Everyone deserves a perfect smile. If this sounds like you, straightening your teeth seems to be the answer. Not only can it give you a perfect smile but it also improves your oral health. When you get your teeth straightened, it helps your jaw to get aligned and fix your bite. What’s more? You are in a better position to prevent cavities.
Why? This is because straighter teeth are easier to maintain and clean.
If you have decided to get your teeth straightened with the help of an orthodontist, it is helpful to know that there are two most popular choices you can opt for – traditional braces and Invisalign London near me.
Invisalign is nothing but a clear aligner that appears invisible. It uses a BDA-free plastic material that is very smooth and comfortable to have on teeth. The clear aligner trays are meant to be worn over the teeth to help them gently move in the mouth. The aligner trays are designed depending on a 3D image of an individual’s teeth made out of impressions, X-rays, and pictures.
On the other hand, traditional braces use wires and rubber hands to tie down the metal brackets glued to the patient’s teeth. These metal brackets can be of various materials such as metal, ceramic, or a combination of these two materials. Your dentist will help you match the colour of these brackets according to the enamel colour of your real teeth.
It is natural for you to wonder, which option to go for – traditional braces or Invisalign? Questions like the following are more likely to come to your mind:
- Are clear aligners more cost-effective than traditional braces?
- Does Invisalign work faster and better than braces?
- Should you go for Invisalign?
- Is it effective enough to choose?
It is in your best interest if you explore all the options to know the right treatment that best suits your smile and your budget. We have tried to compile a list of important things you want to know so that you can make an informed decision.
Invisalign or metal braces?
While both Invisalign and metal braces do the same job (straighten your teeth), you will find that they are different in various ways. So, let us walk you through those pointers first to help you understand what is what.
Duration of treatment
Metal braces treatment is much quicker than Invisalign. This is because Invisalign focuses more on the individual’s needs.
Metal braces are not removable. When you need to fix complex tooth issues, metal braces make for an efficient option. Not only can they align your teeth and jaw, but they can also close the gaps between teeth faster than Invisalign.
Usually, people wear traditional metal braces for 18 months up to 3 years – but the time can vary. You will start noticing the shifting of your misaligned teeth within a relatively shorter period of time. If you opt for Invisalign, expect the treatment time of duration can be between 6 and 18 months, given that you wear the clear aligners for at least 22 to 24 hours every day.
Keeping your teeth clean
Wires and metal brackets are challenging to clean. But it is an important part that you cannot afford to overlook. With any type of dental treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene is a must. The risk of plaque build-up around the braces can lead to oral decay and staining in the teeth.
If you are not serious about cleaning your teeth daily, it is going to wreak havoc on your oral health. Make sure you follow your orthodontist’s instructions and advice on how to brush and floss your teeth regularly.
However, the Invisalign clear aligner trays are easier to clean. Make sure you clean them in the morning and at night. Also, every time you eat or drink anything, it is a must to clean them.
Dietary routine
Invisalign is removable. This means they are handy and you remove them before eating food items that are forbidden. After that, you can clean your teeth and wear the trays back.
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On the other hand, braces need you to take some precautions while consuming food. There is a chance of a metal bracket to dislodge from your tooth. Or maybe an archwire can break when you eat sticky or hard foods. Since they are not removable, you cannot eat items that are forbidden, unlike Invisalign aligners.
Then you again have to repair the breakage to ensure they work effectively. This means it is going to take a longer time to finish the treatment and enjoy its benefits.
Cost-effectiveness
Metal braces are more affordable than Invisalign. They come around and cost between $1,800 and $5,500. Their cost can vary depending on the severity of the situation and the duration of treatment.
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The material used in Invisalign is flexible, and it uses 3D scanning technology to make the aligners. Also, the cost is determined by the number of trays you need throughout the treatment time. Invisalign costs about $5000.
Regular consultations with the dentist
When you are wearing braces, you will need to pay a visit to your local dentist every 4 to 6 weeks.
Whereas, the follow-up visits of Invisalign are done at the same time. Then you also have to keep changing your trays every two weeks. This will help you ensure your teeth are moving the way they should.
Appearance and level of comfort
Metal braces are designed in a way making it a difficult task to wear. They are uncomfortable to wear, too, unlike Invisalign. The metal brackets can cause issues creating oral sores and lesions over time.
However, the clear aligners use plastic that is not uncomfortable to wear and do not irritate the gums.
Those who feel hesitation to straighten their teeth with braces as it leaves them with an appearance of an older person can opt for Invisalign. This is a smart idea as Invisalign aligners are clear and one does not even know if you are wearing them.
A perfect set of straightened teeth awaits you
The best and most effective way you can decide between these two options is to rely on an experienced orthodontist. He or she will examine your teeth’ condition and recommend the right treatment option that is best for your specific condition.
Make sure you make an appointment at a dentist’s office for having the treatment of Invisalign London near me. Also, do not forget to ask about the affordable payment options pricing options and the locations they serve.