Are you tired of looking at your crooked teeth in the mirror? If one of your New Years' resolutions was to fix your teeth, then now is the time to make the change.
Invisalign and braces are two of the leading orthodontic systems available for fixing your teeth. Both come with full management of your treatment by your orthodontist. So, which one is the better choice for straightening your teeth?
Our review of Invisalign vs braces gives you everything you need to know about these two orthodontic systems.
Invisalign Cost
Starting with Invisalign is an expensive process. All the orthodontic consultation involved with assessment, fitment, and maintaining your treatment increases Invisalign's cost dramatically. Depending on the system you choose, you could pay anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000 or more for Invisalign.
The consultation fees with your orthodontist will account for the bulk of your expenses. When it comes to financing your Invisalign system, you'll need to arrange an agreement with Invisalign through your orthodontist. Even with insurance contributing to your treatment, you can expect to pay $1,800 or more.
Invisalign Pros and Cons
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How Much Do Braces Cost?
Braces involve a similar assessment process to Invisalign. You'll visit the orthodontist for assessment, and they'll take x-rays and scans of your mouth to make a 3D model of your teeth. The orthodontist charges you for each consultation in the process.
Every time you go to the doctor for a checkup or adjustment, you'll have to pay consultation fees. Considering the average braces treatment is 18-months to 2-years, the consultations mount up to huge costs.
The average braces treatment is anywhere from $6,500 to $10,000, depending on the work required to fix your teeth.
Braces Pros and Cons
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Invisalign vs Braces
Invisalign and braces are orthodontic-approved systems for correcting your smile. Braces are a permanent fixture, while Invisalign is removable. If you work in a job where you have to meet with people during the day, Invisalign is the better option.
The clear aligners fit snugly against your teeth, and most people won't even realize you're wearing them. In contrast, braces are ugly, and they can ruin first impressions with new people. Choosing the right orthodontic system requires you to analyze your lifestyle and budget to find the best option for your treatment.
What's the Difference?
Both Invisalign and braces are orthodontist-approved systems for straightening your teeth. However, they have some distinct differences in the treatment. Braces are a permanent solution. The doctor sticks metal tracks to your teeth, running wires through the tracks and around your teeth.
They use tension on the wire to pull your teeth into a new position. The doctor also uses rubber bands to correct jaw misalignment and get your bite straight. During your treatment, you'll need to visit the orthodontist every 2-weeks to 90-days for a checkup.
At your checkup, the orthodontist adjusts the tension on your braces to keep your teeth moving into the required position. The adjustments can cause mild discomfort for a few days as your teeth ease into the new setting.
After your teeth are straight, your orthodontist will leave the braces on for 6-months to a year. This approach prevents the teeth from shifting back to the old position after removing the braces.
Invisalign is also an orthodontic system fitted in your doctor's chair. You go through the same assessment process with x-rays and scanning. However, the doctor sends the data to Invisalign, and the company builds your aligners.
You'll return to your doctor's office a few weeks later for the fitment of your aligner. The doctor walks you through the process of fitting and removing the aligner. However, with Invisalign, you get clear aligners, allowing you to remove them for two hours a day to eat and drink.
Invisalign vs Braces – The Answer
If you're struggling to choose between braces and Invisalign, we recommend going with Invisalign. While it's typically the more expensive treatment, it's the better option for most people.
If you're a teenager attending high school or a sales-professional meeting with clients during the day, braces are a frustration you don't need. Shinning a mouthful of metal at people reduces the impact of your first impression.
With clear aligners like Invisalign, other people will barely notice anything wrong with your teeth. The clear plastic allows you to talk with people without ruining your first impression with a mouthful of braces. You'll also have to make a decision regarding the price of your treatment.
Invisalign is the more expensive option, but it offers a more convenient lifestyle than braces. If you're having trouble settling on the right choice, speak to your orthodontist for advice.