Which is Better Invisalign or Braces
Invisalign or braces depend on lifestyle, orthodontic needs, and preferences. Considerations for each
Invisalign:
Clear Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, appealing to appearance-conscious patients.
Aligners are less painful than braces.
Detachable Food and dental hygiene are easier with Invisalign. Best outcomes require 20-22 hours of daily wear.
If orthodontic difficulties occur, Invisalign may be faster than braces.
Braces:
Braces fix severe bites and misalignments.
Therapeutic immobile braces. No-removability maintains treatment.
Braces may be cheaper than Invisalign depending on therapy.
Braces are fastened to teeth, therefore aligners are permanent.
The Difference Between Metal Braces and Invisalign
Metal Braces:
Look: Metal braces have stainless steel tooth brackets and wires. They’re more noticeable than Invisalign.
Teeth move gradually with braces. In orthodontics, wires and brackets are adjusted.
Effectiveness: They repair severe misalignments, overcrowding, and intricate biting anomalies.
Permanent braces are on teeth. They move teeth continuously during therapy.
Invisalign:
Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners are scarcely visible.
Custom-made Invisalign aligners shift teeth carefully every one to two weeks. Controlled pressure aligns teeth.
Smooth plastic aligners are more comfortable than braces and lessen mouth and cheek pain.
Removable Invisalign aligners simplify eating, drinking, and cleaning. Wearing them 20-22 hours a day works well.
Limited Treatment: Invisalign may not work for serious orthodontic difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the right time to correct dental issues for my child?
A. The right time to correct dental issues depends on the patient’s dental stage. In most cases, children must have all of their permanent teeth before considering braces or Invisalign. General dentists typically refer their patients to an orthodontist when it is likely a good time for correction.
Q. What is the difference between Invisalign and braces?
A. Both Invisalign and traditional braces prove effective but differ in their approach to straightening teeth. Metal braces rely on brackets, wires. and elastics to shift teeth. Invisalign uses removable plastic aligners throughout treatment. As the teeth shift, patients wear new aligners to continue treatment. Invisalign requires patients to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours a day, whereas braces require 24 hours a day.
Q. Does braces or Invisalign treatment work faster?
A. Traditional braces require approximately 18-24 months of treatment. The average treatment time for Invisalign patients takes between 12-18 months, depending on the issues that need correcting. For patients with minor misalignment, their Invisalign treatment may be finished as quickly as 6 months.
Q. Are there any follow-up appointments during Invisalign treatment?
A. We like to schedule follow up appointments every 6 to 8 weeks in order to monitor the progress of the patient as well as hand them their new batch of aligners. During these visits, we can make any alterations to the treatment plan as needed and address any concerns the patient may have had since their last visit. Patients can also call and schedule a follow up sooner if they experience anything concerning.
Q. How much do braces and Invisalign each cost?
A. The average cost of both treatments vary depending on the patient’s case and severity. The average cost of braces is between $5,000 and $6,000, although some patients may pay as little as $3,000. The average cost for Invisalign treatment is around $5,000 but may also be as little as $3,500. The cost of each treatment is discussed at the end of the consultation appointment, and payment options are available for all patients.
Invisalign® Terminology
Aligner Trays
With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth.
Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)
The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.
ClinCheck® Software
ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.
Gum Line
The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away.
Incisal Ridges
Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.
iTero Element® Scanner
An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.
Overbite
An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.
Polyurethane Resin
Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.
SmartForce Attachments
SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth.
Smart Track® Material
Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of movement, increases the speed of treatment and applies a gentle force to the teeth over time.
Smile-Scan
Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and eyes before giving a score.
Vivera® Retainers
Learn More About Braces Versus Invisalign Teen
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2023
- Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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