Using braces straightens teeth. Some people can not or do not want to wear braces because of their dental health. Instead of wearing braces, they can use discrete Invisalign aligners. Both braces and Invisalign improve the appearance of teeth.
The Basic Differences Between Invisalign and Braces
You can ask your dentist on your regular dental exam, which would suit you better. But these two procedures for straightening teeth are Invisalign and braces. They operate in a very similar manner. However, important distinctions between braces and Invisalign can help you determine which operation is best for your orthodontic requirements. Below are some of these distinctions explained in more detail:
1. Price
The price of braces can range from $2,500 to $8,500. The price varies according to the type of braces you get, how long it takes to straighten your teeth (two years), and how many visits you require (typically 5–6 per year).
If you are wondering, “how much is Invisalign?” On average, Invisalign costs between $6,000 and $9,000. This varies according to how many trays are needed for the entire treatment. Patients who use Invisalign must keep their aligners on for at least 20 hours daily.
2. How It Feels
Braces are tooth brackets with metal wires attached. As the orthodontist tightens the metal wires, it might hurt. Invisalign, however, makes use of transparent plastic trays. Every two weeks, change the trays. Only the aligners on either side of your tray may be painful or uncomfortable. There are other ways to fix your teeth; check out this page.
3. Symptoms and Signs
Earaches and tooth pain are frequent when starting orthodontic treatment. This is because Invisalign and braces are made with different craftsmanship. Invisalign is attached to the back of the teeth, whereas braces are attached to the front.
For patients starting orthodontic treatment, earaches, and tenderness are frequent side effects. Your teeth are fitted with braces, which attach brackets to a wire that runs behind each tooth. The ear canal hurts when turning on the wire because it pulls directly on the teeth’ roots. By affixed to the back of your teeth, the Invisalign wires are prevented from pulling directly on the roots of your teeth.
Gum pain is a common side effect of orthodontic treatment. Braces are different from Invisalign. Braces hurt because wires attached to metal brackets pull on the roots of the teeth. When starting orthodontic treatment, toothaches are common. However, Invisalign uses a plastic material that is more comfortable and less likely to result in toothaches.
4. Treatment Time Frame
The average treatment time for braces is 22–26 months. You must take braces out every few weeks, which takes about 20 minutes. The average length of an Invisalign treatment is 9 to 15 months, but your circumstances may change this. It is placed in a series of replaceable aligners rather than bonded to the teeth and is switched out every few weeks.
5. Appearance
The way that Invisalign and braces look is another difference. In contrast to Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners, which are entirely undetectable while worn, traditional braces are made of metal wires attached to your teeth and visible when you smile or speak. Unless someone looks very closely at your teeth, they cannot tell you are wearing Invisalign, even when you smile or talk. Invisalign might be the best option if you want your treatment to be as discrete as possible.
6. Ease of Eating
Because Invisalign consists of a series of detachable trays, eating is much simpler than wearing braces. This is because you can remove your tray, eat something, and then put it back in place to continue chewing. Meals are more enjoyable because you do not have to worry about the removable trays getting in the way of your food or drink.
7. Speech Impairment
Sometimes, patients with braces may have trouble speaking clearly. Some consonants, like P, B, T, D, and K, can be challenging to pronounce because the wires complicate speech. Because the aligners are removable and speech clarity is unaffected, Invisalign does not have this problem.
8. Disposal
And finally, while using Invisalign, you eat from trays either in front of or behind your current tray. Replace the tray when you are eating to savor your meal uninterrupted. Because your dentist must remove the entire attachment from your teeth, installing braces takes a long time. This is done if your teeth already have the desired appearance or if you specifically request that braces be taken off as part of treatment.
