If you need to straighten your teeth, you may have noticed there are two options – braces and aligners. Which one should you choose? The answer depends on several factors including your budget and the severity of your case, but most people will agree that both options have their pros and cons. Before making your final decision, read this article to learn more about the differences between braces and aligners so you can decide what’s best for you!
What Are Your Goals?
There are three types of braces that can be fitted on the mouth: traditional metal braces, ceramic metal braces, and Invisalign. Traditional metal braces can last up to five years and provide a solid position for teeth. Ceramic metal braces work in a similar manner but last up to eight years. With both options, you will experience some discomfort in the early stages due to the pressure required from both of these types of braces. With either one though, once you have it put on you won’t feel any pain in your mouth whatsoever. Invisalign are usually made with a series of clear plastic trays which must be worn every day for about two weeks at a time as they gradually straighten teeth over time through slight movements each night while you sleep.
What Is The Treatment Length And Cost?
Bracing your teeth is the best option if you want a quick and inexpensive treatment with permanent results. Typically, an orthodontist will ask you to wear braces on your teeth for two years. This should cost around $5,000-$7,000 depending on what type of braces are needed and where you live. If they are self-ligating brackets then the total cost may be less; if they’re ceramic/composite restorations then the total cost may be more. The cost for aligners is typically much higher at around $8,000-$10,000. The initial appointment fee may be up to $1,500 which includes taking molds of your teeth and impressions from your mouth. Then there’s the fee per tray (6-8 weeks) which averages between $800 and $900 each time. It takes anywhere from 12-18 months to complete this treatment so brace yourself!
How Much Time Does It Take To Use Aligners Vs. Invisalign Braces?
With traditional orthodontic treatments, it can take between three to four years before you start seeing the desired results. With Invisalign, many people see their teeth start to straighten in just nine months. Some might even experience a six-month turnaround. The overall average is about 1 year of treatment time until the desired outcome is achieved. The convenience of aligners means that people are more likely to stick with their dental treatment and follow through on daily wear instructions from the dentist. More consistent wear of aligning appliances will ultimately lead to better results over time, which could reduce your total orthodontic care time by up to 25%.
Do You Care About Aesthetics?
Aesthetics is a major factor when it comes to choosing between braces and aligners. With braces, you have the option to color-coordinate your brackets so that they blend in with your teeth, while with aligns you can simply match your natural tooth color. Besides aesthetics, there are other considerations. Both methods work well, but aligners can be more expensive than braces. Furthermore, some people might not like wearing traditional metal brackets because they don’t feel as comfortable as their usual dentures (such as these Invisalign® Invisible Dentures). If this sounds like something you’re experiencing, you might be more inclined to pick aligners. However, if money isn’t an issue for you and all that matters is the health of your teeth then opt for braces!
Are You Concerned About Mouth Health And Hygiene As Well As Alignment?
It’s important to do your research before making a decision about your orthodontic treatment. If you are concerned with the health of your mouth, then braces may be the best option for you. However, if you are not too concerned with dental hygiene, then it could be easier to go with aligners. As always, consult a professional dentist before making a final decision!
