Long before clear or invisible aligners became a thing, traditional metal braces dominated the market as the best option for teeth straightening and alignment. They are still viewed as an effective option till date, but are they better, cheaper, and faster than clear invisalign aligners?
Invisalign was introduced into the market in 1998 by Align technology. Since then, it has refined and fine tuned its service offerings to the point where it effectively deals with a large number of teeth issues. People trying to decide which of these two options to go for often ask questions like âis Invisalign better than braces?â
Are Invisalign Better Than Braces?
The Invisalign technology is widely considered more advantageous than that of traditional braces for a number of reasons. Braces are designed for people who have serious teeth crookedness. It is also a better option for kids and teens. Invisalign aligners on the other hand are best used by adults who simply want to improve their confidence with a much brighter and beautiful smile.
Invisalign also looks better than braces. Most people have come to love the fact that they aren’t self conscious even though they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. You don’t get worried about your smile in photos, and you can take the aligners off when you want to eat. Invisalign aligners don’t also prevent you from brushing and flossing as normal.
Is Invisalign More Painful Than Braces?
Invisalign is generally considered less painful than metal braces. Although there have been reports of discomfort within the first few days of wearing aligners. However this is a minuscule price to pay when compared to the pain of metal braces. Metal braces can cause painful sores on the inside of your cheeks when the sharp metal cuts you, and there’s pain when you eat as well. You don’t have to deal with these issues when you wear Invisalign.
The pain of metal braces is excruciatingly infamous. The first week brings a lot of facial and jaw pain that causes loss of sleep. People who are new to using metal braces usually need lots of ibuprofen, ice, and lots of soft food. Theyâll also have to go through this pain all over again each time the braces are retightened.
Is Invisalign Cheaper Than Braces?
The cost of invisalign is notably higher than that of braces. Invisalign is made using X-rays, 3D scanning technology and flexible BPA-free plastic aligners in laboratories. Invisalign cost ranges from $3500-$9000. While traditional orthodontic braces treatments cost between $2500-$7000. Dental insurance companies can cover some of these costs depending upon the provider.
Oftentimes insurance helps with a lot of coverage but rarely does it pay for the full cost of the treatment. How much youâll be required to pay often depends on the type of problem youâre trying to correct.
Braces have evolved from simply being fashioned with metal. There are lingual braces now, which have been compared to Invisalign because they are also customized and invisible. Lingual braces can be in the same price range as Invisalign.
Is Invisalign Faster Than Braces?
The average length of invisalign treatment is twelve months, while traditional metal braces can last somewhere between 18-24 months depending on how severe the problem is. So it can rightly be said that invisalign is a much faster treatment than wire braces. Invisalign effects are only accelerated through disciplined approach and coordinated effort.
Invisalign patients are required to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day in order to get teeth slowly shifted to the correct position over time. If rules aren’t adhered to, invisalign treatments can run for a longer period of time. Generally, the timeframe of invisalign or wire brace usage is more dependent on the original state of your teeth and your overall teeth goal than on the tool used in achieving your goals.
Which Is More Effective? Braces or Invisalign?
Both techniques are equally effective at straightening the teeth. Wire braces work by pulling your teeth in a straight line using a metal wire over a period of time. Invisalign does its job by straightening the teeth through multiple clear aligners that slowly shift the teeth into correct positioning. Both require orthodontic checkups every six to ten weeks.
Between wire braces and Invisalign, the latter requires more effort on the part of the wearer. Aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours in a day for desired results to show. Unlike braces which don’t come off without dental expertise, aligners can easily be removed by the wearer at any time. But if they are taken off incessantly without being worn for the stipulated hours, treatments can be changed or prolonged.
Therefore the effectiveness of Invisalign is determined by lifestyle and compliance. The convenience Invisalign presents can be an undoing for those who aren’t disciplined enough, and braces would be a better option for them, if effective results are to show.
Is Invisalign as Good As Braces?
Orthodontists tend to believe that Invisalign is a much better option than braces in terms of convenience, appearance, and comfort. But deciding the better option inevitably always comes down to how complex the problem is. This is why it is imperative to visit one of our dental offices to talk to a dentist in London Ontario before making any solid decision on any treatment plan is also a necessary imperative.
Ultimately, it is not what is better that matters but what is deemed healthy and would work most efficiently for your oral health.
Conclusion
When it comes to determining which is better between braces and Invisalign, the key takeaways to note is that the success of Invisalign treatment lies more in the hands of the wearer. Also Invisalign costs more because it is better in convenience and appearance, but it doesn’t solve all issues. Braces are cheaper, and can solve the most technical and complex teeth issues. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what your dentist recommends. Visit our dental office in London Ontario to discuss your dental issues with a professional and get expert recommendations.
Visit us at Sbenati Dentistry, our dentist office in London Ontario to speak about your case and get recommendations about your treatment options. Call us (519) 474 – 0220.
