Which Is Better, Invisalign or Braces?
Invisalign and braces are the most popular options for straightening teeth. However, they both have advantages and disadvantages, so knowing which is best for you depends on your particular circumstances.
In this post, we want to take a look at both options so you can feel a little more confident about whether they're right for you.
How Does Invisalign Work?
First up, what is Invisalign? Most people are aware of how traditional braces work, but Invisalign is less well-known. Invisalign is a proprietary brand owned by Align Technologies and is one of the most popular examples of clear aligners.
Invisalign works differently to traditional braces. Whereas braces use metal frames to pull your teeth into the desired position, Invisalign uses a series of plastic trays to push your teeth into position over time. These trays are custom-made, based on a 3D scan of your teeth, and change every few weeks as your teeth get straighter.
Invisalign is capable of correcting most tooth alignment issues. However, more severe rotation issues still generally require traditional braces, as the plastic Invisalign tray struggles to grip and twist in the same way. Ask your dentist which solution is right for you at your next check-up.
Read more: 5 reasons why Invisalign really works
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The price of Invisalign varies, depending on your treatment needs. It's typically more expensive than traditional braces, but there are a lot of advantages that make it a much more desirable option.
Invisalign is, as the name suggests, much less noticeable than traditional braces, so the extra cost buys you that peace of mind that people aren't noticing them nearly as much. This may be particularly important for those who are already self-conscious about their teeth.
Another advantage of Invisalign is its ability to be removed - for example, when you eat or drink, or to ensure you can brush and floss your teeth properly. Especially for adults who may not be able to keep braces on at all times, this can be a deciding factor. However, this does reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. (Many parents still opt for traditional braces over Invisalign for children, due to the inability to remove them.)
Another important consideration when weighing the price of Invisalign versus braces is speed, because Invisalign actually works faster than braces! This may sound surprising, as Invisalign exerts lighter pressure on the teeth, but it's faster because it uses a phased approach that ensures consistent progress.
Read more: Is Invisalign the right choice for me?
Schedule an Appointment
We hope you've found this post useful, and that you understand some of the benefits of Invisalign. If you want to learn more about Invisalign or braces, and find out which one's right for you, ask us during your next check-up.
