For most adults, the ideal beautiful smile is a set of pearly white, straight, well-aligned teeth. While many wish for straighter teeth, the thought of wearing traditional braces has kept many adults from going through the straightening process. Thanks to modern technologies, Invisalign now offers options for straightening teeth that eliminate many of the unlikeable features connected with traditional metal braces. With Invisalign, both adults and teens can enjoy straighter teeth with fewer drawbacks. In fact, creating an ideal, beautiful smile has never been easier than it is today!.
Invisalign Vs Braces – Which Is Right For You
Deciding whether Invisalign is the right option for you in comparison with traditional braces is a very personal decision. The Invisalign system is made up of a series of clear plastic aligners, fitting snugly over teeth to gently move them into the corrected position, and these ‘invisible’ braces are barely visible to others. In contrast, metal braces perform the same function and have a similar final result; but during the process, they create a very obvious and for some, unwanted change, in facial appearance. Teens are more comfortable with this ‘appearance’ issue since many of their friends are also wearing braces. However adults are typically more apprehensive about wearing them because of personal and professional concerns.
A few questions we frequently hear from our dental patients:
Is Invisalign faster than traditional braces?
Is Invisalign less expensive than traditional braces?
The answer to both of those questions is, probably not. The average cost for teeth straightening with either type of aligners can range from $5,000 – $7,000 approximately. So why do many adults choose Invisalign? It’s the most popular choice because of the advantages in how they work, feel and keep you looking your best throughout the entire process:
Invisalign
Clear aligners are virtually invisible to everyone
Smooth plastic for comfortable daily wear
Aligners are removable for easy cleaning, brushing and flossing
Eat whatever you want without worry of food debris stuck in your braces
Braces
Requires brackets and wires, visible to all
Wires can irritate, poke, cause pain and sores in the mouth
Brushing and flossing require more effort, time and patience
Many food restrictions due to contact with the metal structure of braces
Advantages of Invisalign
The biggest advantage for Invisalign is the ‘invisibility’ of the aligners. For many, the concern of straightening a couple of crooked teeth is not justification enough to wear a full set of metal braces. But with Invisalign, you can correct the concern in as little as 6 to12 months and not have to deal with metal in your month for months on end. A large number of patients who choose Invisalign are “ortho-relapse” cases where the adult had braces as a teen, but didn’t wear retainers as prescribed, and now have several teeth crowded in the front again. Invisalign takes care of those concerns and more.
More key benefits of using Invisalign:
Consists of smooth plastic instead of sharp metal so it is least likely to irritate your cheeks, gums or cause pain and distract you from work responsibilities
You may remove the invisible device when you want or feel like you need to go without it for a short break
Since you can remove them, it allows you to brush and floss your teeth normally for better periodontal health
Normally, you will only need to visit the office only every four to six weeks, saving you time and appointment costs
Invisalign will work on teenagers also, but compliance is the limiting factor. If the aligners cause some discomfort, teens are more likely to take them out since they are removable. And as many moms and dads know all too well, teenagers are not dutiful in many situations.
Let’s be clear, Invisalign can achieve the same results as traditional braces in most cases. There are obviously differing degrees of crooked teeth and the right treatment may call for one device over the other. Knowing the pros and cons of each option ahead of time will help you make a more confident decision.
While the results may appear the same – a beautiful smile – only Invisalign offers the level of comfort, convenience and confidence you need as an adult. That’s why many of our patients go with the Invisalign process. Like them, you’ll appreciate the modern approach to treatment and how minimally it impacts day-to-day living, but has a significant positive impact on how you look and feel about yourself.
To set up a consultation with Dr. Offenback, please call 407-869-7333.