When choosing an orthodontic treatment, you want to make sure you’re getting the most efficient treatment possible. You don’t want to end up aligning your teeth for what seems like forever, but you also want to be as discrete with your treatment as possible. Many patients claim Invisalign® is a much better option than traditional metal braces, but what do the professionals say? Let’s take a look at the benefits of each treatment to see once and for all if Invisalign® is really better than braces.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear alignment trays to straighten teeth without the appearance of traditional metal braces. The aligner trays are removable and virtually invisible, which makes it a popular choice among our younger patients. Patients wear a set of aligner trays for about one to two weeks before switching them out for a new pair, which allows the shifting process to happen over a period of about six to 18 months.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign®?
There are many benefits to getting Invisalign® for your orthodontic treatment, including:
- Clear alignment trays are nearly invisible
- Alignment takes between six and 18 months
- Removable trays mean you don’t have to restrict your diet
- Patients are able to maintain proper oral hygiene easily
- Treats mild to moderate corrections
What are Braces?
Braces come in all different types, including traditional metal braces, lingual braces, and ceramic braces. Each type of braces is centered on adhering a bracket to the tooth, stringing brackets together with a thin wire, and tightening that wire to shift the teeth and jaw over a period of 6 to 24 months. Traditional metal braces are the most common and durable type of braces, however, ceramic braces are also available for patients who wish to have a more discreet orthodontic treatment.
What are the Benefits of Braces?
There are many benefits to getting traditional braces, including:
- Metal braces are the most durable orthodontic treatment
- Traditional braces are typically a more affordable treatment
- Follow-up visits are spaced six to eight weeks apart
- Treats moderate to severe corrections
- Consistent bite correction
Braces vs. Invisalign: Which One is Better?
When it comes to choosing your orthodontic treatment, the most important thing to keep in mind is your teeth and jaw’s current condition. If you have mild to moderate misalignment and are looking for a quick and discrete fix, Invisalign® may be better for you. If you have severe misalignment and are looking for an efficient way to adjust your teeth in a reasonable amount of time, traditional braces may be better for you.
Still not sure which treatment is right for you? Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Drs. Savage, Sabol, and Visser. They’ll assess your teeth and develop a personalized treatment plan that allows you to get the perfect, hassle-free smile.
