Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?
So you want straighter teeth, but the idea of getting a mouth full of metal makes you cringe.
If you’ve started doing some research in alternatives to braces, you’ve no doubt heard of Opens in a new window to Invisalign’s WebsiteInvisalign®.
Invisalign is a newer technology using a series of clear aligners to adjust your teeth into place over time. Best of all, the aligners are removable and practically invisible – most people won’t even know you’re wearing them!
Compared to metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners seems like a dream come true.
Should I choose Invisalign or braces to straighten my teeth?
The answer is: It depends.
Invisalign clear aligners and braces both aim to achieve the same result: a straighter smile. However, they each have tradeoffs.
To help you make a more informed decision in your quest for a perfect smile, we’ve compared Invisalign to braces in a few different areas of concern, including:
- Looks and convenience
- Comfort
- Range of problems treated
- Patient compliance
- Cost
Looks and convenience
Let’s face it – no matter how many pretty color options an orthodontist offers, nothing about a metal mouth is flattering.
One of the significant benefits of clear aligners is that they are transparent and removable, meaning they have minimal impact on your everyday life. Unlike braces, they are discreet and practically invisible, so you can wear them without feeling self-conscious.
They are also highly convenient in that they can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
When it comes to looks and convenience, Invisalign is a clear winner.
Comfort
Both braces and clear aligners involve moving your teeth around over time, so there is no avoiding some amount of discomfort.
However, Invisalign aligners exert a gentler and more gradual pressure compared to braces, typically making for a more comfortable experience. Clear aligners are also smoother against your gums, reducing the risk of cutting your gums that comes with metal braces.
If comfort is a top concern for you, Invisalign is worth considering.
Range of problems treated
Here’s the hard truth:
Not all patients are candidates for Invisalign.
One of the primary deciding factors is how complicated your alignment issues are. Invisalign can be an excellent option for treating fairly mild to moderate cases. However, if your teeth need significant adjustments or have more complex issues, traditional braces will likely be a more practical option for you.
Whether or not Invisalign will be a better option for you can only be determined by a trained specialist, so make sure to schedule an exam to find out.
Patient compliance
Many people love that clear aligners are removable and more flexible to fit into their everyday lives. However, that can also lead to problems with compliance.
For Invisalign to work, you must wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day. If not, your teeth will quickly shift back to their original place, undoing all your hard work and extending the treatment time.
Here’s where traditional braces shine:
Since they can’t be removed, compliance is 100% guaranteed.
Before you choose Invisalign, make sure you can commit to wearing your aligners all the time. For children, parents almost always choose traditional braces because there’s no way for the child to remove them.
Cost
Invisalign® treatment generally costs the same as traditional orthodontic treatment. However, costs can vary according to the orthodontic needs of each patient.
To find the exact price of your treatment, you will need to schedule a consultation with one of our Invisalign® dentists.
With Invisalign®, you get the same results as metal braces without the drawbacks that can often stop people from getting the orthodontic treatment they need. Not sure how to pay for the treatment you want?
Our dental experts can guide you to the best financing solution for your circumstances. If you would like to make extended payments, we accept Opens in CareCredit website financingCareCredit.
The bottom line about Invisalign
Ultimately, the only way to know for sure whether Invisalign is better than braces for you is to be evaluated by an Invisalign specialist. Based on your goals, lifestyle, and the severity of your orthodontic needs, your dentist in Wichita, KS can craft a custom treatment plan that works for you.
Ready to get the straight smile of your dreams? Want to find out if Invisalign is right for you?
Dr. Volker is Invisalign Providers with many years of experience in creating beautiful cosmetic results. They are backed up by a fabulous team of hard-working, caring professionals who bring their A-game every day.
Our dental office in Wichita, KS proudly serves its neighboring communities, including Eastborough, Oaklawn-Sunview, Maize, Bel Aire, Park City, Goddard, Andale, Colwich, Clearwater, and Andover, KS.
Learn more about Invisalign options at Smile Connections Family Dental in Wichita, KS, or schedule your consultation with us today.
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