Invisalign vs Braces
The Benefits of Invisalign
It’s bad enough to wear braces as as teenager, but to get them as an adult is downright embarrassing. The mouthful of metal just screams awkward teen. But if your teeth are crooked, your bite is off, or you have gaps between your teeth, it is to your advantage to get the problem fixed. These days there is another option besides the traditional metal and wire: invisible braces. Also called Invisalign.
Our website has information about Invisalign as well as metal or ceramic braces so that you can compare them and learn about the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign. Does Invisalign work? Read on to find your way to a confident smile!
What is Invisalign
Invisalign is a set of specially fitted, clear plastic, removable teeth aligners or trays that many dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal braces. You wear them over your teeth like retainers and get new ones periodically as your teeth become more straightened. There are no wires to tighten, although some people will need attachments glued to their teeth to keep the trays firmly in place.
Does Invisalign Work
Studies suggests that Invisalign braces for teeth work great for more minor procedures, such as closing small gaps, adjusting mild over- or underbites, and straightening front teeth. Invisalign braces may have less success at correcting a severe orthodontic problem.
Invisalign Cost
The cost of Invisalign can be more than conventional metal braces because the custom-made series of aligner trays is computerized which will result in a lab bill that your dentist will likely pass on to you. Traditional braces include the cost of brackets and wires, but no expensive lab bill.
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign just like braces. Still, only about a quarter of patients getting Invisalign are compensated by the insurance company for their treatment. The cost for Invisalign varies from approximately $3,500 to $8,000, with the average at about $5,000.
Advantages and Disadvantages. Invisalign vs Braces
Invisible Braces
- Invisalign invisible braces are made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic to reduce irritation to your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do
- you can easily remove them before a meal or to brush and floss your teeth
- you will be able to see a computer representation of how your teeth will look at the end of treatment
- because these braces are practically invisible, most people won’t notice you’re wearing them
- you won’t experience the discomfort, mouth sores, injuries, plaque build-up, or difficulty eating of traditional brace wires
- no more favourite food sacrifices since you remove the Invisalign trays before eating
- typically takes less time to correct the problem than metal braces
However…
Braces For Teeth, Traditional
- the success of Invisalign is based on wearing the aligners for a minimum of 20–22 hours per day
- not all dentists are trained to work with Invisalign, so it’s important to find one who is
- this option is fairly expensive, and can be more expensive than traditional wire braces
- because you remove the trays to eat or brush your teeth, you could accidentally lose them
- these invisible braces are made of implantable-grade polyurethane, which Align Technology, Inc has acknowledged may cause allergic and toxic sensitivity reactions
- certain orthodontic problems may be difficult for Invisalign aligners to rotate
How Long Does Invisalign Take
Everybody’s orthodontic issues will be different and thus will take longer or shorter depending on what it is. Typically, treatment takes 12-18 months, which is usually less time that traditional braces, but only if you diligently wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours per day.
On our website you will find additional articles that will help you see your individual situation and make the right choice.
Related Articles