Invisible Aligners Or Braces? Which Is Better?

Comparing similar treatment options is something that people do when looking for the most suitable solution for them and this is no different in dentistry or orthodontics. Particularly when comparing braces to Invisalign London, are there any significant differences between these 2 options which offer a similar result?

Let’s take a look at certain things to take into consideration when deciding which of the two to go for.

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Invisible aligners or braces? 4 things to consider

Investment

When it comes to undertaking orthodontic care in adult life, it is going to be a big investment of time and money. Many people believe that undertaking invisible aligners will be more expensive than using a standard fitted brace.

However, this is rarely the case, as the overall costs of clear aligners include the number of aligners used, the treatment required by the dental team, and any replacement aligners.

Braces require tightening and adjusting by an orthodontist, which is an appointment and requires specialized intervention, which will drive the costs up.

It is also worth comparing the time span of the 2 treatments. Invisible aligners can straighten your smile in as little as 3 months, whereas a standard fitted brace can take up to 3 years.

Treatment

Next, there is the treatment itself. Braces are fitted to the teeth and are tightened every 4 weeks or so by an orthodontist. This can be uncomfortable and is the main reason why so many adults are less than eager to undertake this treatment.

With invisible aligners, you simply wear the pre-fitted aligner for 22 hours each day and your teeth will gradually move.

There may be some discomfort, but this is considered minimal when compared to other orthodontic tools, as there is less pressure retained in the jaw.

Daily care

The daily care of invisible aligners is very straightforward. You take them out to eat, and you can consume water whilst wearing them. In order to keep them clean, you will need to rinse them under a cold water tap and use toothpaste and a toothbrush to remove any staining.

With braces, there is a lot more involved. You will need to use interdental brushes to clean under the wires and they cannot be removed, meaning that they require more cleaning and potentially more trips to your dental team to ensure that no cavities or gum disease are forming.

Dental surgery trips

Following on from this, the 2 treatments have different requirements from a dental team. A clear aligner can be used via the internet and an app, which will allow your dentist to see your smile once a week and determine if the aligner is working correctly or not.

So, you will only be required to visit your dental surgery every 6 to 8 weeks. For braces, this trip to the orthodontist or dentist is likely to be more regular, with standard appointments occurring every 2 to 4 weeks to adjust the brace or tighten it.

Ultimately, it will depend on the severity of the misalignment being treated and the skill of your dentist. Some dentists can use invisible aligners to treat more complicated cases of dental misalignment. But if they involve molar teeth, protrusions, or severe under or overbites, then you may need to have a fitted brace.

Invisible Aligners Or Braces? Which Is Better?

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