For those looking to improve their smile and straighten their teeth, there are two key treatments: traditional braces or Invisalign. Both produce excellent results and can enhance your smile, but it’s an important decision. There is a range of factors to consider when making this long-term investment.
What is Invisalign?
Also known as invisible braces, Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to adjust the position of your teeth. Custom mouthpieces made of plastic slowly guide your teeth until they are in the desired position. Invisalign braces have become increasingly popular lately due to their many benefits.
Pros of Invisalign
The most significant advantage of Invisalign is its appearance. The aligners are made of clear plastic, making them nearly invisible from a distance. This discreet look is preferable to those who are already self-conscious about their smile.
Because they are custom-made using 3D modelling, Invisalign causes minimal discomfort to wear. The aligners are tailored to your mouth and have no sharp metal components to hurt the inside of your mouth.
Since Invisalign is not fixed to your teeth, you can remove them as necessary. This means you can brush and floss as normal, and there are no dietary restrictions. Simply remove the aligners from your mouth and carry on.
The Invisalign process uses innovative technology that allows your orthodontist to do most of the work before you even wear them. This means you need fewer trips to the dentist during the treatment process, and minimal maintenance is required.
Cons of Invisalign
While Invisalign is very effective for minor corrections, the treatment is not able to make complex adjustments to your teeth.
Although the ability to remove your aligners can be convenient, Invisalign treatments require discipline to work. You need to keep them in for at least 20 hours a day to see results. Plus, if you lose them, it can be quite a costly error.
A strict oral hygiene routine is also necessary to avoid bad breath or cavities forming, and you will need to brush your teeth every time you eat or drink.
What are braces?
A well-known treatment, traditional braces are made of metal and attached to the outside of teeth. Today there are different options for braces, including ceramic and lingual braces that sit behind your teeth. To straighten your teeth, metal wires and rubber bands are attached to brackets to manipulate them into place.
Pros of braces
Braces can achieve both minor and complex corrections with excellent results. They adhere directly to each tooth, allowing you to achieve an incredible smile in all circumstances.
Braces are often used for kids because they require little responsibility. They can’t be removed without an orthodontist, so there isn’t any risk of losing them or forgetting to wear them.
Cons of braces
A significant disadvantage to braces is the discomfort and pain they cause. It can take a long time to get used to, and the brackets often cut or irritate the inside of your mouth.
Traditional metal braces are pretty obvious in appearance. Many people dislike the look of them, which can cause insecurities. Since the metal brackets need to stay in place for so long, stains can be left behind once removed.
There are food restrictions you must follow if you have braces. Gum, bagels, hard candy and popcorn can get stuck in your teeth or even damage your braces.
Having braces requires you to visit the orthodontist quite frequently. At least once a month, they need to check your progress and make any necessary changes. You will also need to adhere to a strict dental hygiene routine to ensure you correctly brush your teeth and take care of them.
Comparison Between Invisalign vs Braces cost
In the past few years, the cost of Invisalign treatments has reduced due to ongoing technological advances. Invisalign offers shorter-duration treatment options for simple issues, and many dentists offer payment plans.
Invisalign aligners and traditional braces have comparable pricing, but the final cost depends on the level of correction needed and the duration of the treatment.
Invisalign treatment at Phoenix Road Dental
We’ve helped numerous patients straighten their teeth using Invisalign treatments. If you want to learn more about Invisalign in Perth and your options for teeth straightening treatments, call us or simply book a consultation with our friendly dentists online.