The differences between metal braces vs invisible braces involves more than just appearance. When it comes to improving your smile, you’ll want to weigh the different benefits of metal braces or Invisalign.
Below, we explain the scenarios where each treatment option applies, the treatment times of each, and how your smile and overall oral health can benefit from braces.
Metal Braces vs Invisible Braces – Know the Differences
Treatment Time
The first benefit of traditional metal braces is that treatment time is generally shorter than Invisalign. This is because metal braces are fixed inside of your mouth and cannot be removed without a specialist. They’re always in place to do their job without ever having to think about doing anything.
Cleaning
You need to be diligent when you brush and floss your teeth with metal braces. The brackets and wires leave opportunity for food to get stuck that much easier. You need to be sure to thoroughly clean and rinse your mouth throughout the entire straightening process.
Looks
This is generally where invisible braces make their bread and butter. Metal braces are very visible and cover the front side of your teeth. Oral care providers will try to spice up your orthodontic treatment by providing various color options so that you can have some fun.
Affordability and Effectiveness
Metal braces are generally more affordable than Invisalign but can increase in cost when treating more severe issues. They are universally effective in treating and straightening your teeth regardless of the problem. You just need to follow up regularly to allow your orthodontist to make adjustments to a device attached to the brackets. There’s a reason why metal braces continue to be used to perfect your smile and teeth.
Invisible Braces
Treatment Time
Invisalign can be very competitive with metal braces in regard to treatment time when the circumstances allow. Your treatment will vary based upon the extent of your issue. With that
being said, more complicated orthodontic problems cannot be treated at all by invisible braces. Your doctor will explain your options in more detail.
Treatment time will also fluctuate based upon patient compliance with the program. Since you are able to constantly remove invisible braces, you have to be very diligent about putting them back into your mouth. You should be wearing them for at least 22 hours a day.
Cleaning
Cleaning your mouth with Invisalign is incredibly easy as you can remove them when eating or drinking. There are no wires or brackets for food to get caught in, and nothing to impede your brushing or flossing. You will need to regularly clean your Invisalign braces, however.
Looks
Again, this is the reason most people choose invisible braces. Invisalign is designed to straighten your teeth while also being virtually invisible. You can reap the benefits of a healthier smile while keeping your treatment a secret.
Affordability and Effectiveness
Invisalign tends to cost the same as high-end of traditional brace costs if not more. They are also technically less effective as they aren’t suitable for every type of orthodontic scenario. In the cases that they are usable, they are extremely effective so long as the patient is disciplined with their treatment. Not only do you need to keep them in place, but you need to follow up regularly to get aligners reshaped.
Metal Braces vs Invisalign Braces – Conclusion
When it comes to metal braces vs invisible braces, which is better? The answer depends on your personal needs and tastes. Your cosmetic dentist will inform you if you are even eligible for Invisalign depending upon your condition. From there, you’ll need to consider the costs and how responsible you are about following your treatment regimen.
For teeth-straightening options provided by Stuart Curry Dentistry in Birmingham, schedule an appointment with us today at our dental office. You can also give us a call at (205)-972-3831.