Comparing Invisalign Vs Braces: Know Which Suits You Better

How important is a smile to your overall appearance? The majority of you might say that it is pretty essential. A smile can make you more youthful and attractive, and it’s an effortless thing to do. If you want to achieve a smile you can be proud of, you might consider Invisalign or braces. 

These are orthodontic appliances that you wear on your bites to gradually move them to a correct position. Most patients with crooked teeth claim dissatisfaction about their look and a problem with eating and keeping them clean. Considering this, orthodontic treatment not only answers to cosmetic issues but also to oral health issues. 

The question, though, is which option suits you better?

Here is a simple guide to help you compare clear aligners versus braces. 

Invisalign vs braces

Appearance

First of all, you need to see how both appliances look like, and then you can easily say which one wins this round. 

Invisalign is made of a special plastic material that is virtually invisible. It is shaped like a mouthguard, only that it’s thinner and less conspicuous. As many already know, braces are made of wires and brackets that are attached, glued on your teeth. This is very visible as you open your mouth, and even when you don’t, the braces make your lips look protruding. 

Needless to say, Invisalign gives you the option to correct your teeth subtly. In fact, it is one reason why Invisalign is designed to provide patients with a solution to wearing awkward braces.

Comfort

When it comes to teeth correction, you should expect a bit of discomfort. This comes along as the appliance moves your teeth, whether it’s Invisalign or traditional braces. 

Braces users did note that almost every month, you can feel the movement of the appliance. For patients that are not tolerant of the discomfort, the dentist may prescribe pain relievers. Meanwhile, clear aligners are made of plastic trays, so it has less pressure on your teeth making them more comfortable than braces. 

Convenience

Braces are permanently attached to your teeth throughout the treatment period. So, it doesn’t move when you eat or brush your teeth. However, it may be getting on the way if food or tiny debris get stuck on its wires. When that happens, you will need specific dental cleaning tools to dislodge the items or food. 

On the other hand, Invisalign is removable. Whenever you need to eat or clean your teeth, you can just remove them and do your thing. The only catch is that you only have a maximum of two hours per day to take them off. Your clear aligners should be worn at least 22 hours a day for them to be effective. 

Cost

Braces and Invisalign costs vary. There is no telling which one is cheaper or more expensive. Either which may be more affordable or costly because there are factors to consider. For instance, your braces cost will depend on what type you will consider. Ceramic braces can be more expensive because of the material. 

The price is also not definite for clear aligners because it depends on how long your treatment is and how many trays you will need. Not to mention if you will need retainers afterwards or not. You should consult your orthodontic dentist to get the exact quotation for your case. 

Effectiveness

Although braces and invisible aligners are both orthodontic appliances, they may have differences in effectiveness. Braces have been known to be a successful treatment in teeth correction. The fact that it is a permanent appliance means that it is consistently functioning. 

Invisalign users, on the other hand, have the option to remove their trays, which gives patients the chance to slack off. Considering this, the effectiveness of this treatment depends on the user’s commitment. 

Final verdict

Invisalign garners more points in this article; however, the decision always comes after your preference. Actually, you and your dentist both work on deciding which treatment is more suitable for your teeth. Sometimes, your choice may not be the same as your dentist’s recommendation. Some misalignment cases are too severe, which isn’t an Invisalign’s job to correct but braces’. 

If you’re eager to learn more about Invisalign, its benefits and downsides, hear it from our dentist in Burlington in this short video.