The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Braces Vs. Traditional Braces
ShareSmiling confidently is one small act that many people take for granted. Many others with crooked or missing teeth feel uncomfortable and awkward about smiling and this insecurity can damage a person's self-esteem and social life. That's why many people decide to get braces to fix a crooked smile. But for some, the solution may be as uncomfortable as the problem. That's why some choose invisible braces like Invisalign rather than traditional braces. If you're someone considering Invisalign, here are a few of the pros and cons to consider.
PROS
Less Discomfort
Invisalign uses a system of plastic aligners that are designed to fit onto your teeth and slowly manipulate movement through wear. Many find the plastic aligners to be much more comfortable than metal braces that can cause irritation and even cuts in the mouth and on the gums.
Less Visible
Another major advantage of invisible braces is that they aren't as conspicuous as metal braces. For adults or sensitive adolescents, this can be a great way to achieve straight teeth without several months of the crippling self-consciousness that many experience while using traditional braces.
Low Maintenance
Another advantage of Invisalign is the low maintenance. Metal braces require regular checkups with the orthodontist for refitting and to change out metal parts and rubber bands. Invisalign, on the other hand, requires less invasive checkups and very little additional maintenance besides regular rinsing. If the aligners become discolored, they can be easily brightened with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. This will also disinfect the aligners.
Dental Hygiene
Another great advantage of Invisalign is that you can remove them before eating and that keeps your mouth cleaner and improves your dental hygiene. Traditional braces often trap food in the nooks and crannies of the braces.
CONS
Cost
The biggest disadvantage of choosing Invisalign is the cost. The average cost of Invisalign braces is between $3500 and $9000 while traditional metal braces cost between $2500 and $6000. Dental insurance may help offset some of those costs so check with your provider to see if that's true for you.
Attachments
In addition to plastic aligners, you may also need enamel attachments on your teeth that have a similar function to the metal brackets of traditional braces. They are used to keep the aligners fastened in place for better fit and function, but some find them irritating.
Constant Removal
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign needs to be removed during meals, so you will need to remove them and then refit them before and after every meal. Some users find this process tedious.
To find out more, you can reach out to a dentistry service such as Koehn Dentistry & Aesthetics.