If you are considering the best teeth straightening options on the market, you may have thought about opting for braces. While a bracket could help align your teeth, there are options such as the clear Invisible aligners that could be equally effective. For most people it’s difficult to decide which option to go for. In this article we’ll explain some of the key details about braces and Invisalign aligners so that you can make an informed decision and choose the right one for you.
When shopping for a better treatment for dental-related anomalies, the obvious solution is to consult a dentist. With the advancement in medicine, there is a high probability that you can get a remedy for your situation. It is only a matter of going with the best possible treatment, which is why you want to seek medical advice.
Benefits of Teeth Straightening
Whether you choose to opt for the traditional metal or clear Invisalign braces, you surely would benefit from teeth straightening. For one, just no longer have to hide your smile or the new found confidence people usually experience can change your everyday life for the better. Kids face many challenges growing up with crooked teeth, which is why most experts suggest that the anomaly be treated early.
Kids who grow up with a form of impairment, such as bad dentition, have been known to suffer from psychological trauma. All this can be avoided with a simple corrective procedure involving the use of brackets or invisible aligners. Some of the many benefits of teeth straightening include:
- Makes for a better smile;
- Prevents tooth infection and decay;
- Helps with building relationship with others;
- Makes it easier to chew meals;
- Improves physical appearance.
Your dentist will decide which treatment method is best for correcting any form of a dental anomaly you might experience. Yet, when it comes to choosing between the traditional or Invisalign braces, you surely could have a say in it.
Braces VS Invisalign
Braces have been around for ages and are a simple dental setup that employs force in holding the teeth in place to correct a misalignment. The truth is that they do more than cover up an anomaly as they are equally useful in helping you chew your food better. Braces are available in different types depending on the material and kind of appendage.
The standard type is the metal bracket, which could be a silver material forged in your dentition shape. Another common one is the ceramic brace and the lingual and Damon braces.
Unlike the traditional brackets, the Invisalign, as the name implies, is a clear invisible alternative to the more pronounced braces. They also aim to help straighten the teeth by holding it in place with an exerted force. A detailed comparison between the two should include the following criteria:
1. Treatment Time
For the traditional braces, you can expect to have them on for up to two years or more depending on the treatment’s nature. You would have to wear them as a permanent fixture in the mouth, which you are not supposed to remove until the period is over.
The clear Invisalign brace could be worn for as short as six months or up to a year and a half, depending on the nature of the treatment. Since they are removable, you can have them out when you want to eat to avoid discomfort. So ideally, you would have to wear them for more than 20 hours daily.
2. Cost
It would cost you to get a teeth straightening procedure done, and the cost is usually dependent on your treatment needs and dental charges. You can expect to spend between $1000 to $5000 to fit in the traditional type of brackets. The variation will depend on the kind of fixtures in the setup, and ordinarily, you can spend way less for the silver/metal appendages.
For an Invisalign treatment, you could spend more than $5000 for cases that require special fittings together with the brace. It would help if you met with your dentist to conclude the cost of your treatment as the prices here are only speculative.
3. Follow Up Visits
As with every delicate medical procedure, you can expect to be scheduled for follow-up visits to check your treatment progress. With the traditional braces, you may need to check in with your dentist every month to see if anything is out of place. You will need to see your dentist often if you opt for aligners as you need to change the tray biweekly and regular maintenance monthly.
4. Maintenance
Braces don’t require any special maintenance, as they are okay with the regular brushing and flossing. Rinsing out with water at daily intervals could also help keep them clean and clear of food pieces.
For a clear Invisalign, you will need to do more than regular dental care. You may require a unique cleaning system that helps with brushing the tray, which will have to be rinsed in lukewarm water.
5. Other Key Factors
One thing about aligners is that you can have them custom made to suit your spec. While you can also make changes to a brace, there is usually a limit to how far you can go. Invisalign are removable while braces are entirely or semi-fixed.
There are no wires associated with the Invisalign, which eliminates any discomfort associated with mouth brackets. The bright transparent appearance of the bracket is another reason why you may want to consider them. You can find the ones that hide easily in the mouth and easily blend with teeth, making them difficult to notice.
Takeaway
You’ll want to consult with your dentist when looking for the best option for you. Parents are encouraged to seek treatment early for their kids to avoid long term psychological issues. The best time would be during adolescence, when they are mature enough to understand their dental needs.
