Invisalign vs Braces

Can’t decide between Invisalign vs braces? You’re not alone! Millions of patients are faced with the choice between clear aligners or metal braces, but it’s a decision that you don’t have to make by yourself. Read this article to learn the pros and cons of Invisalign vs braces.

Clear Aligners vs Metal Braces

Today over 12 million patients have chosen Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smile. People often choose Invisalign vs braces due to their comfortability and visual appeal. Metal braces are immovable, obvious, and can draw attention. Clear aligners are subtle, conform to the teeth, and can be removed for short periods of time. This is the primary reason patients choose this method over traditional braces. 

However, visual appearance isn’t the only benefit of Invisalign. There are differences between clear aligners and metal braces that make them an obvious choice for some patients – and not others.

Invisalign Clear Aligners 

Invisalign treatments are created using computer-generated molds to realign teeth that aren’t properly spaced. Teeth move over time to fit into each newly printed clear aligner. Invisalign patients wear their clear aligner for only 20 to 22 hours a day. Every 1 to 2 weeks, they’ll receive a new set of aligners that will continue shifting their teeth into a straighter smile. Patients only have to come into the dentist office for an alignment check up every 4 to 6 weeks.

Metal Braces

Traditional braces are made up of stainless steel alloy metal brackets bound by wire and adhered directly to the surface of the tooth. Braces put steady pressure on your teeth to gradually straighten them over time. Metal braces require tightening every 4 to 6 weeks. 

Braces vs Invisalign: Effectiveness

Both traditional metal braces and clear aligners are effective when it comes to straightening teeth. However, some patients will need metal braces, and others will benefit from Invisalign.  

The effectiveness of Invisalign depends on the patient’s teeth and jaw alignment. While Invisalign helps straighten crooked teeth, gaps, slight overbites and underbites, open bites, and crowded teeth, there are limitations. People with a severe overbite, underbite, large gaps, intrusions or extrusions, or short teeth should talk to their dentist about whether or not Invisalign is the right choice for them. In these cases, metal braces may be a more effective solution. 

The effectiveness of Invisalign also depends on the patient’s behavior. For Invisalign to work effectively, patients should wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day.

The only time you’re supposed to remove the aligners is when you’re:

• Eating or drinking
• Brushing or flossing your teeth
• Cleaning your aligners

Regardless of what you need, when it comes to Invisalign vs braces’ effectiveness you must attend the appointments designated by your dentist or orthodontist. During these appointments, your dentist will check up on the health of your teeth and ensure that your teeth are moving how they should be! 

Invisalign or Metal Braces: Speed

Is Invisalign faster than braces? In most cases, yes. On average, it takes from 1 to 2 years for Invisalign users to see their final results. Depending on the patient, it can be as quick as 6 months. The average time needed for Invisalign to straighten your teeth is about 12 months. You’ll need to speak with your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment. 

Typically, metal braces are not faster than Invisalign clear aligners. On average, it takes about 2 years to complete treatment. Some patients can take less than 1 year to see their desired result. However, there are also patients that require up to 3 years to reach the end result. 

Just like any medical treatment, results depend on the patient’s body and behavior. People with severe overbites, underbites, open bites, rotated teeth, or large gaps, may require metal braces and more time to correct. 

Invisalign vs Braces: Cost

Invisalign cost depends on the number of trays needed to complete the treatment and the severity of changes necessary to align your teeth. Without dental insurance, Invisalign prices range from $3,500 to $8,000. If you have complex issues the cost may be higher. 

Metal braces typically cost between $2,500 and $8,000, making them the more affordable choice when debating Invisalign vs braces cost. It’s becoming more common for dental insurance companies to cover the cost of Invisalign – but insurance is still more likely to provide more coverage for metal braces.

Invisalign Treatment in Morrisville

Mint Leaf Dentistry in Morrisville, North Carolina regularly offers specials on Invisalign treatment. If you’re looking for a gentle, non-judgemental dentist near Raleigh, Cary, and Durham, contact us. Call us at  919-330-1710 or fill out this form to get in touch with a dentist near you.