Choosing Between Traditional Metal Braces and Invisalign Aligners

If you’re an adult looking into the best teeth straightening product you can find, you don’t necessarily need to get metal braces. Invisalign can straighten your smile without painful braces that can be seen from far away. They aren’t the only option though, so you might want to compare your options. Aligners vs retainers will have subtle differences that might make a major impact on your decision. So it is important that you do your own research as well as talk to your dentist about your options. The best type of braces for you is going to depend on your existing tooth problems and what you want to do to correct them. You’ll take into account money, visibility, and time. And while braces for young adults might be what works best for you, you might find that some of the products targeted toward adults will be better. So before spending the money and time, make sure you know all of your options and take some time to seriously consider them. It can save you frustration and money later.

Cosmetic teeth straightening is an excellent decision not only because it aligns your teeth properly, but boosts your confidence and beautiful smile. Optimally aligned teeth also make it easier to chew food and eliminate stuttering or slurred speech.

Undisputed Benefits of Teeth Alignment

• Restores beautiful smile
• Speech efficiency
• Proper chewing
• Reduce tooth cavities
• Improves oral hygiene

When you consider straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment, there are two main options available on the market that has proved to be efficient and less invasive dental procedures for teeth straightening. They include Invisalign aligners and the conventional metal braces, which are both effective in fixing some minor and major teeth misalignment (malocclusion) such as overbite (deep bite) and underbite.

Probably you’re trying to figure out which is the most ideal option for you, in terms of, treatment cost, duration or orthodontic care service delivery. Well, here is a comparison guide between commonly used orthodontic treatment options; Invisalign and metal braces.

Invisalign and Metal Braces

Metal Braces

For decades now metal braces have been used to fix misaligned teeth. It is a conventional technique is widely used today offering patients fulfilling results. On the front surface of each brace is an opening metal where orthodontic archwire passes through and it’s fastened using rubber ties.

The orthodontic wire attached to the bracket often comes in the color of the enamel, but there is more variety in terms of colors and elegant options such as the gold plated braces, ideally suited for teenagers.

Invisalign Aligners

These are removable aligner trays that look like mouthguards. Invisalign aligners are made of a sturdy BPA-free transparent plastic, which is 3D printed to a patient’s teeth specifications for a perfect fit. Unlike metal braces which may sometimes feel irritating, plastic aligners are soft on the mouth and surprisingly easy to wear.

Generally, you’ll be given a set of aligners by your orthodontic specialist which you’re supposed to wear for at least 22 hours every day. Each set should be worn one or two weeks, depending on your orthodontic specification. After the aligners have been removed, you’re supposed to wear retainers for a few weeks to help keep your teeth in place.

Subtle Differences Between Traditional Metal Braces and Invisalign Aligners

While these two options are known to effectively correct misaligned teeth along with other benefits, they have their differences and that’s why they’re often applied in different situations. The key difference between Invisalign and metal braces is in how they achieve their results.

Cost of Treatment

Cost is an important consideration when choosing an orthodontic treatment option. The cost of braces will generally vary depending on the type of brace, though traditional metal braces are considered the most affordable of all the three types of braces -ceramic and lingual braces. The cost range, however, could be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. For Invisalign treatment, the cost could be between $3,000 to $5,000.

However, consult your orthodontist to get the full cost of treatment, which is often computed based on the type and state of orthodontic problems.

Oral Health Care

Dental hygiene is an important component of holistic health. It ensures healthy gums and prevents tooth decay and eliminates bad breath. However, if you’re using metal braces, maintaining good oral hygiene becomes a challenge, especially because food particles easily get caught around the braces risking the formation of dental cavities.

On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are removable and therefore easy to brush or floss your teeth without a problem. All you need to do is remove the tray and brush or floss as normal. You must also clean them separately to avoid bring back bacteria.

Dietary Restrictions

When you’re treated with metal braces there is certain food to avoid such as hard and sticky foods. These types of foods can weaken and displaces the braces from the teeth causing it to lose its effectiveness in teeth alignment. You must also avoid or reduce the intake of carbonated beverages as they tend to react destroy the bond between the tooth surface and the orthodontic wires.

But when using Invisalign, you are free to eat anything provided you remove the aligners. You’re ought to brush and flossing completely before wearing your aligners back.