Everyone has the right to have a great smile. Many people, especially children, struggle with their teeth alignment. There are plenty of options to pick and choose from as the dentistry industry has made strides in research and development. Due to too many options being available, people are often left confused, and debates build up. There has been a braces vs. Invisalign debate brewing for a while, and this article has put both treatment methods to test.
Aesthetically, Invisalign is very pleasing. If you smile, no one might even know you are undergoing treatment. However, many people would still prefer opting for braces, but only underthe right circumstances. Invisalign and braces are two popular treatments for dental issues, and both are FDA-approved devices that have shown excellent results. That is why it can get hard to determine which method will work for your situation.
Many children and young adults wear braces; they are traditionally made out of metal and are attached to the outer part of the teeth. There are various braces options, including the ceramic or lingual type of braces.
However, Invisalign looks nothing like braces, although they provide significant relief. They come in clear plastic shapes customized for each patient by taking a 3D scan of their mouth. They are placed on the teeth, which allows them to move in small steps until the desired position is achieved.
Since both Invisalign and braces are promising orthodontal treatments, it can become hard to determine which one is best for you. To make things easier, there is a list of situations that can help you decide the braces vs. Invisalign argument easily.
Expenses
Many countries do not offer full dental insurance coverage, which is why many patients worryabout the costs of orthodontal treatment. Therefore, it is essential to do your background research beforehand.
Braces: Traditional braces are more affordable and widely used amongst patients. They can cost anywhere between $2,500 to $8000 depending upon the existing complexity of your teeth and the wires used to align the teeth in their desired positions.
Invisalign: Invisalign costs are primarily dependent on how many trays are required; furthermore, the number of trays is dependent on how severe the dental problem is. There is no sure-fire formula to ascertain the cost of getting Invisalign. However, generally, it will cost anyone about $4,500 to $8000.
Your dentist can guide you through the braces vs. Invisalign pros and cons. Once you know the expense, you will determine the best treatment you can afford.
Aesthetics go a long way
Did you know that most patients will be more concerned about how they will look in either option regardless of the pain they are experiencing?
So, which one looks better?
Invisalign: Invisalign wins by significant points in the braces vs. Invisalign argument. This is because they are virtually undetectable, while when you smile with braces on, you will always see people’s eyes trailing into your mouth.
Invisalign trays are made from transparent plastic materials that go unnoticed. If you don’t want people to know, the best option is Invisalign. Whether you are in the center of a large crowd or take pictures of yourself, they are almost invisible. However, if someone takes a good look at your mouth, they can figure out you have Invisalign on.
Braces: Braces are not transparent; they are made of metal. Anyone around you can see the wires that go through the entire mouth. But you can always wear colorful bands for metal braces. Many children enjoy experimenting with different colors, which makes picking braces over Invisalign reasonably easy; however, adults can be more cautious and would not want to attract a lot of attention to their teeth while wearing colorful braces.
Comfort
It is not easy to have either the Invisalign on or braces. Humans are not meant to have anything attached to their teeth. However, medical reasons can prompt us to seek such orthodontal treatments. The big question is, which one is less uncomfortable? The braces vs. Invisaligndebate tilts towards your personal preference.
Invisalign: They are easy on your teeth because they can be removed at any time. However, if you want to have effective results, you need to wear Invisalign for up to 22 hours each day. This means you can enjoy your meals without having to wear them. If you floss many times a day, such as after each meal, the best option is an Invisalign.
Furthermore, you do not need to run to the orthodontist for consultation as much of their job is already done when they examine your teeth and get your Invisalign made.
Braces: They can be uncomfortable because they get attached right to the teeth; they also push against them, positioning them to the intended place. Once you have braces on, you will feel pressure against your teeth at first. If your child has braces on, they can quickly become a safety hazard since having sharp edges inside their mouth may cut your child’s inner lips.
Cleaning
Whether you use braces or Invisalign, you will have to brush or floss your teeth.
Braces: It is easier to clean and floss your teeth while wearing braces. They are attached to your teeth all the time; you can simply pick your brush up and start cleaning without any additional effort. However, if there is food stuck in the metal, you will be required to brush with a smaller brush instead of a normal-sized brush.
Invisalign: Brushing teeth with Invisalign is the same as brushing with braces. But you will be required to put in an extra effort to keep the trays clean. You must use warm water to rinse off or brush your teeth after consuming a meal. Cleaning the crevices is not an easy job which, if not done right, can easily build up bacteria you do not want.
Conclusion
The braces vs. Invisalign debate can be extended, and many other factors can come into play; however, it depends entirely on the patient what they would like to opt for. Cost-wise, braces seem like a decent option because you can always pay for them even if your insurance does not cover your orthodontic treatment. However, if you want to discreetly fix your teeth’ alignment, you can opt for Invisalign and achieve maximum comfort.