign vs braces. The first is the appearance of the product itself:
Braces are metal and very noticeable on your teeth, which is typically less visually pleasing.
Invisalign is a clear, “invisible” mold that is placed over your teeth.
Because of the convenience and state-of-the-art nature of Invisalign, this typically comes with a larger price tag
The second fundamental difference between the two options comes down to the efficacy of treatment, and many patients have specific needs other than aesthetics when choosing between these options.
Braces are typically used to fix more complex cases that require longer treatment periods and extended wear time
Invisalign primarily treats mild to moderate cases, although orthodontists are now able to use Invisalign refinements to tackle more challenging tooth movements that have historically been the domain of traditional braces
Because braces are meant to fix more complex dentistry problems, their treatment timeline can be significantly longer than Invisalign
Advantages of Invisalign Treatment
A Clear, Comfortable, and Fashionable Option
Invisalign is a type of clear aligner treatment and one of the most popular alternatives to braces on the market today. Clear aligners in general are great option for straightening the teeth of older children and adults. Because of their clear and “invisible” nature, these are a go-to for many people who don’t like the look of traditional, metal braces.
A major perk of Invisalign is that you are able to remove the aligners while you’re eating. Invisalign aligners should be worn a majority of the day, however they can be removed when needed for eating and drinking. In comparison to braces, which can only be professionally removed, Invisalign provides more flexibility in terms of diet and lifestyle than traditional braces.
One common question patients have is does Invisalign work for every smile? The answer depends on your individual treatment needs, but thanks to advancements in clear aligner technology most people will find that Invisalign can correct the majority of needs, from overbites to under bites, gaps, crowding and severely crooked teeth. While severe cases are often better suited for braces, the best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to visit an orthodontist. At Legacy Orthodontics, we offer a free Invisalign consultation with Dr. Lombard, Leesburg’s premier Invisalign expert, who can help you determine whether clear aligners are the best choice for you.
With all these great advantages, something else to keep in mind is the Invisalign cost, which can more expensive than braces. Today’s patient has more choice when it comes to their clear aligner provider, with a proliferation of at-home aligner treatment options promising a more affordable option for people on a budget. While we recommend that you only straighten your teeth under the supervision of an orthodontist, you can educate yourself by reading our blog about Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club, one of the most popular at-home aligner companies.
Advantages of Traditional Braces
Why Fixed Metal Braces Might Be Best For You
When it comes to enhancing your smile, braces are typically seen as the more “traditional” option, as they’ve been around longer than any other popular teeth straightening method. Braces may be less visually appealing, however they are able to fix more complex dental issues that Invisalign cannot. Some of these fixes include resolving large gaps in between the teeth, rotating teeth that are a result from overcrowding, and even raising and lowering the tooth’s position. Along with the ability to fix complex cases, they are also more economical for those who are on a budget and looking for a cheaper option.
Because braces are not removable, they might be a better option than Invisalign for kids who might struggle to maintain compliance during treatment. Every child is different, so it’s best to consult your kids orthodontist about the best way to straighten their smile. If clear aligners are a good option for them, ask about Invisalign teen, which includes compliance indications that help dentists and orthodontists determine whether children are meeting the required daily wear time during treatment.
Which is the Right Pick For Me?
Find What’s Best For Your Wants and Needs
Common questions parents (and kids) ask when choosing treatment are do braces hurt and how long do braces take? While pain from braces is common, many patients experience Invisalign pain as well. Straightening your teeth requires a lot of force and pressure, and whether you use metal brackets or plastic trays to apply that force, pain and discomfort is part of the smile journey. To mitigate pain from the traditional method, many orthodontists recommend using wax for braces to protect the mouth from poking wires and hot spots. For clear aligner patients, chewing exercises can promote beneficial blood flow while peroxide-based mouthwashes can sooth mouth sores and tongue cuts.
In terms of treatment duration, the rule of thumb is that traditional braces take longer than Invisalign. The variance is due largely to the fact that metal braces treat more complex cases, which naturally take more time, whereas clear aligners are better suited for mild to moderate cases. This is why many patients will see Invisalign results after only a few months, because they didn’t require a significant degree of tooth movement to begin with.
When it’s time to finally make a decision, the choice comes down to what you value most as well as what issues you’re looking to fix and how long you’re willing to go through the process. If you don’t mind spending a little extra money and are only looking to straighten your teeth, Invisalign may be best for you. However, if you’re looking for help with more complex dental issues or may be looking for something more cost-efficient, traditional braces may be best for you.
By taking all of the pros and cons into consideration with the Invisalign vs Braces debate, you’ll be able to make a much more educated decision on which is the best choice for you. Consulting a professional is a great option to really understand what would work best with your lifestyle. Contact Legacy Orthodontics today to get a professional opinion for which teeth straightening option is right for you.