Which is Better
Like many of the big decisions in life, there is no clear answer as to whether braces or Invisalign. Instead, the answer will vary from person to person, and there are a variety of factors to consider, including:- Comfort
- Cost
- Appearance
- Patient compliance
Pros of Invisalign
First, we’ll talk about the pros of choosing Invisalign, the newer solution to correcting teeth that are not straight.- More attractive appearance: Many people who choose braces think they are unsightly pieces of metal on their teeth. In contrast, the main advantage of Invisalign is that they are effectively invisible. People hardly notice them.
- Remove anytime you want: A primary issue with traditional braces is that they are hard to clean. However, with Invisalign, you can remove them for cleaning whenever you want.
- More comfortable: Compared to braces, Invisalign trays exert gentler pressure, making them more comfortable.
Pros of Braces
- Patient compliance is 100 percent: Because braces cannot be removed, it ensures that they are going to stay in your mouth, ensuring maximum compliance.
- Address the roots: Traditional braces exert equal pressure on the entire tooth, including the roots. They push the tooth from top to bottom.
Advantages of Both
Cost
- Equivalent cost: Invisalign is comparable in pricing to braces.
- Coverage: Most dental insurance plans will cover both braces and Invisalign.
Cons of Braces
Of course, each solution also has some cons. We’ll start with the cons of braces.- Uncomfortable and hard to clean: For many people, the main con of braces is that they are not comfortable to wear. Wearers also find that little bits of food can get stuck between them, making them hard to clean.
- Unsightly: Even though they now come in different colors, the fact of the matter is that braces are still hunks of metal that sit on your teeth.
Cons of Invisalign
- Requirements to be effective: Patients must wear Invisalign for at least 22 hours every day. Unlike braces, you must remember to put them on every day, and each time you take them off.
- Removing: You must remove Invisalign while eating, which could be a hassle while eating out in public.
- Maintenance: You need to make sure to brush your teeth before putting Invisalign back on.