Do you have misaligned teeth, and are you wondering which technique to use to straighten them? It is always difficult to decide which teeth straightening method to use since they all have pros and cons. When the time comes, and you decide you want to have your teeth straightened, do your research and consult an orthodontist. The treatment will depend on the problem you want to correct. However, between Invisalign and braces, which one is better for you or your kid? Here are some important things you should know about the two procedures.
Appearance
When it comes to physical appearance, Invisalign is invisible, while metal braces are detectable. This is because Invisalign trays are made from clear plastic material, while braces are metallic. Kids might enjoy the variety of colors braces can offer, but most adults prefer a more discreet teeth alignment technique called Invisalign.
Cost
If you are comparing the prices of the two procedures, then braces are economical. Traditional braces go for around $2500 to $8000. These prices vary depending on the number of trays you require. On the other hand, the best price on Invisalign is around $3500 to $8000. Ensure you speak to your orthodontist before deciding on the procedure since you might find they have easy financing techniques which will not oppress you financially. Also, check the amount your dental insurance can cover.
Comfort
The process of aligning your teeth is not very comfortable. Both Invisalign and braces involve shifting your teeth so they can get straightened, and it’s painful. Comparing the two procedures, Invisalign is more comfortable because it applies minimal pressure to your teeth. On the other hand, braces might have sharp edges which can injure your tongue or lip. However, individuals get used to the two techniques, and they get relatively comfortable.
Convenience
Invisalign and braces have benefits and disadvantages when it comes to convenience. Traditional braces tend to be convenient since you don’t have to remove them, but they might prevent you from consuming some types of food. On the other hand, Invisalign is convenient since you can eat sticky or hard food by removing the tray. However, most people tend to overlook storing Invisalign trays safely. If you find yourself misplacing things, Invisalign might not be your best option.
Effectiveness
Most people have used braces to beautify their smiles and straighten their teeth. The main advantage of braces is that you cannot remove them, so you comply with the orthodontist’s recommendation. This makes braces more effective since they can align even the severely misaligned teeth. On the other hand, patients with Invisalign tend to wear them inconsistently since they are removable. As a result, you might take longer to complete the treatment.
Oral Care and Cleaning
Regardless of having braces or Invisalign, make the process of cleaning your teeth a priority. If you have braces, you will clean your teeth and floss normally. If food sticks on the metal braces, you will require a small brush to do the cleaning.
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Invisalign flossing and brushing are normal; however, you will need extra effort to ensure the tray is clean. Ensure you clean the trays after every meal and use warm water or Invisalign cleaning solution to brush and rinse your tray. If you fail to clean the crevices of your tray well, there will be bacteria buildup. It is even more important to observe oral health when you have Invisalign and braces.
Post-Treatment and Follow-Up
It is advisable to have regular orthodontic appointments if you have either Invisalign or braces. For the two techniques, you might go after a month. After you are done with the braces’ treatment, you will need to wear a retainer at night. This retainer enables your teeth to maintain their newly aligned positions. For Invisalign, you will need to wear a tray at night after treatment. Otherwise, your teeth will go back to their previous positions.
Contact the Professionals
Whether to choose braces or Invisalign is a personal decision. Weigh the above categories before making the decision. It is also important to consult your orthodontist to know whether you are eligible for Invisalign treatment. This is because Invisalign cannot be used on extremely misaligned or overlapping teeth.
If you want to improve your smile today, contact us, and our orthodontist will be glad to help you. Also, do not forget to observe good dental hygiene and ask your doctor any questions you might have. For more information regarding orthodontic methods and the prices, call us today Otherwise, you can also check out this experienced dentist in Chandler!
