It’s never too late to seek a beautiful, healthy smile. Every year, more and more adults seek orthodontic treatment to achieve a straight smile. However, braces do much more than improve your smile. Those with straighter teeth are at a lower risk for cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Despite knowing the benefits that braces can have on your confidence and dental health, you may not want to have a mouth full of metal. One alternative to fixed metal braces is Invisalign.
Before you decide whether you will choose metal braces vs Invisalign, you need to know the facts. Doing so will help you make the best choice for you!
Metal Braces vs Invisalign
If you are looking for improved oral health and straight teeth, both metal braces and Invisalign will get the job done. Nevertheless, these teeth straightening solutions function differently. Determining which is more suitable for you depends on your preferences and needs.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the traditional style of orthodontics and consist of brackets and wires. The brackets glue to your teeth, and the wires weave between them to shape your teeth. Sometimes the wires are the same color as your enamel, which makes them less noticeable.
Invisalign
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign does not involve any metal brackets or wires. Your entire process will be completed using aligner trays made from durable plastic. The orthodontist in charge of your treatment plan will use 3-D imaging to create your trays, so they fit perfectly.
Benefits of Metal Braces
While Invisalign is more popular with adult patients, in some instances, metal braces are more advantageous. Consider some of the benefits that metal braces have to offer.
Cost
Typically, metal braces cost less than Invisalign. That is because Invisalign trays are made in a laboratory with special 3D printers.
Of course, the cost depends on your location and the duration of the treatment. If the price is your only concern, make sure to get a quote for both Invisalign and metal braces from your dentist.
Permanent
Some people don’t want to worry about removing their trays every time they eat. They may fear that they will lose their aligners or forget to put them back in their mouth. In this case, metal braces are a better choice.
They fix to your mouth with glue, so you don’t have to remember to wear them. All you must do is avoid certain foods and clean your mouth thoroughly after meals.
Treatment Time
Since metal braces are always in place, the treatment time is often shorter. Unlike Invisalign, they stay in your mouth 24 hours a day. Plus, you won’t have the temptation to take braces off when they feel uncomfortable since you can’t remove them.
Effectiveness
If you have complicated dental issues, you may wish to get metal braces instead of Invisalign. Patients with bridgework, the need to rotate premolars or canines, or back tooth bite issues may do better with metal braces. Of course, your dentist will be able to suggest the best option when it comes to effectiveness.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign is convenient and, at times, makes the teeth straightening process much more comfortable for patients to manage. These are some of the top benefits of choosing Invisalign vs metal braces.
Discreet
Unlike metal braces that visibly change your appearance, Invisalign is clear. It is likely that no one will notice that you are wearing your aligners. Since they are discreet, many adults who feel embarrassed about having braces choose Invisalign.
Comfort
The smooth plastic aligners feel comfortable in your mouth. You won’t even notice you are wearing your trays after some time. Of course, both Invisalign and metal braces have the potential to cause slight discomfort as your teeth are guided into place, but your dentist will do their best to make your treatment as pleasant as possible.
Removable
One of the favorite benefits of Invisalign is that you can eat and drink whatever you would like. That is not the case with traditional metal braces, which have some restrictions on eating hard or sticky foods.
Cleaning
Since you won’t be eating with your trays in place, you will need to brush your teeth and floss after each meal. Then, you must clean the trays before placing them in your mouth. However, if you already practice good oral hygiene, your routine won’t change much.
Follow Up Visits
If you don’t have a lot of time to go to the dentist, Invisalign is a great option. You only need to see your dentist about once every six weeks.
At your appointments, the orthodontist will ensure that the process is going as planned and give you the next set of clear aligner trays. There is no need for adjustments or tightening, as with metal braces. Then, you will change them on specific dates, as your dentist suggests.
Apt for Athletes and Musicians
If you are an athlete or in a band, you may wish to get Invisalign instead of metal braces. That is because metal braces can sometimes cause injuries in contact sports. They can also make playing some instruments more challenging.
Recommended for All Ages
Most people think that Invisalign is only for adults, but it is also an excellent solution for children and teenagers. If your young one is responsible enough to leave their aligners in for 20-22 hours each day, clear braces may even be easier for them.
Parents often find that with Invisalign, their children and teens can maintain better oral hygiene and continue eating the foods that they love. It is also more comfortable, and they won’t have to take them to the dentist as often.
We Can Help You Decide
Now that you know the differences between metal braces vs Invisalign, you may already have made up your mind. Yet, some individuals have trouble making a decision when it comes to their dental health. So if you aren’t sure whether to choose metal braces or Invisalign, see us at Sing Orthodontics in the Austin, Texas area!
We will perform the necessary examination of your teeth and recommend the most practical option to fit your needs. Schedule an appointment or virtual consultation today!
