According to Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, only 35% of adults have well-aligned front teeth. If you’re a part of the 65% who needs orthodontic treatment, you have multiple options to achieve your dream smile. Invisalign offers a discreet and flexible alternative to metal braces, but the latter can better address more complex cases. In this post, your dentist compares and contrasts Invisalign and metal braces.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that utilizes custom-made, clear aligner trays. Patients wear Invisalign over their teeth for 20-22 hours a day to guide their teeth towards the ideal position. You are a good candidate for Invisalign if you’re an older teen or adult with mild to moderate bite issues. Those with active gum disease or cavities need to be treated prior to moving forward with Invisalign.
There are multiple benefits of Invisalign, most notably it’s virtually invisible look. Because the trays are removable, patients can also clean their teeth without the obstruction of braces and don’t have to change their diets during treatment. Invisalign is also more comfortable because, unlike braces, it won’t cut the inside of your mouth nor does it require uncomfortable tightening procedures.
What do Metal Braces Do?
Metal braces are the traditional orthodontic treatment option. They are most effective at treating extreme overcrowding and other issues involving back teeth, bridgework and tooth rotation. While they are more noticeable than Invisalign, modern braces are smaller than previous versions and the colored bands give patients a chance to express themselves.
Which Treatment Is More Effective?
Neither option yields obviously better results than the other. However, there is a difference in cost and treatment time.
In most cases, Invisalign works faster than metal braces. Treatment time generally ranges from 6 to 18 months, while metal braces are usually worn for two years. It should be noted that because Invisalign is removable, you need to have enough self-discipline to wear your aligners for the appropriate amount of time. If you don’t, the treatment time will take much longer or you may need to wear traditional braces to get any results at all.
Invisalign is also a bit more expensive than metal braces. The average cost is between $3,500 to $8,000, while metal braces range from $2,500 to $6,000.
It’s ultimately up to you and your dentist to decide which treatment will best fit your needs. If Invisalign is a possibility for you, the unique advantages it offers might very well be worth the higher price.
About the Author
Dr. Cale Beasley has almost a decade of experience in the dental field. He is a certified Invisalign provider and is also trained in the Six Month Smiles orthodontic treatment. If you have further questions about achieving your dream smile, he can be reached through his website or at 303-794-1707.