Choosing between Invisalign and traditional metal braces can be a difficult decision. Both options aim to straighten teeth and improve your smile, but they take different approaches. Let’s break down the key pros and cons of Invisalign vs. traditional braces so you can feel confident about your orthodontic treatment decision.
What are Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system made up of a series of nearly invisible plastic aligners. Each aligner is custom-made just for you and is worn over your teeth for about two weeks before switching to the next aligner in the series. Aligners work by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment through a series of small adjustments over time.
The aligners are virtually invisible when worn which makes them a more discreet option than metal braces. You can remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss, which some find more comfortable than wearing braces all the time. Keeping the aligners clean is also easier than braces since food and plaque don’t get trapped in the same way.
However, since Invisalign aligners are removable, compliance is crucial for successful treatment. You need to wear them for at least 22 hours per day based on your doctor’s instructions for them to be effective. Missing too many hours of wear time each day can slow down or potentially stall your treatment progress. Aligners also require careful handling and storage to prevent damage, loss, or mix-ups.
The average Invisalign treatment lasts between 12-18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Treatments involving jaw surgery or late teen patients may take longer. You’ll visit your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks on average during active treatment for aligners to be removed, teeth to be checked, and a new set of aligners installed.
What are Traditional Metal Braces?
Traditional braces use brackets, wires, rubbers and ligatures to gently and gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Small, calibrated wires are threaded through brackets which are bonded to the front and sometimes back teeth with dental cement or composite adhesive. The materials and appliances are visible and worn all the time.
The major advantage of traditional braces is that movements can be programmed more precisely. Braces generally offer somewhat faster treatment in complex cases since adjustments can be made more frequently by just replacing the wires. Your orthodontist sees you every 4-6 weeks on average, allowing for close monitoring and quick tweaks. Braces also don’t require as much patient compliance since they are always on your teeth.
However, metal braces are usually more noticeable and less comfortable than Invisalign. They can cause mouth irritation from rubbing or poking wires and brackets as teeth shift. Brushing and flossing take more effort to keep plaque and debris from building up around braces. Your smile and ability to eat certain foods like apples are restricted during treatment. You also run the risk of wires becoming loose or brackets detaching between visits, requiring prompt orthodontist treatment.
Average treatment time for braces is 18-30 months, though some very complex cases may require longer. Retainers are worn after braces are removed just as with Invisalign treatment in order to preserve your new smile. Over time, your adjusted teeth may slowly shift back without wearing retainers as directed. Regular dental checkups and retainer use helps guard against this.
Comparing Costs
One big factor to evaluate is orthodontic costs. Traditional metal braces are generally cheaper than Invisalign, though prices can vary based on your location and individual treatment needs. Here are some typical cost ranges to expect:
- Traditional Braces: $3,000 – $6,000
- Invisalign: $3,500 – $8,000
Insurance coverage for orthodontic care tends to be better for traditional braces than Invisalign, potentially lowering your out-of-pocket cost. But you’ll need to check your specific plan details. Payment plans are available for either treatment option to spread payments over the full course of orthodontic therapy.
Lifestyle and Comfort Factors
Another key area to consider is the impact of orthodontic appliances on your daily life and comfort. Metal braces restrict eating, cause mouth irritation, and are always noticeable. This may be tougher to handle if you have an active lifestyle with sports, social activities, or a public-facing career. Invisalign, on the other hand, provides the flexibility to eat and drink more freely, plus they are easily removable for presentations or dates.
However, you still need to take your aligners out several times per day for cleaning, and it’s important to wear them for the prescribed minimum hours each day for treatment success. Some patients have been known to complain of issues like lisp, aligner soreness, or rubbing from the edges at times with Invisalign wear, too. Be prepared either way for an adjustment period as your teeth begin shifting and realigning.
Having traditional braces also means more frequent visits to your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks on average versus every 6-8 weeks with Invisalign. This allows for speedier adjustments if issues pop up. However, with metal brackets, your orthodontist needs to make physical adjustments each time versus digital modifications to future aligners. Overall, consider your pain tolerance, desired freedom to eat/drink, work schedule, and lifestyle habits to determine your comfort needs.
Results and Retention
At the end of treatment, both traditional braces and Invisalign aim to give patients beautiful, healthy smiles with properly aligned teeth. Retainers are worn after both options to ensure teeth stay in place. However, there are some slight differences as treatment concludes:
Traditional braces often yield faster and slightly more predictable results since wires can be changed frequently to exert more pressure. Adjustments are made hands-on by your orthodontist.
With Invisalign, teeth generally track very closely to predicted digital movements. But there may be small deviations requiring mid-course corrections with new modified aligners extending time a bit.
Due to wearing braces or aligners nearly full-time, the risk of post-treatment teeth shifting is slightly lower compared to patients who only wore them at night.
Either way, diligent retainer wear is important to maintain treatment success. Nightly wear is recommended for at least a year or two after braces come off to allow permanent retention of new tooth positions. Regular dental visits should continue as well. As with any dental procedure, results cannot be guaranteed as each case is uniquely individual. But most orthodontists aim for smiles patients love and feel confident wearing for a lifetime.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Weighing factors like comfort, affordability, lifestyle needs, treatment timing, and individual goals will guide you toward the ideal smile solution. Consider meeting with an orthodontist for a consultation to evaluate your specific case and discuss which approach best fits your orthodontic requirements. They can also explore insurance coverage and present a customized treatment plan outlining projected length, costs and next steps.
Ask questions about things that matter most to you. Review before and after pictures for inspiration as well. With both Invisalign and traditional braces, your new confident smile is well within reach so don’t hesitate to take the first step toward straighter, healthier teeth! The feeling of having your dream smile is worth all the effort of orthodontic treatment. You have the power to choose the right path for results you’ll love every time you look in the mirror.
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Need more information regarding your smile? Clearwater Family Dental will provide you with answers! Our family dentist here in Sarnia will take the time to get to know you and your dental goals and concerns. Whether you need an emergency dentist or a professional dental cleaning, our office will care for your smile.
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