Clear aligners and braces help in treating dental misalignments. People who undergo either report a significant change in how they are perceived simply because of how they smile. However, both these treatments are significantly different.

Is one treatment really better than the other? Which one should you get and does it matter if you take the other option instead?

Read on to find out the answers to the questions above, what Invisalign is all about, and compare the cost of braces vs Invisalign to make an informed decision that can alter your confidence.

What is Invisalign?

Metal braces are no longer the only way to improve your smile. An alternative treatment is Clear aligners/Invisalign; an orthodontic treatment that can straighten teeth without metal. Multiple custom-made, clear trays are placed over the teeth to slowly pull crooked teeth into their appropriate position over a period of time.

Clear aligners/Invisalign removes the need for metal brackets or wires. The clear trays enable precise alignment of the teeth much quicker than traditional braces. The benefits of braces vs Invisalign are numerous. One of the most significant is that Invisalign is clear and much less noticeable while being removable.

Patients who wear the Invisalign/Clear aligners for the first time might feel strange changes in their mouths. Slight discomfort and some toothache are expected as the teeth get straightened into their intended position, which is also common with conventional braces. Some patients report increased sensitivity after wearing the aligners, but this usually passes after a short period.

Another side effect is a difference in speech, especially during the first few weeks of wearing. The clear aligners take up room within the mouth. Since, now, the tongue does not have the same space, the speech changes, but patients typically adjust within a few weeks.

Which is better: braces or Invisalign?

The Invisalign aligners are made from BPA-free plastic and are much more comfortable than metal braces. They can be worn by adults and teenagers and can treat overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, overcrowded teeth, and close the gaps between teeth.

Preliminary examination and x-rays of the teeth are performed to determine whether a patient is eligible for Invisalign. If they qualify, a 3D model of their teeth is used alongside x-rays to develop a custom treatment plan before the aligners are manufactured at the Invisalign laboratory.

The aligners are meant to be worn all day long and only be taken off to eat, floss or brush. Each set of aligners is to be used for two weeks, after which a switch is made to the next set of aligners. When the aligners are first put on, they might feel tight. This is because they’re working as intended and slowly pulling the teeth into their appropriate place.

At the end of two weeks, the aligner loosens up compared to the start. The aligners are meant to be worn for the entirety of two weeks and should not be changed early, even if the patient feels like one aligner has come loose. The teeth and gums need time to adjust to their new positions and switching aligners before the allotted time can cause problems with the treatment plan.

The absence of metal makes Invisalign/Clear aligners much more comfortable to wear. There is some slight discomfort as the aligners are fitted but this happens only with new aligners and lasts for a few days as the aligners work their magic. Invisalign treatments usually last for a period of one year, although a more accurate, personal estimate can be provided after your teeth have been examined, given that different cases require different timelines.

If you’re not confident whether you should choose Invisalign or traditional braces, here are some key points to consider:

• Clear aligners are clear, much less noticeable and most people cannot even tell if you’re wearing them.
• The aligners allow for precise movement of teeth, pulling them into the correct position.
• Since Clear aligners can be taken off, they facilitate better oral health. They should be removed when eating, brushing, or flossing.
• Clear aligners do not irritate the teeth and gums, making them a more comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
• Invisalign/Clear aligners save time. The entire process takes nearly half the time traditional braces require. In addition, there is no need for changing or wires or adjustments, as is the case with conventional braces.

On the other hand, consider braces when:

• Patients have very severe or complex dental issues
• Patients require consistent progress in treatment
• Especially for children and growing adults
• Come in different colors and different types.

Is Invisalign better than braces?

Both treatments are pretty effective and cannot be compared solely on the basis of their final results. However, Invisalign braces need to be worn almost 20 to 22 hours a day, which some people cannot do, hence, they opt for conventional braces. On the other hand, the removable nature of Invisalign can be a plus point especially as it can become cumbersome to have fixed braces after a while. So instead of wondering, “should I get braces or Invisalign?” it is best to consult a dentist who can provide professional guidance regarding both options and which one would be the most suitable for you.

Do I need to take out another loan: braces vs Invisalign cost?

When it comes to Invisalign, the cost of each case varies. The price depends on the severity of the misalignment of the teeth and the duration of treatment. This can only be ascertained after examining the teeth, x-rays, and 3D modeling.

Once this is done, a treatment plan can be drawn up, allowing an estimated cost to be quoted. Invisalign and conventional braces do not differ significantly in cost, but the price can vary from case to case. Longer treatments will generally have a distributed payment plan while shorter treatments tend to be cheaper.

Your dental insurance plan can also make a substantial difference in the cost and have conditions that affect the length of the treatment. Overbites, for example, take longer to treat; hence, such treatments will be more expensive. The cost difference between Invisalign and braces is not substantial, but Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces.

Cost is not the only difference between Invisalign and traditional braces. They differ in significant ways which make each ideal under specific circumstances. It is ideal to consult with a dentist to understand which option is better. If you are still looking for the best one, you can rely on Anderson Lake Dental to provide you with a complete plan and expert consultation services.

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