Invisalign or Braces?
If you want to straighten your teeth, you are trying to decide what are the benefits of Invisalign vs braces. For decades, teeth have been straightened by braces. These ugly metal wires spread across the teeth would ultimately lead to a better smile, greater self confidence and a restored social life.
However, in the meantime – for typically two years of treatment – braces would compel patients to clamp up. They would be more afraid than ever to smile, or even to speak.
If you’ve read any Invisalign reviews, you will know how completely unnecessary that anxiety and distress is. Indeed, the main difference between Invisalign and metal braces, is the discomfort of braces.
Invisalign vs Braces: Which is More Effective?
Probably the first question you will have, if you have not read any Invisalign reviews, is whether this system is as effective as braces.
The emphatic answer is “Yes!”.
In fact, Invisalign treatment is often faster, taking as little as six months to correct a simple misalignment or a small gap. The time this treatment takes will also have an impact when you compare Invisalign cost to the cost of braces.
Often, though, treatment lasts 12-18 months, which is still faster than metal braces can usually do it. This happens typically when a tooth or several teeth are well out of alignment. It would also be the case when more than one tooth needs correction. Sometimes, treatment takes longer than 18 months, but in all cases, it takes the same amount of time or less to correct than metal or ceramic braces take.
The time Invisalign takes depends on the complexity of the job, as well as on you. Your jaw, your gums your teeth – they are unique. Some move easier than others, and some move easier in one direction than in another. This may also have an impact on the overall cost of the treatment.
The ultimate test, of course, is in the results. When you compare Invisalign before and after, you can see how crooked teeth are straightened. You can see how gaps in your teeth get closed. You can see how misaligned teeth are brought into your row of teeth. In short you can see your beautiful and healthy smile.
Invisalign Reviews
We will be adding more information about Invisalign reviews for you to see what you can expect. These will include Invisalign before and after images.
Invisalign vs Braces – How Does it Work?
So what is the difference between Invisalign and metal braces? It’s not just that one is visible and the other is clear. The system itself is different.
Both Invisalign and braces draw on the same theoretical forces to move your teeth into alignment. But how they do that is different.
Traditional braces use wires fixed to your teeth to pull them into place. Invisalign uses a series of trays, placed within your mouth and out of site, to push your teeth into place.
Here’s how we set your teeth up for success.
First we explain the full process to you in more detail than this summary.
Then we take X-rays from a variety of angles. We need a full 3D map of your mouth – teeth, gums, jaw, cheekbone, everything – on which to engineer your treatment. We will also take an impression of your teeth, on which to design that first tray you’ll put in your mouth.
We might also have to make place between crowded teeth to work. This is not often the case, but sometimes it is. We’ll discuss this with you if you have crowded teeth.
Then comes the exciting part. You’ll get a fitting. This works surprisingly much like a fitting for a fine suit or a fancy gown. We’ll make sure the mold fits just right. It will feel snug and tight.
As with metal braces, you will feel a dull aching when your teeth, unaccustomed to motion, begin the move. At first, you might find it strange to speak, as your tongue gets accustomed to sharing its space with the trays. But you will soon get used to them.
You will walk away from Southridge Dental with a series of trays, to be used in sequence. Each one is designed to move your teeth a little more. Unlike with metal braces that need tightening at the clinic, you can change your own Invisalign tray when it’s time.
You’ll still come in for periodic check-ups to make sure all is moving correctly. However, your visits will be fewer than they typically would be with wire braces – another rarely-mentioned benefit of Invisalign.
We recommend wearing your Invisalign trays for 20-22 hours each day, removing them to eat and to brush your teeth. When you brush your teeth, you can clean your trays at the same time.
Invisalign vs Braces in Terms of Cost
Given that Invisalign is just as effective as metal braces, without disfiguring your face for the length of the treatment, you might expect to pay a premium for it. Invisalign cost, however, might give you a pleasant surprise when you compare it to the cost of braces.
Invisalign is actually an affordable tooth-straightening option. It costs about the same as metal braces or ceramic braces. The main difference is that it is invisible.
Invisalign or Braces?
If you have any questions about Invisalign vs braces, or anything else related to your treatment or our practice, call us today. The call is free and so is the initial consultation. We are your Surrey dentists ready to help straighten and re-align your teeth.