If you’re looking for the right way to straighten teeth, we understand how difficult (and frustrating) the journey can be. Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or Invisalign for the kids, one of the issues you’re going to face is the ‘Invisalign vs braces’ debate.
For many years, braces were really our only option if we wanted to get our teeth looking perfect. It was only until relatively recently with the invention of clear aligners, popularised by U.S. company Invisalign, that we seriously considered this ‘invisible’ alternative.
It’s critical to do your research and get professional advice to find what is best for you or your kids. Below, we’ll offer a true comparison between Invisalign and braces to help you make the decision.
Can you choose if you want braces or Invisalign?
Yes, you are generally offered a choice between Invisalign or braces. But we might recommend one over the other. It is to carefully consider all your teeth straightening options, and weigh the pros and cons of all of them.
Below, we’ll provide our comparison between the two types of treatment.
Comparing Invisalign and braces
Appearance
While beauty is subjective, it’s generally considered that Invisalign looks much better than braces and allows you to feel confident and forget that you are really wearing them.
They’re virtually invisible, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice your looks when receiving the treatment. You also don’t have to ‘give away’ that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment (something teens and even adults really place importance on).
In certain instances, we may even recommend that Invisalign would be more effective for your teeth than braces, this can be due to the overall force of the aligners across the whole tooth.
Treatment speed
If you’re wondering what the fastest way to straighten your teeth is, the answer is , it depends . Some cases can be treated more quickly with braces and some cases are treated more quickly with Invisalign .
We’re often asked, “What is the shortest Invisalign treatment”? The answer really depends, but it could be a short as 3 months for simple cases and 2 years for more complex cases . By wearing your Invisalign at least 22 hours per day, treatment will be as short as possible.
Convenience
Invisalign is much more convenient than Braces . This is because you can take out your Invisalign and eat whatever foods you like . With braces you need to avoid many foods that may damage your braces – such as hard foods . You are also able to take your Invisalign out of your mouth when brushing your teeth. With braces daily cleaning around brackets and wires is much more time consuming and difficult.
Cost
We are often asked “Is Invisalign more expensive than braces”? At Whitesmile Dental Care , the answer is no. Braces and Invisalign treatment are generally similar in price for similar treatments .
The cost of Orthodontic treatment can’t really be accurately priced without receiving a tailored orthodontic consultation . This is usually because of the different levels of complexity associated with every set of teeth.
Is Invisalign really better than braces?
The answer really depends on you and your teeth, and what is recommended for your unique circumstances. After assessing the above factors, we hope you’re in a better position to decide if Invisalign is really better than braces, or the other way around.
Both systems of teeth straightening have their pros and cons, however, for a cleaner look, and easier oral care Invisalign can be an effective alternative.If you’re based in Brisbane and looking for braces or Invisalign in Bulimba, give our team a call. We provide orthodontic services in Bulimba, and can help you make a decision about the right teeth straightening option for you with a free initial consultation.