One of the most common options is to get either Invisalign vs braces. Both treatments can help straighten your smile, but which option is right for you? The answer depends on your needs and lifestyle.
Comfort
Moving teeth from a crooked position to straight ones is going to cause some discomfort at certain times. That’s true whether your child wears braces or Invisalign, though some treatments are more comfortable than others.
With traditional braces, food can get stuck between the wires and the brackets. It’s also important to avoid foods that are crunchy or sticky during treatment, as those can cause damage to the delicate tissue inside the mouth.
With Invisalign, trays can be removed before meals and then replaced. This means that teens can eat most of the foods they enjoy, including apples, gummy candy and steak (within reason). It’s important to remember that if your teen doesn’t put their Invisalign back in right away, their treatment will take longer. Thankfully, many insurance plans cover Invisalign, and Sprout offers 0% interest in-office payment plans for those without coverage.
Ease of Cleaning
If you’re going to go with clear aligners, it is important that you are able to stay disciplined in your dental hygiene routine. If you aren’t, you can end up with stains and cavities. It is also not uncommon for trays to crack or break when mistreated. If a tray is lost and not replaced right away, you may have to extend your treatment time.
Invisalign’s clear trays are almost invisible, but they can still stain if you do not brush or floss thoroughly enough. This is especially true if you use a toothpaste that has high levels of fluoride or whitening products. If you are worried about stains, you can choose ceramic braces, which match the color of teeth. However, these are more expensive than traditional metal braces and are more prone to staining. Also, not all insurance plans cover ceramic braces.
Appearance
Invisalign is a great option for adults and teens who want a subtle treatment. The clear aligners blend in and are less noticeable than metal braces. However, they are not a perfect solution for everyone. They must be worn consistently and replaced every two weeks, meaning that if they are taken out too often, they can be less effective. Also, patients with Invisalign need to be careful about the foods they eat.
There are a few different types of metal braces that are available today, including ceramic and lingual braces that are placed behind the teeth. In addition, there are self-ligating braces that use doors or clips to hold the archwire in place, speeding up the first phase of alignment.
The type of braces you need depends on the complexity and severity of your orthodontic issues. If you have severe overcrowding or a deep overbite, then your orthodontist will probably recommend traditional braces as they can apply more force to move the teeth and correct the misalignment.
Maintenance
Metal braces are a traditional orthodontic treatment option that uses wires and brackets to apply continuous pressure on the teeth and gradually move them into position. They are highly effective at treating a range of misalignments, including crooked teeth and crowded teeth.
However, they also come with a few drawbacks. For example, they require dietary restrictions, as certain foods can damage the delicate brackets and wires. Furthermore, if a teen plays a sport or an instrument and doesn’t wear a mouthguard, they can damage their braces—leading to tedious repairs and more discomfort.
In addition, patients must visit the orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks to have their braces tightened and check on progress. This can lead to additional costs, and it may not be a suitable treatment for people with budget constraints. If you want to know more about your options, an experienced orthodontist can provide insights tailored to your specific dental needs and goals.