Comparing Traditional Braces and Invisalign

Helpful information to help you decide whether metal braces or Invisalign braces are right for you.

Are crooked, gapped, overlapping, or otherwise misaligned teeth detracting from your smile? You may already know you want to get orthodontic treatment, but have you decided whether to get Invisalign or traditional metal braces?

If your treatment will require rotating canines or premolars, moving teeth vertically, or correcting back tooth bite issues, the decision may be made for you—Invisalign is not suitable for these kinds of treatments. However, in most cases you can have your choice of whichever orthodontic treatment you feel is going to suit your needs best.

Let’s look at how the two systems compare:

Appearance: Since Invisalign uses clear plastic trays rather than metal brackets and wires to move teeth, Invisalign is obviously the more attractive option. It is an excellent choice for anyone who feels self-conscious about the prospect of orthodontic treatment.

Treatment Time: Invisalign trays must be worn at least 22 hours per day, and treatment lasts anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on what your orthodontist needs to accomplish. Traditional braces will be on your teeth 24/7 for an average of 2 years.

Office Visits: Whether you choose Invisalign or traditional metal braces, you are going to have to visit the orthodontist about once a month for adjustments and checkups.

Cost: Depending on how long your treatment lasts, Invisalign will probably be more expensive than traditional braces. The average cost of Invisalign is $5,000, while braces can run anywhere from $1,800 to $5,500.

Diet: Getting metal braces will place some restrictions on your diet, as some foods are just too sticky to play nicely with the brackets and wires. You may also have trouble biting into hard foods like apples. With Invisalign there are no diet restrictions because you will simply remove the aligner trays whenever you want to eat or drink.

Oral Hygiene: With metal braces, you have to learn to work around those brackets and wires. But because Invisalign trays are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth as normal. However, you do have to brush more often with Invisalign. If you do not brush after every meal, your trays could become stained.

Comfort: Any kind of orthodontic treatment will cause some amount of discomfort as your teeth move. However, Invisalign will at least save you from the discomfort of having metal wires poking your cheeks and gums.

Discipline: You need to have self-discipline if you use Invisalign. If you don’t wear your trays like you’re supposed to, they simply won’t work. With metal braces, no self-discipline is needed since you can’t take your braces off.

Want to Learn More?

If you would like to learn more about straightening your teeth with orthodontics, please contact California Dental Group today.