Did you know that 61% of Americans wish they could change something about their teeth? Straightening teeth is the 2nd most popular desire!
There’s a good chance that you aren’t happy with how your teeth look. The crookedness is making you feel self-conscious about your smile, and it might even be causing issues with speaking and eating.
Thankfully, there are several dental treatment options available, with the most popular ones being Invisalign or braces.
When it comes to Invisalign vs braces though, which one should you get? Which is better for your personal situation?
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each so you can make a better-informed decision.
Braces
Braces are the traditional way to straighten teeth, so you probably know lots of people who have metal braces and rubber bands across their teeth. However, that’s just one type of braces, and it’s the most conspicuous type.
There are also ceramic and lingual braces.
Ceramic braces look like metal bracket ones but are more discreet since ceramic is clear and tooth-colored. You’ll still need a metal wire running across the brackets though.
Lingual braces are metal bracket braces, but they go behind your teeth instead of in front. This means it’ll be tough for people to notice!
Now that you know a little more about braces, let’s explore the pros and cons of them.
Pro: They’re Good for More Serious Cases
If your teeth are very crooked, then get peace of mind knowing that braces can handle the worst of cases. In fact, they’re great for severe and complex cases; you’ll definitely get good results!
Pro: They’re More Affordable
Braces are relatively simple; the dentist bonds the brackets permanently to your teeth, puts a metal wire across them, then secures the wire with rubber bands. This means the costs aren’t too bad for braces.
While it’ll depend on your dentist, the location you’re in, and how long your treatment is, you can expect braces to cost between $1,700 and $6,000.
Con: They’re Very Noticeable
If you’re already self-conscious about your teeth, then traditional braces might not be a good option. While you can get clear rubber bands, the metal braces will draw attention to your teeth, which can impact your confidence.
Con: There Can Be Discomfort
The metal braces and wires can poke into your delicate inner cheeks. The dentist can supply you with wax to cover the metal and protect your skin, but it’s not always possible to cover all areas.
Also, the tightening effect can be uncomfortable for a little bit, especially right after your dental visits.
Con: There Are Food Restrictions
Because braces permanently adhere to your teeth, you’ll need to watch what you eat and drink. You’ll have to avoid chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods.
Also, you should avoid drinking dark-colored beverages, such as tea, coffee, soda, and wine. If you do drink these things, you’ll need to brush your teeth right away to avoid staining.
Invisalign
Instead of having bonded brackets on your teeth, Invisalign works with clear aligners instead. This technology is relatively new, which has many dental patients flocking to this option, especially when you consider its advantages over traditional braces.
Here are the pros and cons you can experience with Invisalign.
Pro: It’s Very Discreet
Invisalign aligners are completely clear, so no one will be able to tell that you have them in. In fact, they can look straight in your mouth and it’d still be hard to tell!
Pro: You Can Take Out the Aligners
If you ever need a break from Invisalign, you can simply take out the trays. Of course, for treatment to be effective, you should wear them for at least 22 hours a day. But it’s still possible to take short breaks to eat and drink the things you love!
Pro: Treatment Time Is Relatively Short
Because Invisalign addresses cases that aren’t as serious, treatment time is usually shorter. Expect it to take anywhere between 6 months to 2 years, while traditional braces can take 1 to 3 years.
Con: It Can’t Be Used for Serious Cases
As we’ve just said above, you’re not a good candidate for Invisalign if you have severe tooth crookedness. This limits your choices to metal or ceramic braces.
Con: It’s Expensive
Invisalign’s more expensive because you get custom-made aligners. Plus, you switch to new ones every 2 weeks. Because of this, costs can be as high as $9,000.
Con: The Aligners Are Easily Lost
Invisalign is convenient because you can take the trays out to eat and drink. Plus, they’re discreet since they’re completely clear.
However, this means they’re more easily lost. It’s common for patients to place their aligners in a napkin, which is then thrown away with their meal’s trash.
Considering that Invisalign is already more expensive than normal braces, you might have added costs if you lose your aligners. Therefore, this isn’t an optimal choice for children and irresponsible teenagers.
Invisalign or Braces? The Choice Is Yours
When it comes to the debate of Invisalign or braces, there’s no one right answer. Instead, it’ll depend on how crooked your teeth are, what your personal lifestyle is like, and your budget.
The best thing you can do is see an expert dentist, as they’ll be able to go over your choices in more detail. Together, you can decide on the best type of cosmetic dentistry to fix your teeth!
Regardless of your choice, you’ll want to see a good dental professional. If you’re looking for a Thousand Oaks dentist, then make an appointment with Newbury Dental Group now. Our staff will be more than happy to help you achieve that perfect smile you’ve always wanted!