Teens and adults both have the option of orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, and other common dental problems. Invisalign and traditional braces are the two most popular orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each one before making a decision.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a discreet and customized orthodontic treatment that uses a series of aligners to gradually shift teeth into the desired position. Unlike traditional metal braces, the aligners used in Invisalign are virtually invisible and can be removed for short periods of time. As well as being more aesthetically pleasing, Invisalign is also much more comfortable since it maintains a low level of pressure on the teeth.
What are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces are the most common and cost-effective method of orthodontic treatment. Popular among teens, traditional braces involve placing metal brackets on teeth and then using a metal wire to pull the teeth into the desired alignment. Even with the advances in braces technology, this method of treatment can still cause discomfort due to the metal wire that can cause irritation while applying pressure to move the teeth.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces – which is best?
Both Invisalign and traditional braces work to straighten teeth and resolve common dental problems such as overbite or underbite. The option that is best for you will depend on a range of factors, such as cost, level of comfort, speed of treatment, and appearance. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces.
Cost
Traditional braces are significantly less expensive than Invisalign. The cost of braces will vary depending on the complexity of the treatment and the type of braces chosen. Invisalign on the other hand may cost significantly more, but may be covered by your insurance depending on your plan
Speed of Treatment
In terms of speed, both Invisalign and traditional braces can typically accomplish the same results, although the process may be faster with braces as long as the patient gets fitted accurately and sticks to their treatment plan.
Comfort
When comparing Invisalign vs. traditional braces, one of the most significant advantages of Invisalign is its nearly invisible nature and its comfortable fit. On the other hand, traditional braces can cause a lot of discomfort as they continually need to be adjusted and the metal wire can cause irritation.
Effectiveness
Invisalign and traditional braces are both effective at treating common dental problems such as overcrowding, crooked teeth, and gaps between teeth. While still limited, research suggests that Invisalign may be more effective for some issues than others. For example, a 2017 study found that the treatment was more effective than braces for correcting crooked top front teeth.
Invisalign Benefits
Invisalign offers a range of benefits over traditional braces, making it a popular choice for adults and teens alike. In addition to being less visible and more comfortable than traditional braces, Invisalign treatment also requires less brushing as fewer areas of the mouth are being blocked by metal brackets.
Braces Alternatives
Invisalign is not your only option for discreet orthodontic treatment. There are also other orthodontic treatments such as lingual braces, which are smaller than traditional braces and attach to the back of the teeth. Clear ceramic braces are similarly low-profile, but may not be suitable for more complex cases.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to deciding between Invisalign and traditional braces, it’s important to take into account all the factors that may affect the success of the treatment, such as your lifestyle, dental history, treatment plan, and the type of teeth alignment you are looking to achieve. An orthodontic consultation with your dentist or orthodontist will help you to determine the best treatment for your teeth alignment goals.