So you have a smile that you wish were straighter. We get it; who doesn’t want a beautiful, straight smile? But you’re probably thinking about your options and whether braces or Invisalign is the right choice for you.
We have you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over the differences between Invisalign and braces, exploring factors such as effectiveness, comfort, cost, and maintenance requirements. By the end, you will hopefully know which one is right for you.
What they are
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are almost invisible. They are customized for each patient, and these aligners gradually shift teeth into the desired position over time. The removable nature allows for easy cleaning and eating without restrictions.
Braces are orthodontic devices made of metal or ceramic brackets and wires. They also correct the alignment of teeth by applying continuous pressure to guide them into a desired position.
Effectiveness and what they treat
Both Invisalign and traditional braces effectively straighten teeth. These issues may be overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, or misalignments. Invisalign is usually used to treat mild to moderate issues, while braces can be used to treat more severe cases. However, you’d have to consult a dentist with significant experience in treating misalignment issues, like Dr. Ruiz, to confirm if either treatment is right for your unique alignment issues.
Cost and insurance
Invisalign and braces both vary in cost and depend on your dentist, the severity of your condition, and other factors. On average, they cost between $3,000 and $7,000. However, some insurance plans cover some of the costs of braces or Invisalign, although usually no more than 50% of the cost, with a maximum of about $1,500.
Procedure
There are quite a few differences when it comes to the actual procedure of getting Invsialign versus getting braces.
Invisalign procedure
For Invisalign, these are the usual steps:
- Initial consultation: An initial consultation with the dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign and then to go over your treatment plan if you choose to proceed.
- X-rays and photographs & impressions: Your dental team will take X-rays and photographs & impressions to create customized Invisalign for you. They will then send these to the lab. This step may happen during your initial consultation.
- First fitting: You will come into the office again for a first fitting and make sure the aligners fit snugly. You will usually leave with about three trays that you will wear for about two weeks each.
- Changing aligners & checkups: You will visit your dentist when you need a refill on trays and for them to monitor your treatment until you’re finished!
- Retainers: To prevent your teeth from experiencing an orthodontic relapse, most dentists recommend you wear a retainer for a few months full-time, then just nightly. The good news is that some retainers are just as discreet as Invisalign.
Braces procedure
For braces, these are the usual steps:
- Initial consultation: At this consultation you and your dentist will discuss your options, and they will go over your dental history and examine your teeth both manually and with X-ray images. They will also take molds of your teeth.
- Attaching the braces: In a process that is usually fairly quick (around 20 minutes), your dentist will fit your braces onto your teeth.
- Adjustments: Your dentist will need to make periodic adjustments, usually at 3 weeks in between each adjustment, to make sure your teeth are repositioning correctly. This requires the elastic and wires that hold the braces in place to be replaced.
- Removal of braces: Once your treatment has concluded and your misalignment issues have been corrected, your dentist will remove your braces.
- Retainers: Most of the time, retainers will be required to prevent your teeth from shifting and to make them settle in their new place. Similar to Invisalign, the amount you will have to wear your retainer depends on multiple factors, but most dentists recommend wearing them daily for a few months and then nightly.
Length of treatment
When it comes to the length of treatment, Invisalign typically offers a shorter treatment time, averaging about 12 to 18 months. However, some need them for as little as six months. Traditional braces take longer, usually taking one to two years or more for complex cases.
Comfort & eating
While they both take a couple of weeks to get used to, research shows that people usually experience more discomfort and pain when wearing traditional braces than they do with Invisalign.
When it comes to eating, you typically have to avoid certain types of foods when wearing braces, as they can damage your brackets. This includes a lot of sticky foods like gum and chewy candy. The benefit of Invisalign is that you remove them while you eat, so food is off-limits.
Care & maintenance
When wearing both Invisalign and braces, it’s important to maintain good dental hygiene to care for the devices and for your teeth. It’s recommended to brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily. For aligners you should also wash your aligner regularly. Research also shows that people who wear aligners typically experience less tooth decay and have fewer cavities.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for Invisalign in Burbank, CA
We hope this guide gives you valuable insights that can help you decide which treatment is right for you. And if you need a dentist in Burbank, CA, to help you get started with Invisalign, If you think Invisalign is right for you, come visit our office to confirm that you’re a candidate! Rest assured, you’re in capable hands with Dr. Ruiz—an esteemed dentist, educator, and researcher, known for pioneering a smile design technique used by dentists all around the world. Check out our Google reviews and contact us to schedule your appointment!
