Did you know that smiling produces more brainpower than eating chocolate? Yet, only about 30% of people smile daily.
For many people, smiling is connected with self-esteem and some people don’t feel confident in their smile. Thankfully, there are many forms of dental treatments that work to improve your smile. Two of these options are Invisalign and adult braces.
But which option works better: Invisalign options or metal braces? In this article, you’ll learn more about each of these treatment plans and which one may be right for you when you’re looking for the best orthodontics near me.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of dental treatment used to straighten teeth. They are unique in their technology because Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to shift teeth into a straighter position.
Invisalign can help correct several dental issues, like overbites, crowding, gaps in your teeth, and more. Invisalign is best for teenagers who are responsible and adults.
What Are Metal Braces?
Metal braces or traditional braces are also a type of dental treatment that straighten teeth but do so using metal brackets and wiring. The metal brackets are bonded to your teeth and are connected by a wire that manipulates them into a more desirable position.
Braces are very popular and have been around for years. They’re very effective at correcting complex dental issues, as well as other issues like teeth crowding.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Invisalign is a great option if you’re looking to straighten your teeth.
One of the largest reasons people love Invisalign is because it’s completely removable. You can take out the aligners completely for eating, drinking, and other activities.
Invisalign typically takes less time than metal braces. Generally speaking, if you have a very mild case, your treatment could last about 6 months. It’s not uncommon for a case to last anywhere from 18 months to 2 years though, depending on the severity of your needs.
Many patients report that Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. While there is a few days of adjustment, overall Invisalign offers a comfortable alternative to braces that use brackets or wires.
Because Invisalign is made of clear plastic, the aligners are relatively invisible. This is a great choice for people who want dental treatment from the best orthodontist, because they either work in a professional setting or they don’t want anyone to know they’re receiving dental treatment.
The aligners are very easy to care for. With a little daily cleaning, you can keep your aligners looking new and clear.
Since you can remove your aligners, there are no limits on the types of foods you can eat. It’s important to stick to healthy foods to maintain oral health, but you don’t have to worry about brackets or wires breaking from hard or sticky foods.
Cons of Invisalign
Even with all the amazing reasons to choose Invisalign, there are some cons to be aware of.
Invisalign may not be for everyone. Some complex dental issues require more work, but visiting your family orthodontics office will help you decide which treatment is best for you.
While aligners are removable, they must be worn for up to 22 hours a day. If you have trouble remembering things or lose things easily, Invisalign may not be best for you.
You also need to maintain healthy oral habits. When you insert your aligners without brushing, you pave the way for bacteria to build up in your teeth.
Pros and Cons of Metal Braces
While there are plenty of pros and cons for Invisalign, there are also reasons to choose metal braces.
Metal braces work well for complex cases that Invisalign may not be able to fix. However, your orthodontist will help you make that decision.
They also have a strong history of working well. Even though they may be uncomfortable at times, due to wires and brackets, metal braces do work well to achieve a straighter smile.
When you have metal braces you will have dental appointments every few weeks for adjustments. The orthodontist will check your progress and make changes where needed.
Unlike Invisalign, the metal wires and brackets are bonded to your teeth for the entirety of your treatment. You cannot remove them until your treatment is complete. You also need to watch what you eat because any sticky or hard food has the potential to ruin a bracket or a wire.
Metal braces work well, but depending on your case, you may need to wear them for a few years. The majority of people with metal braces wear them on an average of 2 years or more.
In terms of cost, metal braces are typically more economical than Invisalign, so if you’re on a budget, metal braces may be the way to go. Most orthodontic practices offer payment plans for braces to be affordable, so talk to your orthodontist if you’re concerned about finances.
Additionally, metal braces are incredibly strong. Unlike Invisalign, they can’t get lost, and it takes a lot for them to break or for wires to become undone.
Braces for You
There are many benefits to straightening your teeth. You have better functionality, a beautiful smile, and a healthy mouth. Invisalign or metal braces can help you reach those goals! Likewise, there are many benefits to the different types of braces available. Although Invisalign can be a relatively fast treatment option, not every patient will be a candidate for this treatment type.
Our compassionate and caring staff are here to help you get the smile you desire! Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.