Teeth that are misaligned are subject to more accelerated wear and may be more likely to undergo tooth decay or tooth loss. A well-aligned jaw and mouth are more than just for appearance; they affect the ability to speak, to eat, and to care for your teeth in the future correctly.
Today, there are several orthodontic treatment options available on the market, the two most popular being dental braces and clear aligners like Invisalign.
The most common question about these two treatment options is what’s better? Are braces better than Invisalign? Is Invisalign better than braces? The answer will ultimately come down to the specific needs of the patient and their case.
Before recommending clear aligners or dental braces, Orthodontists take several factors into consideration including an individual’s age, potential misalignments in the jaw or their bite, and differences in the size of their teeth.
Invisalign is a treatment plan that consists of a series of customized aligners which are clear, removable plastic trays formed to fit an individual’s teeth. The number of aligners needed varies for each orthodontic case.
Patients are responsible for the insertion and removal of their aligners before meals and when brushing/flossing teeth.
The patient wears each tray for about 2-3 weeks and is given a new aligner from their series at their next orthodontic visit. Teeth shift less than a millimeter during each phase of the series.
Invisalign trays are ultimately indistinguishable – a massive benefit for patients who have any aesthetic concerns.
Complex dental problems typically require dental braces.
Braces consist of small brackets either metal or ceramic that are glued on to the teeth. Threaded through the slots in the brackets are metal alloy wires. The brackets hold the wires with tiny rubber bands called “ligatures” or “o-rings,” – the fun colors you sometimes see in people’s braces. Movement of the teeth results from adjustments made to the wires.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Pros and Cons
Color: Invisalign is virtually clear or invisible. Traditional braces are metal (typically silver). There is an option to pay extra for enamel color brackets.
Care: Invisalign uses a cleaning system of brushing and rinsing trays with lukewarm water. Braces require brushing the brackets and wires regularly as well as the teeth. A water pick is often suggested to help with cleaning and stain prevention.
Follow up: Invisalign aligner trays are changed every 2 weeks with visits to the Orthodontist about every 4 to 6 weeks. Orthodontic visits for braces occur about once a month.
With Invisalign, there are no extra cleaning steps required besides regular brushing and flossing; there are no issues with food getting caught, no difficulty eating, no discomfort from wires. The trays are invisible and removable.
Invisalign treatments may cause discomfort from tooth movement, must be removed before eating and drinking, and brushing should be done after each meal to avoid staining.
Braces successfully treat complex dental issues and are the best orthodontic treatment option for such cases. Complex dental problems pertain to patients who may need bridgework, have back tooth bite issues, need to rotate canines or premolars, need to move teeth vertically, or lack the discipline to practice the standard routine of keeping trays in for at least 22 hours daily and removing them when necessary.
Patients may have some pain, sores or discomfort from wires, brackets or tooth movement. Some patients experience tooth discoloration due to difficult hygiene, bracket breakage, and tooth wear, and there may be difficulty in eating sticky, hard foods.
Invisalign vs. Braces which is faster?
Dental braces are worn 24/7 for about 12-24 months, and Invisalign aligners are worn 22-24 hours each day for 6 to 18 months, depending.
Cost of Invisalign vs. Braces
Every patient’s case is different, and thus prices vary depending on the time and the needs of the patient.
The cost of Invisalign is quite comparable to dental braces. Some Orthodontic practices offer to finance through companies like Care Credit, and Lending Club or have in-house financing programs.
Dental insurance coverage varies, but many cover 40% to 60% of the total fee for the orthodontic treatment.
At Miracle Smile Dentistry, a simple Invisalign treatment (minor teeth movement in a single arch) requires just a few months of treatment starting at $1750. For a full case treatment (significant teeth movement in both arches), treatments begin at $2500.
In our practice, we are privileged to help transform our patients’ lives by offering the best possible dental health care in a nurturing, relaxed and professional environment. It is our vision at Miracle Smile Dentistry to exceed our patient’s expectations in every way possible.
Are you tired of not smiling your best smile and want to improve your appearance and overall health significantly? Learn more about Invisalign and the dental braces treatment options available at Miracle Smile Dentistry.