Invisalign vs. Braces – Which One Is Better?
Braces can help improve the shape and alignment of your teeth, but they’re not everyone’s favourite dentistry treatment. They can be uncomfortable to wear and aren’t the most stylish accessory to wear. With the recent invention of Invisalign, you can wear braces that are clear and removable. However, which one is better in the end? Which one is more comfortable, affordable, convenient, and ultimately, more effective?
A Quick Explanation
Braces
Braces are metal brackets that are glued to your teeth and joined together with metal wirings and rubber bands. The brackets and rubber bands come in different colours, so you can either make them look invisible or colourful to make your teeth more fashionable!
Invisalign
Invisalign are clear, plastic orthodontics that you can remove when eating, however they need be worn at least 22 hours a day.
Comfortability
Braces and Invisalign differs greatly in comfortability. While they aren’t particularly painful, braces can often be uncomfortable, especially when your teeth begin to shift. The wires and brackets may also cause sores in your mouth, and it can be pretty uncomfortable to eat certain foods. Invisalign can feel strange to wear at first, but they’re generally more comfortable than braces. You may feel slightly uncomfortable as your teeth begin to shift, however you can remove them so you won’t have any trouble eating.
Cost
The cost of both braces and Invisalign depends on your treatment. Braces are said to cost anywhere between $3000 and $7000. Invisalign usually costs a little bit extra, with prices ranging from $3000 to $11,000. All in all, the total cost of your braces or Invisalign will come down to duration, whether you need a partial or full set and how many visits you will require.
Convenience
Because braces are glued on, they won’t be removed until the end of the treatment. Braces shouldn’t affect your entire appearance, however, if you’re someone who’s a little self-conscious then braces aren’t the most glamourous thing to wear on your teeth. You can always make them look bolder and more suitable to your style with some coloured brackets and rubber bands!
Unfortunately, there are certain foods you shouldn’t eat while wearing braces. Anything hard such as popcorn, nuts and apples (unless they’re cut into smaller pieces), and sticky such as candy and gum may break the brackets and get stuck in your teeth, causing cavities.
Braces also take more effort to clean. You need to make sure you brush them properly and gently so you won’t break any wires or rubber bands. It is also very important that you floss to remove any plaque your toothbrush can’t reach. Some places are harder to reach, which is where you can use an interdental brush to clean in between your braces. This can be helpful for removing any stubborn plaque and food remains that are stuck in your teeth.
Invisalign, on the other hand, are more convenient to both wear and clean. They are made with clear plastic that covers your teeth, so they pretty much look invisible. You can also remove them to eat and drink (except for clear water) so they won’t get damaged. They are also more suitable to wear if you play any rough contact sports.
Cleaning Invisalign aligners is very important. Because they’re in your mouth nearly all day, Invisalign aligners are just as susceptible to plaque and bacteria as your teeth. There are cleaning kits you can purchase that comes with a cleaning agent that easily removes any toxins. You can also brush and rinse them under lukewarm water to instantly get rid of any saliva.
Effectiveness
If you need some slight teeth adjustment with nothing too complex, you can wear either braces or Invisalign. However, Invisalign is not that effective for more difficult issues such as gaps, abnormal bite and crookedness. Braces do a better job at correcting these problems, so if you only wish to fix the esthetics of your teeth then Invisalign is an option for you. However, you need a high amount of discipline to wear Invisalign. Because they can be taken out, some people take advantage of this and leave it out for longer than they should. With braces, you won’t have this problem, meaning you’ll be more likely to see effectiveness.
Which One is Better?
Whether braces or Invisalign is better depends on the individual. Certain situations and preferences may edge you more towards one method, so speak with your dentist to discuss the best option.
Titirangi Dental offers you with safe and experienced dental services so you are comfortable throughout your entire treatment. Our team will be on hand to answer any queries you have and guide you through the process of your orthodontic treatment, improving your oral health in no time. Contact our office in West Auckland today by calling 09 817 6057, or book online to make an appointment.
