#Invisible aligners vs braces series#

However, Invisalign must stay in for at least 20 hours a day, or they may not be effective. Invisalign patients can eat whatever they want because they remove the trays while eating. And since they are smooth, they will not scratch or poke patients.

Each set of new Invisalign trays might be uncomfortable for a few days, but most patients get used to them quickly. Overall, Invisalign trays are relatively comfortable. And good oral hygiene is essential since food can get caught in them. With braces, patients must avoid sticky or hard foods because they can damage the wires and brackets. Braces also require frequent visits to the orthodontist that renew the tightness and discomfort for a couple days. Their metal edges can be sharp enough to cut the inside of the lips or mouth. Many patients find that braces are more uncomfortable than Invisalign. Whether with Invisalign or braces, moving teeth from a crooked or turned position into alignment is going to include some discomfort. Living With Invisalign or BracesĬomfort is another factor in many people’s decision-making process. It is important to consider the pros and cons within each category to make the best choice overall. Whether choosing braces or Invisalign, this is a significant investment-especially if paying out of pocket. Many dental practices offer payment plans as well. Other options for funding treatment include using tax-deferred flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). Insurance that covers braces will almost certainly also cover Invisalign. Braces cost, on average, between $2,000 and $6,000.Invisalign costs, on average, between $3,000 and $7,000.It is best to discuss cost before beginning any treatment. The cost of either treatment varies by region and the specific dentist or orthodontist seen for treatment, as well as the complexity of the case. How Much is Invisalign Compared to Braces? If this does not happen, treatment will take longer, even in cases that are not very complex. Invisalign needs to be worn at least 20 hours a day to work. It is also important to note that one of the challenges with Invisalign is the discipline it requires. The more crooked the teeth, the longer Invisalign will take, which is why there is a wider timeframe than braces. Metal braces often require 20-24 months.Invisalign often requires 7 to 18 months.A rough estimate of the time for treatment:

Invisalign slowly aligns all of the teeth at the same time, as opposed to braces, which apply pressure on misaligned teeth. The first consultation a person has with their dentist or orthodontist will provide them with an understanding of what is needed and a plan for moving forward. How quickly either orthodontic treatment is able to align a person’s teeth is completely dependent on the severity of their dental and facial issues. More serious misalignment might be fixed with Invisalign, but it may take a lot longer than traditional braces. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate crookedness and crowding. New trays are provided every two weeks, and they gradually move the teeth into alignment. They are created from 3D imaging of a patient’s teeth.

#Invisible aligners vs braces series#

Invisalign is a series of rigid-yet-flexible clear plastic trays that fit over the entire dental arch. Braces can fix even the most severely crooked teeth. Monthly visits are needed to adjust and tighten the braces to shift crooked teeth into alignment. This provides braces with a lot of power to move teeth. Patients must see an orthodontist for braces.īraces use clear or metal brackets attached to the teeth and tightened through a series of wires and, often, rubber bands. Dentists and orthodontists both may offer Invisalign. He or she can see how bad the misalignment is, and may refer the patient to an orthodontist. How Do Braces and Invisalign Work?Īny discussion about teeth straightening should start with a dentist. braces, such as which is more affordable, comfortable, and-most importantly-effective. Plus, there are a lot of other important thigs to consider in the match-up between Invisalign vs. While Invisalign can work faster than braces, that is not always the case. Many people, adults especially, prefer Invisalign because it is discrete and removable. The two most common orthodontic treatments for misaligned, crooked, or rotated teeth are braces and Invisalign (or other transparent aligner systems like byte).