For years now, metal braces have been the only option to straighten teeth, but now many more treatments are available. Invisalign treatment is becoming more and more popular due to its less invasive nature and great results. This article will tell you everything you need to know about braces vs Invisalign, if you are considering straightening your teeth with Invisalign as an alternative to braces.

Orthodontic appointments

In comparison to traditional braces, you do not need to go in for many dental appointments with Invisalign as all the work is done beforehand. After visiting an Invisalign doctor, a 3D scan of your teeth is used to make all the customised retainers in a laboratory. You are given several sets of retainers at once and advised exactly when to change them. This means you do not have to take lots of time from work or school to visit your orthodontist frequently.

Treatment time

Treatment time for Invisalign is generally quicker than traditional braces. You have to wear your aligners for 22 to 24 hours a day and the whole treatment time lasts around 6 to 18 months. Braces usually last from 16 to 18 months, however, can be longer if the patient has complicated issues.

Cost

The price of Invisalign can vary a lot from patient to patient. Invisalign treatment can cost from £1,595 to £7,000, depending on the complexity of the issue. Speak to an Invisalign doctor to find out exactly how much the treatment would cost you.

Effectiveness

Invisalign is effective at treating overbites, underbites, overcrowding, spacing and crossbites. However, if you are suffering from very complex issues, Invisalign may not treat this effectively. You will need to first consult an Invisalign doctor who will be able to advise you on whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you.

See before and after pictures at https://www.whitesdental.co.uk/invisalign-before-after/

Appearance

One of the most popular advantages of Invisalign is that the retainers are virtually invisible. The treatment uses thin, clear plastic aligners. You will go through a number of different customised aligners, with each set straightening your teeth more until you reach the perfect smile.

Discomfort

Like traditional braces, Invisalign can cause pain and discomfort in the mouth as the teeth are moving. However, braces tend to cause other mouth and gum problems like cuts and ulcers from to the metal brackets rubbing against the inside of the cheek and tongue. With Invisalign being made out of smooth plastic aligners, you are unlikely to suffer from any of these issues.

Eating and drinking

Patients should remove their aligners when eating or drinking, which means you can still eat or drink as you would normally, unlike braces. With braces, there are certain foods you need to avoid or take extra care with. This includes food that requires biting into sticky, crunchy, and hard foods.

Brushing and flossing teeth

You also take your aligners out to brush and floss your teeth, meaning the process remains exactly the same. With braces, it can be more difficult to brush your teeth and floss with the brackets and wire in the way, and food particles can easily become trapped. You also are told to brush your teeth more frequently with braces, as if the teeth were stained while braces were fitted, you could be left with marks on the teeth where the brackets were attached. Due to this, orthodontics advise brushing straight after you eat or drink a non-clear drink which is not always so easy when you are out and about.

Visit an Invisalign doctor now to find out if Invisalign could be the right choice for you.