When it comes to orthodontic options, Invisalign and traditional braces are the most effective and popular options. Both options help to adjust your teeth, fix inaccurate bites, or move misaligned teeth. If you are looking for more confidence in your smile, both traditional braces and Invisalign can help. They work for patients of all ages and are safe ways to move your teeth to your optimal position. This blog will look at some of the major differences between the two orthodontic processes and help you decide what is best for you.
Better Aesthetics From Invisalign
Many people prefer the look of Invisalign because they are clear and almost invisible while wearing them. Some patients forgo traditional braces because of how they will make their teeth and mouth look during the process, getting Invisalign later in life. If you want to avoid having brackets and wires in your photos or for special events, the clear trays provide better aesthetics.
The clear trays need to be cleaned frequently and thoroughly, or else they will start to look cloudy. Instead of being invisible, dirty trays can dull your smile or make your teeth look dirty. Washing and cleaning your trays frequently will help them look invisible during wear.
Invisalign Requires Extreme Patient Compliance
Invisalign trays will need to be worn at least 22 hours a day to show results. Since the brackets or wires aren’t tightened manually by an orthodontist, it is up to the patient to consistently wear the trays and change them at the appropriate time. Wearing the right trays for the required amount of time is the only way your teeth will move and adjust. Since Invisalign is removable for eating and cleaning, it requires discipline from the user to put them back on and wear them consistently. If you are not disciplined enough or forgetful, Invisalign is probably not the best choice for you.
Braces Are Recommended For Complex Cases
All of the gear that comes with traditional braces may be necessary for patients with complex oral problems. Some patients have teeth that are positioned on the roof of their mouth, turned sideways, or underneath other teeth, which trays are unable to handle. Dental and facial issues that need correcting will need anchors and wires to apply continuous force to the teeth, moving them into the perfect place. Braces can also move more than one tooth at a time in a drastic way, while Invisalign is limited in how much it can move at one time.
Braces Provide More Control
Traditional braces require orthodontic appointments every 6-8 weeks so that orthodontists can monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments. This allows the orthodontist to have more control over the result and change the process if a tooth is not moving the way they originally planned. Especially those with complex cases, traditional braces will provide them with a better final result, as orthodontists are fully involved in the process.
Which Option Is More Cost-Effective?
Many people assume that Invisalign is more affordable than traditional braces, but with advanced 3D scanning and the amount of material needed to craft multiple trays, the overall cost can be similar to traditional braces. For a patient who just needs minor adjustments or wants to fix a gap between their front teeth, Invisalign might be cheaper than brackets and wires.
Each orthodontist will have different prices, but traditional braces often range from $3,000 to $8,000. Invisalign is typically around $4,000 to $8,000, but the cost can increase if you have complex problems that will require you to finish out the process with traditional braces. Patients often seek Invisalign to save money on dental work, but the cost difference between the two is not substantial enough to make one more budget-friendly than the other.
Consult With Your Dentist Or Orthodontist
Avenues Dentistry offers Invisalign to our clients who want to have straighter or more aesthetically pleasing teeth. Our dentists will help you create a custom set of aligners that are made for your mouth and will help you reach your goals. Instead of having to meet with an orthodontist every few weeks, our aligners can help your teeth move slowly by just wearing them consistently.
Our team provides quality dental care to the Salt Lake City area and strives to meet every patient’s individual needs. We can help you with general dentistry services, cosmetic procedures, and emergency dental needs. If you are a new patient, we offer a $97 deal for dental exams, regular cleaning, and an X-ray. Reach out to us to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your oral health goals.
