Despite new innovations that have traditional braces more compact and more comfortable, older patients find the discreet appearance of Invisalign to fit their lifestyle much better. The most appropriate tooth correction method for you will depend on a number of variables relating to your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at the differences between Invisalign vs braces.
Invisalign Vs Braces: How Do They Compare?
What Type Of Correction Do You Need?
Traditional braces are suitable for all types of teeth straightening and jaw alignment issues. Invisalign is best suited to patients who need mild to moderate teeth straightening and jaw alignment.
How Disciplined Is Your Dental Hygiene?
Wearing Invisalign requires you to have strict oral hygiene habits. You will need to remove your Invisalign before eating and drinking, and ensure you keep your teeth and aligners clean, in order to enjoy the maximum benefit.
You also need to be really disciplined about wearing them for a minimum of 22 hours a day in order to meet your orthodontic goals.
Wearing traditional metal braces also requires a high standard of dental hygiene. Because the brackets and wires create small spaces, it is easy for food and debris to get trapped. Wearing orthodontics can make flossing and brushing more of a challenge so extra care needs to be taken.
In terms of the care and maintenance of braces vs Invisalign, both require you to be very disciplined.
How Frequently Can You Manage Dental Appointments?
When you wear Invisalign, you are given different sets of aligners that correspond with the positions your teeth need to move into as they straighten. You need to change your aligners for a new set every two weeks. This means you won’t have to visit your dentist as often for adjustments.
With traditional braces, adjustments must be made manually by your dentist. This means you will probably need to visit him every four to six weeks. As your teeth move, your braces must be adjusted to maintain the correct levels of tension.
In terms of your responsibility in braces vs Invisalign, you have more responsibility for your progress when you wear aligners.
What Is Your Budget?
Invisalign treatments tend to be more expensive than traditional braces so it’s a good idea to get a cost comparison before you commit to a decision. The cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary based on a number of factors and is relative to the amount of time (and thus dental care) it will take to straighten your teeth.
The cost of traditional braces may be covered by private health insurance with an extras policy but Invisalign may only be covered partially. You would need to check your policy for the inclusions. When it comes to the cost of Invisalign vs braces, braces are generally cheaper.
Invisalign Vs Braces: Which Is Better
The best choice for straightening your teeth is very personal and best determined through a discussion with your dentist. To find out more about the differences between Invisalign vs braces please contact us for an appointment: (07) 3185 2387.
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