Many people are looking for a brighter, straighter smile. While there are a few different procedures and methods of achieving similar results, many aren’t going to be as efficient as two well-known methods of straightening teeth: Invisalign and braces. Compared to braces, Invisalign is a relatively new alternative. When considering all the differences between Invisalign vs. braces, it is essential to keep in mind individual needs and the professional advice of dental professionals.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Depending on the type of dental aligner needed, there are many pros and cons to consider when choosing between braces and Invisalign. Your lifestyle, budget, and dedicated time required for an Invisalign aligner will impact these choices.
Pros
There are many pros when considering dental aligners like Invisalign. These include:
- Ease of use–The aligner can be removed as needed for eating, hygiene, and other exceptions
- Aesthetics–The Invisalign is nearly undetectable
- No food restrictions–Once aligners are removed, no food is off-limits
- Faster–Invisalign aligners can provide the same result in months rather than years
Cons
With the positive features of Invisalign come a few negative aspects to keep in mind:
- Conditional–Invisalign is not suitable for 100% of cases
- More expensive–Depending on the type and length of use, Invisalign can end up being approximately $9,000 or more
- Can be misplaced–While traditional braces are secured to the teeth, Invisalign aligners can be removed and misplaced, requiring a replacement
- Less efficient–Invisalign aligners can be less effective for more complex movement of the jaw and teeth
Available Invisalign Services
Invisalign Lite
Invisalign Lite is the least drastic method of using clear dental aligners. It’s primarily reserved for those with simple misalignment issues. This method takes between six and seven months. Invisalign Lite is also suitable for those with crowns, making other Invisalign types less of an option.
Invisalign Teen
This type is ideal for teenagers and young adults whose teeth and jaws are still developing. Indicators on these aligners allow the wearer to gauge when to replace the aligner. The process considers any teeth that have yet to erupt during treatment.
Invisalign i7
Invisalign i7 aligners are used for mild realignment of the teeth over three to six months.
Invisalign Full
This particular type of dental aligner is for both the top and bottom jaw of adults with more severe realignment requirements. Depending on the severity, it can take between 12 and 18 months to complete treatment.
Pros and Cons of Braces
Pros
- Cheaper
- Generally more effective–While Invisalign can often achieve similar results to traditional braces, braces are appropriate for a wider range of patients
- Simple maintenance–General trips to the dentist are all that’s needed for upkeep of traditional braces
- Better for developing jaws
Cons
- Less aesthetically pleasing–Wires, rubber bands, and brackets are hard to miss compared to the nearly invisible dental aligners like Invisalign
- More challenging to clean–Specific tools are required for total, accurate cleaning of the teeth
- Food restrictions–Though not all foods are restricted, specific foods such as popcorn are strongly advised against during treatment
- Longer treatment time
Types of Braces
Comparing Invisalign vs. braces may seem easy until you consider all of the different types of Invisalign liners as well as the different types of traditional braces. Most might first think of metal braces with the rubber bands that are often seen on young children, but they aren’t the only type to discuss with a dentist.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most traditional braces to be used to treat crowded or gapped teeth, jaw and teeth misalignment, and other orthodontic issues such as overbites and underbites. Often causes of social insecurity or self-consciousness, metal braces can be jarring but have improved since their initial uses.
Fixed Ceramic Braces
Fixed ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces, but they lack the intense visuals of metal braces. They use ceramic rather than metal to adhere to the teeth and don’t use rubber bands. These are an excellent option for those who want a straighter smile while drawing less attention.
Damon Braces
This type of braces is most like Invisalign as they don’t use rubber bands to make adjustments to teeth but use a sliding mechanism to provide significant results.
Let Wambaugh Dental Help Decide What’s Best
Call 281.501.7849 to talk directly with a dentist about teeth straightening treatments that accomplish the dreams of people all over the world.
