Which is Better For Me: Braces or Invisalign?

Which is Better For Me: Braces or Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment which uses clear, removable aligners to gently straighten teeth.

Unlike traditional braces that use brackets and wires to move the teeth, Invisalign relies on 3-D computer imaging technology to create custom-made sets of aligners. Each set of aligners carefully shifts the patient's teeth until they reach their desired position.

The aligners are made from a clear medical grade plastic material. They are virtually invisible when worn and can be removed while eating or brushing your teeth. This makes them more comfortable than metal braces, as there is no metal rubbing against the mouth or gums.

Invisalign Vs Traditional Braces

No treatment is a perfect, one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. Invisalign and traditional braces both have their pros and cons.

Advantages of Invisalign include:

  • More esthetic. Invisalign is nearly invisible when worn.
  • No special diet. You can take the aligners out to eat whatever you want, without worrying about food getting stuck
  • No special teeth cleaning. You do need to clean the aligners themselves, but you can take them out to clean your teeth just like you normally would.
  • Fewer appointments needed over the course of treatment.
  • More comfortable to wear.

Advantages of traditional braces include:

  • Always on your teeth, so you don’t need to worry about compliance.

Disadvantages of Invisalign include:

  • User compliance is key to success. If patients don’t wear the aligners for 20 hours a day, they will not work effectively.
  • Trays can be lost if patients aren’t careful.

Disadvantages of traditional braces:

  • More noticeable when smiling.
  • Cannot be removed to eat or clean teeth
  • Slightly less comfortable
  • More visits to the orthodontist

Ultimately both treatments have their pros and cons. It’s important for patients to discuss these options thoroughly with an experienced orthodontist before deciding which one suits them best based on their specific needs.

Cost Comparison

The cost of Invisalign and braces can vary greatly depending on the patient’s individual orthodontic needs. Both treatments are typically covered by insurance.

At Pinsak and Sayania Orthodontics our braces and Invisalign options are roughly the same cost once the overall treatment requirements are factored in.

Ultimately there isn’t one clear answer on which option is more affordable between Invisalign and braces, as this will depend largely on an individual’s particular situation. Our experienced team will examine your mouth to determine which treatment will provide the best results within your budget and health requirements.

Efficiency and Comfort Comparison

When it comes to the efficiency of Invisalign and braces, both treatments can get similar results in terms of correcting misaligned teeth. However, there are some key differences between them regarding time required for treatment and comfort levels.

User compliance is key to Invisalign working. If a patient doesn’t wear their aligners for 20 hours a day, the treatment will not be efficient. This means that an Invisalign treatment can take substantially longer than it normally would.

Ultimately the biggest factors in treatment time are:

  • Treatment complexity
  • Ability of the patient to remain compliant with wearing their aligners

Metal braces can often cause irritation due to their fixed nature; the brackets and wires rubbing against the mouth or gums can make eating and speaking uncomfortable at times.

On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic material which makes them far less abrasive on the inside of your mouth. New aligners may feel tight, which can be uncomfortable for patients, but this passes fairly quickly as the teeth begin to move.

Conclusion

When considering which type of orthodontic treatment is best for you, it is important to evaluate both Invisalign and traditional braces in terms of cost, comfort level and the length of time required for each.

Both offer unique advantages, so it’s worth doing your research to determine which one would be most suitable based on individual needs and budget constraints.

To get expert advice on which treatment is right for you, book an appointment with our friendly team at Pinsak and Sayania Orthodontics in Monroe, North Carolina. We'll give you a comprehensive examination and walk you through the best treatment options available to suit your unique circumstances.