In the US, teeth alignment is so common it’s practically a rite of passage for teenagers and pre-teens. Thanks to time and technology, orthodontic patients now have more options than ever for straightening their teeth.
The trick is figuring out which of those options is right for you.
Two choices that are on opposite ends of the spectrum are traditional braces and Invisalign clear braces. Here’s how they compare.
Traditional Braces
When we think of braces, most of us think of the classic metal braces with metal brackets on each tooth and wires between them. As a popular choice, this type of braces has its ups and downs.
Pro: Versatility
Every orthodontic patient’s case is unique. Some only need minor adjustments while others need major teeth alignment overhauls. Metal braces are versatile enough to treat a wide range of cases.
If you need an extreme change in your teeth, metal braces are most likely your best option. In some cases, we may need to combine these braces with other techniques like palate expanders.
Con: Noticeability
Despite how useful they are, not everyone is crazy about metal braces. It usually boils down to their appearance.
Metal braces have a prominent look because the metal sticks out among white teeth and pink lips. The braces also stay on for the entire length of your treatment: an average of two years. You cannot remove them for special occasions.
Invisalign Clear Braces
While traditional braces continue to be the frontrunners, many patients are now choosing Invisalign clear braces instead. These look similar to mouthguards: the are plastic trays you place around your teeth to adjust your teeth alignment.
Of course, there are pros and cons to this choice.
Pro: Discretion
If you look at photos of Invisalign compared to metal braces, it’s easy to see the cosmetic difference. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign braces are discrete and hard to see unless you know they’re there.
Adults especially love this feature. Because braces are less common in adults, our adult patients want their treatment to be as discreet as possible. You can even remove them for special occasions and photo ops.
Con: Expense
With such a strong aesthetic difference, it’s clear that Invisalign must have a downside: the price.
Invisalign works differently than other braces. All braces perform teeth alignment in a gradual way. We move your teeth to a different position little by little.
With traditional braces, we do this by adjusting the braces in the office. With Invisalign, on the other hand, it isn’t possible to adjust the mouthpieces. Instead, you need a new mouthpiece for every stage of the alignment.
As you can imagine, all these extra materials make Invisalign significantly more expensive than traditional metal braces.
Choosing the Best Braces for Your Teeth Alignment
A smile is often the first thing our new acquaintances see when they meet us, so it’s no wonder you want to love your smile. Figuring out how to get that winning smile can be tricky.
The facts above can help you decide between metal braces and Invisalign for your teeth alignment. However, it all starts with seeing an orthodontist to find out the options for your specific case.
To get started, contact our orthodontic office to schedule an appointment today.