Invisalign vs. Braces

Most people would prefer a bright and beautiful smile. Unfortunately, many of us are not born with the perfect smile, which is why patients seek out dental services. One option that can improve your smile is Invisalign or braces. This orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth in the perfect place. If you’re unsure about which treatment to start, see below, where we discuss Invisalign vs. braces.

The Cost

Traditional braces are typically less than clear aligners. Of course, it depends on what needs to be done to straighten your smile. Some patients have underbites, overbites, crowded teeth, etc. Braces usually range in price from $2,500 to $8,000.

The cost of Invisalign will vary depending on the number of trays needed. The number of trays required is determined by the magnitude of the changes required to your teeth. Invisalign will range in price from $3,500 to $8,000.

Before making a decision, you should discuss the cost with your dentist in Easton, PA. If you have dental insurance, you will be able to get a portion of your treatment covered. You may determine the overall cost of braces or Invisalign by contacting the insurance company or checking your coverage. At College Hill Dental Group, we offer a smile protection plan to help make dental treatment affordable for everyone. 

Physical Appearance

The most noticeable difference between braces and Invisalign is their presentation, and Invisalign will always prevail in this category. Invisalign is almost undetectable, while traditional metal braces are more visible. Invisalign trays are made of removable, transparent plastic, while braces are made of metal. Some children enjoy choosing various colored bands for metal braces, but most children and adults prefer the look of Invisalign. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so if you’d prefer to have a treatment that is more discreet, Invisalign is the way to go.

Convenience

Straightening your teeth isn’t an experience everyone enjoys. If you have braces or Invisalign, the process of straightening your teeth can be uncomfortable. Shifting your teeth from one place to another can cause discomfort, but the end result is worth it. As your body adapts, most patients won’t notice it after the first few weeks. 

Invisalign, on the other hand, is more convenient than traditional braces because it doesn’t have sharp edges that can cut lip and tongue. If you or your child participates in sports, metal braces can pose a safety risk if they come into contact with anything.

The Effectiveness 

Braces have been used for years to straighten teeth and improve smiles. Braces cannot be removed by the patient. So, they’re stuck on until the treatment is completed. Additionally, braces can correct more complicated problems than Invisalign can, explains our friend Dr. Green, who provides Invisalign in Parker, CO.

The disadvantage of Invisalign is that the trays are removable. Patients can remove their trays when they eat, drink, or brush their teeth but should be using them 22 hours a day. Unfortunately, not all patients follow this rule. Furthermore, if you lose or misplace your trays, your teeth will begin to shift back if you do not wear the trays. In some cases where the teeth are badly misaligned, traditional braces are often more successful. Teeth that are rotated or overlapping cannot always be straightened with Invisalign, explains Dr. Moghadam.

If you are unsure if you are a candidate for Invisalign, you can schedule an Invisalign consultation at our dental office in Easton, PA. 

Convenience

In terms of convenience, braces and Invisalign both have advantages and disadvantages. Braces are good because you don’t have to switch them out every few weeks, but they do restrict your ability to consume certain foods, which is a major inconvenience.

Invisalign might not be the best choice if you or your child is prone to misplacing objects. It may also be difficult to excuse oneself in social settings to remove the Invisalign trays before eating and to replace them afterward.

Cleaning and Maintenance

If you have braces or Invisalign, cleaning your teeth should be a top priority. Cleaning is usually harder with braces because you can’t move the brackets or wires. 

Brushing and flossing are the same with Invisalign, but there is some extra work needed to keep the trays clean. You should clean the trays after each meal. To scrub and brush, use warm water or a special Invisalign cleaning solution. When you have braces or Invisalign, it is even more necessary to maintain good oral health, so remember to brush and floss!

Now that you understand the difference between Invisalign vs. braces, you can hopefully decide which treatment is better for you. If you’re unsure, you can always contact College Hill Dental Group for a consultation. Our team is happy to help your smile goals come true!