Braces vs. Invisalign
If you have crooked teeth and need orthodontic treatment, you may be debating between traditional braces or clear aligner trays like Invisalign. Both options can give you straight teeth and a beautiful smile, but the right choice is different for each orthodontic patient.
Here is some information to help you understand the difference between braces and Invisalign, and decide which option will work best for you.
What is the best way to straighten teeth?
The best way to straighten your teeth is with a personalized orthodontic treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. If you have mild to moderate misalignment issues, Invisalign may be a great option to give you straighter teeth. However, if you have. more severe misalignment, treatment with braces may be the right choice for you.
When you come in for a consultation with Dr. Miller, our team will do an examination and determine whether invisible aligners or traditional metal braces will work best for you.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign treatment straightens your teeth through a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-fitted to your teeth. Each set of plastic aligner trays is worn for 20-22 hours per day and gradually shifts your teeth closer to the desired position. After about two weeks, you’ll switch out your trays for the next sets of aligners until your teeth have reached the desired position.
Here are some benefits of Invisalign:
They are removable
The removable aligners can be taken out for eating, drinking, and brushing, and flossing your teeth. This means there are no food restrictions for hard or sticky foods.
Invisalign aligners are comfortable
There are no metal brackets or wires to rub against your lips or gums, so you won't experience the discomfort that you may feel with traditional braces.
You may see results more quickly
Depending on the severity of your misalignment, you may see faster results with Invisalign than if you were to choose braces.
They are discreet
Invisalign aligners are much more discreet than traditional braces, which are made from metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands that stand out. Transparent aligners are nearly invisible, and most people don't even notice you're wearing them.
It's easy to maintain good oral hygiene habits
Metal braces can be hard to clean around, and your oral health can suffer if food and bacteria get trapped between the brackets and cause tooth decay. Since you can remove your Invisalign aligners, there are no additional steps needed in your oral hygiene routine.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces are made of metal wires and brackets, with rubber bands that hold them together and gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. They are a good option for people with severe misalignments or very crowded teeth.
Here are some benefits of braces:
You don't have to worry about losing them
Since they are fixed in place, you'll never have to worry about misplacing them like you might with removable orthodontic aligners. This is especially something to consider with children or teens who may not be responsible enough to keep track of their aligner trays.
They may be cheaper than Invisalign
Every treatment plan will be different, but in some cases, braces may be a more affordable option than Invisalign.
They may be better for treating more severe cases of misalignment
Invisalign may not be the right choice for patients with severe misalignment or bite issues. In this case, braces is the best option.
When you visit our dental office for a consultation, we’ll help you decide which option is best for your specific orthodontic issues. For those who don’t like the appearance of braces and don’t have severely misaligned teeth, Invisalign clear aligners are a great orthodontic option that can give you a beautiful, straighter smile in just 12-18 months!
FAQs About Braces and Invisalign
In most cases, Invisalign costs between $3,000-5,000, and braces usually cost somewhere between $1,500-5,000. The cost is determined by the severity of your case. Dental insurance plans usually cover all or a portion of both Invisalign and braces, and we can help you set up monthly payment plans for both options.
Yes! Typically, Invisalign treatment options require fewer in-office visits than metal braces. Since you are able to take home several sets of aligner trays at a time, you’ll only need to visit for occasional check-ups and to receive your next set of trays.
Invisalign aligners are easy to take care of! Simply rinse them off and put them in their protective case while you are eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. You can also soak them in a cleaning solution if they start to look stained.
Contact Miller's Family Dentistry for Orthodontic Treatment in Tracy, CA
Miller’s Family Dentistry offers Invisalign clear aligners for our patients who need to straighten their teeth. Our experienced orthodontist will help get your teeth into proper alignment and give you back the incredible smile you deserve!
Contact us to get started today!