Invisalign or Braces? What’s the Best Choice for Your Smile?
If you’re considering braces to straighten your teeth or if your dentist has recommended them to improve your dental health, the next step is to choose which method to go with. While many options are available, this blog will compare Invisalign and traditional braces. So, if you are torn between these two approaches and would like to learn more about each to help you decide on the best choice for your smile, keep reading.
The Bristol Dental Practice is a leading private dental practice in Bristol committed to delivering clinical excellence so that our patients can attain the beautiful smiles they have always desired. Our Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Scott Deacon, is among the finest in the South West. With his proficiency, we offer a wide range of orthodontic techniques, all under one roof, to meet the unique needs of each of our patients.
Overview
Both Invisalign and braces are orthodontic treatments aimed at straightening teeth and correcting bite issues, but they employ different methods to achieve this same goal. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to apply pressure and move teeth into the correct position. In contrast, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that gradually shift teeth over time. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the decision between them depends on your preferences, budget, treatment goals and specific dental needs.
Choosing Invisalign
Invisalign is a highly effective aligner system developed by Align Technology, designed to straighten your teeth in a way that is virtually invisible. Each set of aligners will gradually shift your teeth by 0.25 mm until you reach your desired outcome. Depending on your case, the treatment duration can vary from 3 to 18 months.
Here are the benefits of choosing Invisalign:
- Appearance: Invisalign aligners are crafted from clear plastic, making them a more aesthetically pleasing choice than traditional braces. This advantage is particularly significant for adults considering braces, as it helps them sidestep the visible presence of metal braces, which often carry adolescent connotations.
- Comfort: Invisalign braces are more comfortable than traditional braces because they are made of smooth plastic and don’t have wires or brackets that can cause irritation.
- Removability: Invisalign aligners are designed to be removable, making it easier to eat and clean your teeth properly. Unlike traditional braces, there are no restrictions on what you can eat. However, it is important to remember that you need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day for best results. You should only take them out when eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth.
- Easy Cleaning: Cleaning Invisalign aligners is relatively simple. It is advisable to rinse your aligner trays with warm water every time you take them out and brush them using a soft-bristle toothbrush each evening. Furthermore, Invisalign Cleaning Crystals are available for deep cleaning your aligners.
- Convenience: Your custom aligners will be delivered to your doorstep every two weeks, reducing the number of required visits to our practice.
Considerations:
Invisalign is an advanced and effective orthodontic treatment that can straighten your teeth without compromising your look. However, it isn’t the best fit for everyone, especially those with severe misalignment issues. In such cases, our orthodontist might recommend a different treatment after a consultation.
We also find that some patients prefer traditional braces due to concerns around forgetfulness. Invisalign is a big commitment and some people worry that they may struggle to consistently wear aligners for the recommended duration. This consideration becomes especially relevant for teenagers, where uncertainty exists about their ability to remember to wear their aligners.
Furthermore, Invisalign generally costs more than traditional braces due to the fact that each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your teeth. Nevertheless, the total cost of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on your case. You will receive an exact quote after an initial consultation with our team.
Explore how we use Invisalign to give our patients beautiful smiles.
Choosing Fixed Braces
Traditional braces consist of a metal bracket and wire system. The duration of your treatment can vary, typically ranging from 12 months to 30 months, with the majority falling within the 18 to 24 month timeframe. Regular visits, scheduled every 4 to 10 weeks, are an essential part of this treatment. During these appointments, we tighten the wires and adjust different parts of your braces to facilitate tooth movement.
Here are the benefits of choosing traditional braces:
- Effectiveness: Our orthodontist may recommend traditional braces for complex cases and jaw misalignment that Invisalign cannot treat effectively.
- Adjustability: With traditional braces, we possess a higher degree of control over tooth movement, enabling precise adjustments and predictable outcomes. In contrast, the effectiveness of Invisalign relies heavily on consistent and dedicated wear by the patient.
- Compliance: There is no risk of you forgetting to wear them since they are fixed to your teeth.
- Cost: Traditional braces typically offer a more cost-effective option compared to Invisalign, with the total expense varying based on the complexity of your case. Traditional braces are priced at £1,890 for either the lower or upper arch and £3,690 for both upper and lower arches. In contrast, Invisalign costs start at £3,000 for either the upper or lower arch and £5,100 for both upper and lower arches.
Considerations:
Overall, traditional braces are a great choice for those who want affordable and predictable straightening results that our orthodontist can closely monitor. They are also the most effective choice for complex cases that require extensive tooth movement. However, these braces are more noticeable and can be a concern for those who prioritise aesthetics. They can also cause temporary soreness when the wires are tightened.
Additionally, cleaning your teeth can become more challenging, and there are some dietary restrictions to prevent damage to the braces. All of these factors should be considered before deciding on this orthodontic treatment method.
Final Thoughts
So, which option is the best for you? The decision between Invisalign and traditional braces really depends on your personal preferences and what’s most important to you. Of course, certain restrictions are based on your specific case, especially if you have severe misalignment. However, our orthodontist, Scott, is here to help you choose the most suitable treatment for your specific needs and what will give you the best results.
Orthodontic treatment is a lengthy process, so we want to ensure that you are happy and confident with your choice, whether Invisalign, traditional braces, or even a different option, like lingual or ceramic braces.
Contact us today at 0117 405 4362 or book an orthodontic consultation online to learn more about our services and take that first step towards your best smile. We look forward to hearing from you.