Invisalign vs Braces
For people looking to straighten their teeth, metal braces have long been the only option. There are now many alternatives available to patients due to advancements in orthodontics. All treatments have advantages and disadvantages, and it is crucial for patients to be aware of this. To help you assess the benefits and drawbacks and make an informed choice, we will explain the key differences between braces and Invisalign.
Appearance
The primary benefit of Invisalign is that the retainers are virtually undetectable. In this procedure, clear plastic aligners are used. To get the desired smile, the patient goes through a variety of unique, customised aligners. Traditional braces have metal brackets and wires that are permanently affixed to the outside of your teeth. This makes them more noticeable. However, there are now more possibilities, such as ceramic braces and lingual braces that are connected behind the teeth.
Eating and Drinking
The ability to remove Invisalign aligners is another advantage. Patients should take out their aligners when eating or drinking, so unlike braces, you can still consume everything you want. There are several foods you should avoid or handle with special caution if you have braces. This includes items that need biting, such as apples, as well as foods that are hard, sticky, or crunchy.
Brushing and Flossing Teeth
With Invisalign, the procedure is the same because you take your aligners out to brush and floss your teeth. With brackets and wire in the way and the potential for food particles to become stuck, brushing your teeth and flossing can be more challenging when wearing braces. Brushing more regularly is necessary when wearing braces since the brackets may leave light imprints on the teeth if the teeth become darker while the braces are being worn. After eating or drinking something other than water, orthodontics advises brushing right away.
Discomfort
When the teeth are moving, braces and Invisalign both have the potential to cause discomfort. However, due to the metal brackets rubbing against the inside of the cheek and tongue, braces might result in more oral and gum issues, such as cuts and ulcers.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign and conventional braces can vary greatly from patient to patient. Depending on the style of brace you select and the severity of the problem, braces in the UK can range in price from £1,075 to £5,000. Treatment with Invisalign can cost anywhere from £1,595 and £7,000, depending on how complex the problem is. Speak with an Invisalign specialist near you. If you aren’t sure where one is, simply google Invisalign and your local town such as Invisalign Swindon or Invisalign London to get the exact cost of the procedure for you.
Orthodontic Appointments
The fact that Invisalign just requires a few appointments is another benefit. A 3D image of your teeth is used to create all of the custom retainers in a lab after you visit an Invisalign practitioner. When it comes time to alter them, you are given several sets of different retainers at once. When wearing braces, you must visit the dentist every month or two to have the wires tightened. This requires time away from work or school.
Effectiveness
Crossbites, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crowding can all be successfully treated with Invisalign. All of these disorders can be successfully treated with braces, as well as more serious ones.
Treatment Period
Invisalign typically takes less time to complete treatment than conventional braces do. It takes between 6 and 18 months. It requires you to wear your aligners for 22 to 24 hours per day. In most cases, braces last between 16 and 18 months. They may last longer if the patient has more complicated problems.
Both braces and Invisalign have benefits and drawbacks. Your orthodontist can help you decide which option is best for you.