While braces have been the go-to method for correcting crooked teeth for a while now, Invisalign has gained popularity as an effective alternative. Both are Orthodontic treatments, but they work in different ways to straighten your teeth. However, that doesn’t mean one is better than the other; it simply comes down to personal preference and what works best for you.
Let’s get into the details and see if Invisalign might be the right choice for you – or if braces are still your best bet.
How do Invisalign braces work?
While traditional braces are noticeable and can take quite a bit of time to correct your teeth, Invisalign is designed to be almost invisible. This is because Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners that are made to fit your teeth perfectly. You will wear one set of aligners for about two weeks, then swap it out for the next set of aligners. You’ll keep doing this until your teeth are straightened to your desired position.
We should note that Invisalign is more of a treatment option, rather than a solution. If your teeth are extremely crooked, Invisalign might not be the best fit for you. That’s because it takes a long time to work, and might not be able to correct your teeth completely.
How do traditional braces work?
Traditional braces use metal wires to push your teeth into place. You get an orthodontist to place the wires on your teeth, and the braces themselves are made of clear plastic or ceramic. You’ll need to visit your orthodontist every six weeks to get them tightened, and will have to wear them for about two years.
Since traditional braces have been around for so long, many people are familiar with them and their functionality. For the most part, traditional braces are removable, which makes them easy to clean and maintain.
Why choose Invisalign over traditional braces?
If you’re on the fence about which treatment to go for, there are a few things to keep in mind before making a decision. First and foremost, Invisalign is completely invisible, while traditional braces are noticeable. With Invisalign, you can go about your day without having to worry about covering your mouth or being self-conscious about your teeth.
Additionally, Invisalign is easier to maintain than traditional braces. This is because the aligners are removable, so you can easily clean your teeth when needed without feeling like you have to go through a rigorous process.
Are there any downsides to using Invisalign?
While Invisalign has many benefits and is a great alternative to traditional braces, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind as well. The main issue with Invisalign is that it takes longer to correct your teeth than traditional braces. While traditional braces can get the job done in about two years, Invisalign can take up to two and a half years – or longer.
Given that the price of Invisalign can range anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000, it can also be more expensive than traditional braces. While Invisalign is more expensive up front, it can end up being cheaper in the long run because you don’t need to wear the aligners for as long.
Braces are still your best bet: Why you should still go for braces.
While Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, while Invisalign is more affordable up front, it might end up being more expensive in the long run. Additionally, Invisalign can take longer to correct your teeth than traditional braces – and for some people, this can be a deal-breaker.
That said, we should also point out that if your teeth are extremely crooked, traditional braces might not be effective for you. This is because the initial treatment time for traditional braces is usually two years, and if your teeth are severely crooked, you might not be able to correct them completely.
With all that in mind, it’s important to remember that Orthodontics is a very personalized practice. No two people have the same teeth – and no two people will have the exact same experience with Orthodontics. Ultimately, it comes down to your needs and what you feel comfortable with.
Conclusion
Despite being around for a while, traditional braces are still the best way to straighten your teeth. While Invisalign is an effective alternative to braces, it’s important to keep in mind that it takes longer, and it might not be able to correct severely crooked teeth.
With all that in mind, traditional braces are still the best way to straighten your teeth, are more affordable in the long run, and can be corrected more quickly if necessary.
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