10 Apr Invisalign vs. Clear Braces: Which One Is Right for Your Lifestyle?
Straightening your teeth is a process that can require years of dedication. There are a few options available to patients, so let’s explore the pros and cons of braces vs. Invisalign and see what would better suit your lifestyle.
Invisalign vs. Clear Braces: The Pros and Cons
Clear braces work about the same as metal braces. They are glued onto your teeth so you don’t need to take them in and out when eating. The price point is affordable and the results are amazing. Traditional braces cost $2,500 to $6,000, while Invisalign can cost $3,500 to $9,000.
In some cases, braces can straighten teeth faster than Invisalign. That’s a big benefit! But a downside to having braces is there’s no option to remove them for special occasions, photographs, presentations, or any event where you prefer not to show them. Another pitfall is food particles getting stuck in the braces, scratching your gums, and irritating your mouth. You’ll also have to avoid certain foods like nuts, hard candies, and other crunchy items that might damage the brackets.
Pros of Braces:
- Affordability
- Don’t have to take them in and out
- No changing or cleaning trays
Cons of Braces:
- Not as subtle as Invisalign
- Can be uncomfortable
- Limits the foods you should eat
Invisalign is a fantastic option for people looking to straighten their teeth. Its biggest benefit is pretty clear: people can’t see the device on your teeth. The trays are clear, and any attachments you need for Invisalign are made from material to match your tooth color so their appearance is quite difficult to notice. There’s a large difference in the size of the attachments between braces and Invisalign as well.
The brackets for braces stick out about 5mm off your teeth, and the ones for helping the Invisalign tray adhere to the teeth are about 1mm in height. You also may need far fewer attachments with Invisalign compared to traditional braces, but the number needed will vary from case to case. Some people need a bracket on every tooth and others only need a few.
Pros of Invisalign:
- The appearance! They’re subtle and go unnoticed by most people.
- Cleaning is another big plus. You can take them out to eat, drink, floss, and brush as you would normally.
- It’s a treatment that can fix an overbite, gaps in the teeth, and more!
- For uncomplicated cases, Invisalign can be faster than braces.
- Aligners are safe to sleep in.
Cons of Invisalign:
- Have to wear them 22 hours a day.
- Can’t eat or drink anything but water while wearing an Invisalign tray.
- Must remember to change and clean trays.
6 Tips for Living with Invisalign
- Wear your aligners as much as possible—22 hours a day is recommended.
- Start a new tray at night instead of in the morning. New trays may feel tight, so some patients prefer to put one in before they go to bed so they can sleep through the discomfort.
- Clean your teeth after every time you eat or snack. Keep a small cleaning kit with you at all times with a toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash.
- Sip water throughout the day to avoid a dry mouth.
- Clean your aligners properly! Use cleaning crystals or other approved methods instead of toothpaste, which can scratch the tray.
- Stay up-to-date with your dental appointments!
When Invisalign Is Not Recommended
While it’s a wonderful option for many, Invisalign won’t work for every situation. Braces, corrective surgery, and other forms of care may be required. Invisalign is not recommended in the following circumstances:
- Cases of severe gaps
- Dramatic bite problems
- Extensive overcrowding of the teeth
- Skeletal malocclusions
- Jaws with multiple missing teeth
Discover What’s Right for You by Calling Prescott Dentistry
If you think Invisalign is the right fit for your lifestyle, come to Prescott Dentistry. We’re happy to answer your questions! During your initial consultation, we will give you an exam to see if Invisalign can help, and then prepare a treatment plan. Give us a call at 928-445-1660 today to get started.
Image by creative smiles | from Pixabay on 4-10-2024 | used under creative commons license