Is Invisalign Better Than Braces, And Which Is Better For Me?

If you are considering Invisalign vs. braces, you probably want to know which is better for you. Both have their pros and cons, but in the end, it depends on what is most important to you.

Here we will take a close look at both options and help you decide which teeth alignment option might be the one for you.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an FDA-cleared alternative to metal braces for adults and teens. It is a form of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without metal wires or brackets.

Invisalign is virtually invisible and has been proven to be effective. In fact, over 8 million people have improved their smiles with Invisalign. The aligners help address dental issues such as:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Teeth gaps
• Bite issues such as overbite and underbite

The Invisalign treatment process begins with an initial consultation with an Invisalign-trained dentist. Using 3D images, digital scans, and state-of-the-art dental technology, the dentist will develop a personalised dental treatment plan.

Next, patients will receive their custom-made aligners. Each aligner is worn for two weeks and then replaced with the next in the series until the desired results are achieved according to the custom treatment plan. Because the aligners are removable, patients can still eat their favourite foods and brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.

If you’re looking for a way to achieve a straighter smile without metal braces, Invisalign may be right for you. Talk to your dentist about whether this treatment option is a good fit for your individual needs.

How Do Invisalign And Traditional Braces Straighten Teeth?

Both Invisalign and traditional metal braces straighten teeth by using a combination of constant pressure and friction to move teeth into the correct position.

For traditional braces, a metal bracket is glued to each tooth, and then a wire is attached to the brackets. The wire is then tightened over time to apply pressure to the teeth and move them into place.

Invisalign works in a similar way, but instead of metal brackets, clear plastic aligners are used. The aligners are also changed periodically as the teeth move into position. Although Invisalign treatment generally takes less time than traditional braces, the amount of time required for each individual case may vary.

The process begins with a consultation with a dentist to determine which of the two – braces or Invisalign – is the right treatment option for the patient’s needs.

Invisalign braces are worn for 20 hours per day and can be removed for eating and brushing teeth.

The length of treatment time required to achieve straighter teeth with braces varies from patient to patient but typically takes 1 to 3 years. Invisalign can also take up to 18 months, depending on the severity of the case. However, this is just an estimate as every patient is different.

Is Getting Invisalign For Me?

Invisalign is an excellent treatment method to straighten teeth and is a popular alternative to traditional braces. While both orthodontic services can address misaligned teeth, Invisalign is often more appropriate for certain patients.

• Invisalign is a good option for adults who are self-conscious about their crooked smiles. Traditional dental braces can be seen when you smile or laugh, but Invisalign, also called invisible aligners, is virtually inconspicuous.
• Invisalign is a good choice for people who play sports or perform other activities that could injure their mouth if they had conventional braces.
• Invisalign is more appropriate for adults than for children or teenagers. The main reason for this is that Invisalign treatment requires a high degree of cooperation from the patient. In order to achieve optimal results, patients need to wear clear aligners for at least 20 hours per day and follow all of the instructions given by their dentist. This can be difficult for younger patients who are not yet responsible enough to adhere to such a strict routine.
• Invisalign is usually more expensive than normal metal braces, so it may not be an option for families with limited budgets.

If it is determined that Invisalign is the right treatment option for you, you can enjoy its many benefits.

Advantages Of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

There are several advantages to Invisalign over traditional braces.

1. Invisalign is a more discreet option than braces. It is a clear plastic aligner that fits over your teeth and is virtually invisible to others. This is especially important for adults who want to achieve a perfect smile but do not want to have braces that are visible to everyone they meet.
2. Invisalign is much more comfortable than braces. Traditional braces can be uncomfortable and poke your gums, whereas Invisalign is smooth and does not cause irritation.
3. Invisalign is much easier to keep clean than braces. It can be difficult to brush and floss around all the wires and brackets with traditional braces. With Invisalign, you simply remove the aligners and brush and floss as normal.

Overall, Invisalign offers a number of benefits that make it a great alternative to traditional braces.

Why Does Invisalign Take Less Time Than Braces?

Thanks to their innovative design, Invisalign clear aligners are designed to straighten your teeth quickly and efficiently.

Invisalign takes less time than braces because the treatment is efficient. With traditional braces, the teeth are moved slowly over time through brackets and wires. This can take months or even years to achieve the desired results.

With Invisalign, the treatment is much more targeted. The aligners are specifically designed to move the teeth into the desired position. These aligners are updated often so that they are always working to improve the position of your teeth.

It’s important to note that Invisalign is not always faster than braces. In some cases, such as complex conditions, traditional braces may help achieve the desired results more quickly.

Cost Comparison Between Invisalign To Braces

Invisalign and braces are both popular choices for straightening teeth, but they differ in terms of cost.

In general, Invisalign is more expensive than braces. The average cost of Invisalign is between $6,000 and $9,000, while braces are between $4,500 and $8,000. Invisalign is also a more recent technology, so it tends to be more expensive than braces.

However, Invisalign may be covered by a dental insurance plan, while braces may not be. In addition, many feel that the numerous benefits of this procedure make it worth the investment.

Ultimately, the choice of treatment should be based on your budget, your personal preferences, and your dentist’s recommendation. Contact a dental clinic to get accurate pricing.

How Do You Keep Your Teeth Straight After Invisalign?

Since Invisalign is a big investment, you want to do everything you can to maintain the results. Aside from giving your aligners proper care, here are some tips on how to keep your teeth straight after Invisalign:

• Wear your retainers as prescribed by your dentist. It’s important to wear your retainers as directed to maintain your incredible smile. Depending on your dentist’s instructions, you may need to wear them full-time or just at night.
• Brush and floss regularly. Good oral hygiene habits are important to keep your teeth healthy and to avoid complications with the treatment. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Even if you don’t have any dental problems, it’s important to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Having regular appointments with your dentist will help to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong.
• Eat healthy foods. Eating a balanced diet is important for overall health, but it’s also crucial for maintaining your oral health. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as well as hard or sticky candy that can damage your teeth.
• Don’t smoke tobacco products. Smoking is bad for your health in general, but it’s also detrimental to your oral health. Tobacco use can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and lead to tooth loss. If you smoke tobacco products, talk to an experienced dentist about ways to quit so you can protect your attractive smile!

By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your new smile stays straight and healthy for years to come!

Is Invisalign More Painful Than Braces?

Invisalign is not more painful than braces. In fact, many people report that Invisalign is less painful than braces because the aligners put less pressure on the teeth and gums.

Additionally, without the metal brackets and wires of braces that can irritate the mouth and sometimes cause cuts or sores, Invisalign is often more comfortable for people to wear.

Invisalign may cause some discomfort when you first start wearing them, but this usually goes away after a few days. If you do experience pain with your aligners, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers or consult your dentist for advice.

So, if you’re considering Invisalign, know that it generally causes less discomfort than braces.

When Should Patients Get Braces Over Invisalign?

While Invisalign and braces both serve the same purpose – to straighten teeth – there are some key differences between the two that can make one or the other a better choice for certain patients.

There are a few reasons why your dentist may recommend braces over Invisalign.

• Braces may be the better option if you have very severe misalignment issues. They can apply more pressure to the teeth and manage issues more effectively than Invisalign aligners.
• Braces may also be recommended if you have a complex dental issue that needs to be corrected. For example, if you have both misaligned teeth and an overbite, then braces may be able to correct both orthodontic issues at the same time.
• Invisalign may also not be recommended for very young children because their teeth are still developing and growing. In this case, braces may be a better option since they can accommodate this growth.

Ultimately, the decision to get braces or Invisalign will come down to what your dentist recommends. They will assess your case and determine which treatment will work for you.

If you’re considering getting Invisalign or braces, schedule a consultation with a dentist to learn more about which treatment is right for you.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the verdict? Invisalign or braces?

While Invisalign and braces have their own advantages and disadvantages, there is no clear winner in the debate of Invisalign vs braces. Both options are beneficial in their own ways and can ultimately help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile. The best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to consult a dentist who can assess your case and make a recommendation.

At Maylands Dental Centre, our team of experts are more than happy to help you decide on the most appropriate course of action for your dental health. We offer both Invisalign and traditional braces – so whatever your needs may be, we have you covered.

If you’re interested in learning more about either treatment option, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment online or call us at (08) 9370 5464 today.