With 9 in 10 people having slightly misaligned teeth, orthodontic disorders are alarmingly high today. But deciding which way to go when you want to straighten your teeth is quite challenging if you don’t know your options.
Different types of orthodontic treatments are suitable for misaligned teeth. Popular options include Invisalign and metal braces.
Both of these treatments have strengths and weaknesses that you should consider. In this article, we discuss them in detail to help you make a more informed decision.
Invisalign vs. Braces: An Overview
Invisalign and braces are both FDA-approved orthodontic devices used in straightening teeth. When fitted properly, they can get your teeth in shape.
When you get braces, an experienced orthodontist will attach them to your teeth. The metal wires in the brackets help manipulate the proper arrangement of the teeth. As a result, they can correct orthodontic problems.
If you consider Invisalign treatment, expect the doctor to attach clear, plastic aligners to your teeth. Before doing this, the doctor will make a 3D scan of your mouth and use it to customize your aligners. The customized aligners reposition the teeth gradually.
As you decide between metal braces and Invisalign aligners, consider certain factors. Look at the intensity of correction needed, lifestyle, and age requirements.
How Does Invisalign Work?
As a renowned brand of clear orthodontic aligners, Invisalign helps correct crooked teeth. You can have them custom-made from medical-grade plastic. And once the orthodontist fits them in your teeth, they will guide the teeth to a desired position.
If you want a more discreet substitute for metal braces, you may choose Invisalign aligners. They’re comprised of a transparent material that makes them appear invisible.
Pros of Invisalign
Invisalign aligners can closely fit your teeth and are practically invisible from afar, unlike metal braces. They also don’t cause discomfort or cuts when fitted against the teeth.
You can easily brush and floss your teeth by removing the Invisalign aligners. And when it comes to eating, you can also remove them to chew food comfortably. Either way, they don’t pose any danger with chewy or hard food.
Patients with Invisalign aligners require fewer orthodontist visits. In particular, your doctor will recommend visits that are between four and six weeks apart.
Cons of Invisalign
As for the drawbacks, clear aligners are less suitable for complex corrections. So, you should only consider them for minor teeth straightening.
The aligners also need a high level of discipline to improve the outcomes. In this case, your orthodontist will require you to keep them in your teeth for 20 to 22 hours. They also need you to clean your teeth thoroughly after every meal.
How Metal Braces Work
Orthodontic treatment began with braces. The orthodontic world has seen different designs of braces hit the market over time. A growing number of research studies are also aimed at making braces effective and reliable.
Metal braces still lead as the most preferred teeth straightening treatment. You can have them attached to your teeth if you’d like to gain a beautiful smile, great oral health, and straight teeth.
Braces safely and effectively shift the teeth by relying on brackets attached to each tooth. The brackets have a metal wire connecting them. Your orthodontist will affix each bracket to carefully move your teeth into their correct position.
Pros of Metal Braces
Unlike Invisalign aligners, metal braces work for both minor and complex corrections. They adhere directly to the teeth, giving the teeth an incredible look.
Braces come in different designs, with metal braces being the most cost-effective option. You won’t have to remove them when chewing food or brushing your teeth. A permanent attachment requires less responsibility on the patient’s side.
Other benefits of braces are heat and stain resistance. This way, you can enjoy your favorite beverage comfortably without having to remove them.
Cons of Metal Braces
On the downside, it takes some time for your teeth to acquaint themselves with metal braces. As this happens, you may have cuts or irritation inside of your mouth.
If you prefer a more discreet solution, braces aren’t suitable since they are easily noticeable. Though ceramic and lingual braces are less noticeable, they aren’t as invisible as clear Invisalign aligners.
Other drawbacks of metal braces include food limitations (that applies to hard and chewy food) and frequent orthodontist visits. Your doctor will have to check them regularly to monitor the progress of the treatment and to ensure that they are in the right place.
Price and Payment Options
Metal braces and Invisalign aligners differ in pricing, depending on the level of correction that you’ll need. The complications or delays related to the procedures also affect the price.
Luckily, you can use your dental insurance plans to partially pay for the cost of Invisalign aligners and metal braces. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover these treatments.
Tax-deferred plans can come in handy when you want to pay for orthodontic dental care. In particular, you can use a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA) for this purpose.
An HSA is a pre-tax account suited for healthcare-related expenses. You can only open this account if you have no insurance and are currently on a high-deductible health plan.
As an employer-sponsored plan, an FSA allows you to set aside money for medical expenses. The FSA provider will split the amount you set aside based on the pay dates for the year of the FSA plan.
You can also tap into monthly financing and payment plans to pay for metal braces and Invisalign aligners. This way, you get to set monthly payments rather than pay everything in one lump sum.
Looking for High-Quality Orthodontic Care?
Invisalign aligners and metal braces are elegant-looking and comfortable orthodontic treatments. As you weigh each option, decide which benefits or drawbacks matter most to you. Afterwards, consult with an orthodontist for the most appropriate treatment.
If you live around the Greenville, NC, area, you may want to visit Ross Orthodontics for your teeth straightening or correction needs. Dr. Rose offers high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages using advanced technology. Book an appointment with Ross Orthodontics today.