Invisalign Vs. Braces: Guide on Choosing Suitable Option
Although braces and Invisalign near you will give you a straighter smile with time, they have certain differences. Deciding between these options depends on several parameters, such as the correction level you need and your age. It is essential to work with a caring and skilled dentist or orthodontist. There are many advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign and braces. We will discuss them here.
What Are Invisalign Braces?
Invisalign braces (clear aligners) are a new option for teeth straightening available today. Today, there are several aligner choices available to select from.
What Are Metal Braces?
Metal braces are the traditional option to achieve a straight smile. They have an established history of successful treatment.
Key Differences Between Invisalign and Braces
There are some differences between these two options. Let us discover them:
Appearance
The main difference between Invisalign and braces is looks. For the most part, adults and kids prefer Invisalign because it is virtually invisible. These plastic trays are manufactured with transparent plastic material.
However, traditional braces are made from metal and are more noticeable to others. If you desire a unique option for teeth alignment, getting Invisalign in Northlake, IL, is a perfect choice.
Cost
The price of see-through aligners ranges between $1000 to $5000. However, for metal braces, you can expect to pay from $3000 to $5000. The cost of Invisalign will differ depending on the number of trays required.
Furthermore, only some insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment because sometimes, it is regarded as a cosmetic dental procedure. Make sure you talk to your insurance provider to evaluate the total price.
Comfort Level
Whether you choose Invisalign or braces, tooth alignment can be painful. Traditional braces irritate the mouth tissue. It may also lead to discomfort when adjusted or installed. Although plastic aligners also cause annoyance when switching to a new tray, it is easily manageable.
If you or your kid participates in sports, traditional braces can be risky, mainly in case of incidental contact. Most patients find Invisalign more comfortable than metal braces because Invisalign puts much less pressure on the teeth overall.
Convenience
Invisalign is more convenient than braces because you can indulge in your favorite sticky and hard food varieties. The orthodontist or dentist near you recommends that Invisalign patients must avoid sports or soft drinks. It ’s because consuming them can result in tooth decay and stains.
On the other hand, you cannot remove the metal braces. They also prevent you from eating certain food varieties. However, if you or your kid have a habit of misplacing things, there are better choices than getting an Invisalign.
Hygiene
When it comes to metal braces, the patient needs to brush and floss frequently. It prevents the build-up of plaque and food debris. But when it comes to clear aligners, the patient can continue their dental hygiene routine normally.
Although Invisalign flossing and brushing are similar, keeping the invisible trays neat and clean requires extra effort. The orthodontist recommends cleaning the Invisalign aligner every time you eat. Use warm water, a special Invisalign cleaning solution, and a brush to clean your device.
Follow-up
You must follow up with your orthodontist every month when you receive traditional braces. But when it comes to Invisalign treatment, a follow-up appointment is essential every 4 to 6 weeks.
Furthermore, after your braces treatment finishes, the professional will ask you to wear a retainer at night. It will ensure that the teeth maintain their position. With Invisalign treatment, the orthodontist also asks you to wear an invisible tray at night.
Which Option is More Effective?
Although clear aligners and braces are ideal for achieving straight teeth and fixing bite issues, braces are more effective. It’s because they have the potential to treat more complicated dental problems. See-through aligners are ideal for moving teeth in their perfect position even when the teeth aligning are not too complex.
When to Choose Braces? When to Choose Invisalign?
The professional at Smiles of Northlake will advise a suitable treatment plan for you depending on the following parameters:
- Bite issues.
- Your lifestyle.
- Alignment of teeth.
Note: If you have minor teeth alignment problems, aligners are the best choice.