How Do Traditional Braces Compare to Invisalign® Clear Aligners?

Choosing between Invisalign® and traditional braces for your orthodontic treatment can be a struggle. Patients often ask many questions about the two, trying to weigh their options. The fact is that each patient is unique, and the right option is usually determined by preferences, the teeth’s condition, and the patient's lifestyle. This article compares the features of Invisalign and clear aligners.

Comparison between traditional braces and clear aligners

The following are a few elements that differentiate the two teeth-straightening options.

Appearance

For patients who want an inconspicuous treatment option that draws less attention to their mouth, Invisalign is the preferred option over traditional braces. Invisalign is produced from transparent plastic material that is nearly invisible. It is hard to tell if the aligner trays are present on the teeth. There are other braces options, like clear braces, which are produced from tooth-colored materials, and lingual braces, which are fitted to the back of the teeth and not the front.

Cost of treatment

Traditional metal braces cost slightly less than Invisalign, although the difference is often negligible. Insurance companies typically cover the two options. Nevertheless, if the cost is a factor when considering treatment, metal braces take the win. The dentist will usually provide the cost estimate for the treatment so patients can find out what their dental insurance will pay for and what must come out of pocket.

Treatment duration

Over the years, Invisalign has been improved significantly to improve its efficiency and make the treatment timeline comparable to traditional braces. However, the success of the treatment depends on wearing the aligners for the minimum recommended duration per day. Patients who tend to take out the aligners often will extend their treatment time considerably. In many situations, treatment time with braces is shorter because they are fixed on the teeth 24 hours a day and cannot be taken off. However, most treatments with Invisalign usually do not take as long as braces.

Patients can save time in other ways by choosing Invisalign. First, patients get a series of aligner trays when starting treatment and receive specific instructions on wear time and switching the trays. This means they will not have to visit the dental office periodically to adjust and tighten their braces. Routine appointments every six to eight weeks will be required to monitor treatment progress, but the appointments tend to be quick. Also, there is no risk of damaging or bending any wires.

The results

Invisalign and traditional braces are both effective for teeth straightening and realigning bites. The results are generally appealing. However, in cases of complex orthodontic issues, the dentist may recommend traditional braces over Invisalign. This might be a little disappointing for some patients, but the dentist will recommend the optimal option to achieve desired results. This is the reason for the initial consultation and dental evaluation.

In conclusion

If you have misaligned teeth and cannot seem to make up your mind on traditional braces or Invisalign, visit the dental office to discuss it with the general dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentistry.com or call Allure Dentistry at (310) 683-5321 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.

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