What Is Invisalign®, and Is It Better Than Braces?

For many decades, metal braces dominated the field of orthodontics. However, two decades ago, Invisalign® came into the picture, and they were the game-changers. Adults and teenagers who didn’t fancy the metal braces could get another option with better aesthetics and still get the job done. Now, Invisalign has taken its place in orthodontics, and countless smiles can attest to its efficacy.

But playing at the back of most minds is which one is better than the other? Is Invisalign better than braces?

For the most part, these two orthodontic powerhouses can trade blow for blow. However, there are unique traits that set them apart. But before we find out if Invisalign is better than braces, let’s see a thing or two about Invisalign.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign comes in trays that are custom-made for your bite. They use trays to move your teeth, which still operate under the same principle as the wires found in metal braces. They are aesthetically appealing clear trays that are worn for at least 20 hours each day

Invisalign for Bottom Teeth

There are instances when you feel like improving your smile, but you feel as though you only need partial treatment. If this is the case, then you can get Invisalign for bottom teeth. You will receive a single arch treatment, where you will only wear Invisalign to rectify a specific issue instead of adjusting your entire occlusion.

However, not everyone is eligible for the single arch treatment. So, our dentist near you will examine you to determine whether the approach will be appropriate in your case. In most cases, single arch treatment is recommended for patients who wish to correct the following:

• Slightly crooked front teeth
• Spacing or gaps
• Any previous orthodontic treatment that did not match your specific needs
• A misaligned tooth
• Any teeth that are in your smile zone

Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?

When you are thinking of improving your smile, Invisalign or metal braces are usually the main options. However, let’s see the difference between the two to know if Invisalign is better than braces.

Check out the following:

• Price

If cost is a concern, the most obvious choice would be to go for metal braces. They always seem to be the relatively cheaper option. In most cases, they will cost anywhere between $2,500 and $8,000.

On the other hand, Invisalign costs will always vary since they are dependent on the number of trays your treatment will need. If your case is severe, you will get more trays, which means that the cost will be higher. You can expect anything between $3,500 and $8,000.

• Comfort

When you undergo orthodontic treatment, you will realize that it will not be the most comfortable experience. It doesn’t matter if you are going for braces or Invisalign, moving your teeth to their new positions will come with some discomfort.

However, Invisalign is more comfortable than metal braces because they apply less pressure than traditional braces.

But over time, you will get used to metal braces or Invisalign and find them somewhat comfortable.

• Appearance

One of the glaring differences between Invisalign and metal braces is their appearance. In this category, Invisalign will win every time. The aligners are virtually undetectable as compared to the more noticeable metal braces.

However, there are ceramic braces have been introduced to enhance the aesthetic appeal of traditional braces. They are made from clear or tooth-colored brackets. They are less noticeable than their predecessors.

• Effectiveness

Braces have been the go-to option for decades. One of the things that make Invisalign effective is that our dentist is the only one who can remove them. This means that you will have them on for 24 hours a day, every day, for the entire duration of the treatment.

With Invisalign, most patients find it challenging to wear it for the recommended time. So, the treatment may take longer or maybe less effective.

When it comes to severe cases, traditional braces are better placed to correct the issues than Invisalign. However, Invisalign can fix overbites, underbites, crossbites, and spaces between teeth. But Invisalign may not always correct teeth that are rotated or overlapping.

• Convenience

Braces seem to be more convenient in a way since you don’t have to remove them. But, they will limit your diet, which means that you may not eat your favorite meals.

On the other hand, Invisalign allows you to enjoy your meals since they are removable. But keeping them and cleaning your teeth every time before wearing them seems to be an inconvenience.

• Maintenance

When you have your braces on, you will brush and floss as usual. However, when food is stuck in between your teeth, you might need a smaller brush to deal with food debris.

With Invisalign, you have to remove them, brush and floss your teeth, then wash the aligners. So, there’s the extra work that you have to put in to clean them. Cleaning the crevices of the aligners can be challenging.

The Takeaway

As you have seen, no option lacks its pros and cons. So, the verdict will always boil down to your preference and needs. In any case, the Invisalign before and after photos will be the best judge of how your smile has transformed.

Contact us at Forest Park Dental Arts if you desire to have straight teeth.