You’ve put it off long enough, either for yourself or a family member, but now it’s unavoidable: it’s time to get braces. Shiny silver brackets used to be the only option, but now there’s something else to choose from. Invisalign clear plastic aligners are rising in popularity as an alternative to traditional braces. When it comes to Invisalign vs. braces, how can you tell which one is best for you?

Invisalign vs. braces: The basics

Before deciding whether to go for Invisalign vs. braces, it’s important to understand the basics of each. The biggest differences between the two of them come down to price, appearance, and the damage you’re attempting to fix.

Braces

Traditional bite correction for decades, braces consist of metal brackets surrounding teeth (in the case of molars) or cemented to the outsides of teeth. These brackets hold wire that is removed and replaced with thicker wire over a period of months or years to increase the pressure on the teeth. Over time, the teeth move into the correct position. Plastic bands secure the wire in place. You can also customize the colors of the plastic bands.

Changing wires involves a trip to the orthodontist and takes between ten and 20 minutes. The frequency of the change depends on each patient but usually occurs every eight to ten weeks. The overall period of treatment with braces can range between six months and six years. The average is right around two years.

Traditional braces are the go-to orthodontic treatment when it comes to extreme bite corrections, including overcrowding caused by extreme Class 1 and Class 2 malocclusion and gaps caused by missing teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign braces consist of a series of clear plastic trays (aligners). Your Invisalign dentist will custom fit these for each patient, making sure that they sit snugly over the teeth. Aligners are worn all day and night (except when eating). You’ll periodically change them out for a different-sized tray.

Changing the aligners out does not require a trip to the orthodontist. As with traditional braces, regular dental check-ups are necessary to ensure dental health, and an orthodontic check-up is also required during the treatment period. The average treatment period for adults is approximately one year.

Invisalign is most often used for adults with less complicated bite corrections.

Does Invisalign work faster than braces?

Yes and no. For the same condition, when it comes to Invisalign vs. braces, there is no difference in the speed of correction.

The difference in speed comes when you consider what you need to correct.

Invisalign is not able to correct extreme issues in terms of bite, and minor issues take less time to correct in general. A patient with severe overcrowding and a deep under bite will necessarily be in treatment longer to begin with, and Invisalign may not be able to correct this type of bite.

So while technically the average treatment time with Invisalign is shorter than with traditional braces, this can be like comparing apples to oranges.

Invisalign vs. braces: which works better?

Again, in deciding whether Invisalign works better than traditional braces, it’s important to look at what is being corrected. They both get the job done when it comes to minor bite correction.

Additionally, with both traditional braces and Invisalign, your orthodontist will recommend that you wear a retainer at night to preserve your newly-corrected bite.

The bottom line is that both types of orthodontia work well, and have proven track records for many patients.

Which looks better?

This is where the rubber meets the road. People generally associate traditional metal braces awith children or adolescents. As an adult with a mouth full of metal, you may find yourself feeling more self-conscious in your daily life.

On the other hand, Invisalign is not exactly “invisible.” The trays are slightly visible in that they are resting on top of your teeth and can be seen on closer inspection. Additionally, when first worn, Invisalign users often report a slight lisp as they get used to the additional material at the tips of their teeth. This lisp seems to diminish or disappear completely for most users over time.

The appearance is a matter of personal preference. If the appearance of metal braces might affect how you feel about yourself in your interactions in daily or professional life, then it’s worth considering Invisalign as a more discreet option.

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

As far as cost goes, there is no doubt about it: traditional braces are the more affordable option. This is especially true when it comes to minor bite correction.

While the cost of orthodontia can vary significantly based on geography, the orthodontist you choose, and the amenities in their office, prices for traditional braces are much lower.

Another thing to consider is that many dental insurance plans will not specifically cover Invisalign, or they specifically exclude Invisalign in their coverage.

The Invisalign manufacturer offers its own Invisalign cost calculator so you can figure out exactly how much your Invisalign treatment might cost. Most orthodontists offer payment plans for both traditional braces and Invisalign.

What about different types of braces?

In addition to traditional metal braces, lingual braces are another option for bite correction. These braces are placed on the inside surface of the teeth and are even more “invisible” than Invisalign. Lingual braces are more complicated to place and require more specialized training. Additionally, they can be difficult to get used to and may not be appropriate for all types of bite correction. For these reasons, many orthodontists do not offer lingual braces as a treatment option.

Ceramic braces are another option of brace material that may make braces less obvious when you smile. The brackets for these types of braces are made of ceramic or plastic. They may be less visible at a glance than regular braces. Otherwise, they work in the same manner as traditional braces.

Invisalign vs. braces — what will work better for me?

Deciding between Invisalign vs. braces means weighing all the factors, including:

  • Treatment type
  • Treatment time
  • Appearance
  • Cost

Your Phoenix area Invisalign dentist is AZ Dentist. We’re happy to talk more about both of these options so you can decide on the best option for your situation.

Get in touch today to discuss all of your orthodontic options!

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