Once you decide to straighten your teeth, your next choice is to decide between braces or Invisalign. Both orthodontic treatment options are effective when it comes to correcting bites and misalignments, but there are important differences between the two that need to be considered. Here are some factors to think about when you’re choosing between Invisalign or braces.
Braces Might Be Your Only Option
First, it’s important to ensure that Invisalign is a fit for your needs. For most patients, Invisalign is an excellent treatment option, but there are some complex orthodontic issues where braces are either the only solution or a better treatment option. When you come to our office for a consultation, we’ll examine your teeth and jaw and let you know if Invisalign is a solution for you.
If you have a complicated orthodontic case, we can provide you with a referral to a skilled orthodontist with discreet treatment options like clear braces, which have brackets that blend in with your teeth, or lingual braces, which are applied to the backs of your teeth.
Invisalign Is Better for Adult Patients
Before Invisalign became an option, many adult patients would forgo needed orthodontic treatment because they didn’t want to have to go out into the world wearing braces—especially if they needed to be wearing braces for years. You’ll never feel self-conscious with Invisalign, though, because your aligners are made with thin, clear plastic, so they’re virtually invisible. You’ll be able to go to boardroom meetings, class reunions, and other social events and show off your smile without embarrassment.
Invisalign Lets You Live Your Life
It’s hard to forget you’re wearing braces because you need to adapt your lifestyle to them. You’ll have a list of foods you can no longer eat; you’ll need to allow extra time to brush and floss your teeth morning and night. Regular orthodontist appointments are needed to adjust your arch wires and whenever a bracket breaks off or a wire shifts, you’ll have to make an emergency appointment to get it fixed.
Invisalign allows you to continue eating all of your favorite foods since you’ll remove your aligners whenever you eat. Brushing and flossing remains unchanged, so your oral hygiene will be better, and you’ll only need to check in with us every 4 weeks for brief appointments to make sure your teeth are still moving as planned.
Braces May Be Less Expensive
Comparing the cost of braces and Invisalign can be complicated. If you’re only considering discreet orthodontic solutions, Invisalign is typically less expensive than clear (ceramic) braces and lingual braces. If you’re also considering traditional metal braces, Invisalign is comparable in price—sometimes slightly more, and sometimes even slightly less. The exact cost depends on your orthodontic case and the orthodontist you’re seeing for your braces.
These days, most dental insurance plans that cover orthodontics also cover clear aligners, but you’ll be responsible for the difference in price between metal braces and Invisalign.
Learn More About Invisalign in Groton, CT
Do you have questions about Invisalign? Contact us today at 860-446-8744 to schedule a consultation at Bridgeworks Family Dental Center.