There are many reasons why you may want a perfectly straight smile. You may be tired of deleting the best photos from family trips because of that one insecurity. Perhaps it is just something you have always wanted to fix but have not gotten around to, or perhaps your child is at that high school age and wants them straightened before college…
There are many reasons why people want a straighter smile, but which method is best to use?
Braces tend to be the more traditional method of teeth straightening. Braces have come a long way. The more advanced world we now live in has abandoned orthodontic headgear in favour of various forms and types of teeth straightening equipment, including some that are barely visible! As a result, the more discrete they are, the more people will choose them!
The most recent invention is a method of teeth alignment that can be removed and is almost ‘invisible.’ Invisalign was developed in response to the unsightly appearance of braces.
So, which is better? Which option should you choose? Read the following guide to decide!
What is Invisalign?
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Invisalign is a treatment used to straighten teeth without the use of braces. It uses a series of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-made for each individual patient. These aligners are worn over the teeth and gently shift them into the correct position. Invisalign can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including crooked teeth, gapped teeth, and even underbites.
Benefits of Invisalign
– Invisalign is nearly invisible, so you can smile with confidence, eliminating any unsightly metal. The material used is transparent, therefore, this method is practically unnoticeable.
– Invisalign is comfortable and easy to wear – unlike braces, Invisalign has a smooth texture as opposed to a bumpy, rough metal texture.
– It is removable for eating and drinking, so you can avoid getting anything stuck in them.
– Invisalign is effective at treating a wide range of dental issues.
– You may feel more confident about your appearance whilst wearing them and after the process has ended.
– You can enjoy the convenience of treatment that doesn’t interfere with your lifestyle.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
– With Invisalign being the more aesthetic option, it tends to be expensive. This should be considered if you are on a budget.
– Invisalign may not be suitable for everybody. If a patient has severely crooked teeth, it does not work as well as other options due to the strength of the material.
What are Braces?
Typically, braces are a type of dental appliance that helps to correct teeth alignment. Braces are usually made of metal and are fitted to the teeth with wires and rubber bands. However, many people are unaware of the various types that are available. As well as standard metal braces, you can also opt for ceramic braces, which can be made clear so the only visible element, is the wire. You can also get linual braces, which are fixed to the back of your teeth as opposed to the front.
Benefits of Braces
– Braces can help fix crooked or misaligned teeth.
– It can help fix gaps between teeth.
– Braces can help make teeth less crooked over time.
– A very effective way to straighten teeth.
Cons of Braces
– It can be uncomfortable, particularly in the beginning, as your mouth is not used to having a lot of metal in it.
– They can be unsightly, particularly if they are not properly cared for.
– It can be expensive, depending on the type of braces used. If you opt for gold braces or ceramics, the cost can be higher.
– They can take time to work, depending on the severity of the tooth misalignment.
– If not properly cared for, they can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems.
Which Is Faster? Invisalign or Braces?
As the famous quote goes, “Good things take time.” With each option, time is going to be a factor that you will have to accept. The straightening of teeth will not happen overnight. The moving and restructuring of your teeth will take time. Therefore, both options will take a specific period of time, based on the alignment of your teeth.
However, the speed of the process can depend on how severe your alignment problem is. If it is minor, an Invisalign will do the job the quickest as there is not that much to change – it will give them the slight push they need on the way to greatness.
If your alignment problem is severe, the fastest option would be to use metal braces as they are stronger and are going to give them the bigger push that they need on the way to greatness.
If you are considering Invisalign or braces, it is important to visit a dentist who is experienced in using these types of dental devices. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to discuss your options with a qualified professional. Fulham Dentists are experts in Invisalign and braces, so you can be confident that you are making the best choice for your smile.
Which Is More Expensive? Invisalign or Braces?
Invisalign tends to be a bit more expensive than Braces in the UK and vice versa. It depends on which option you go for with both options!
The average cost of braces are around £2,500 while Invisalign typically costs around £1,500, but can also go up to as much as £5,500. There are a few reasons for the alternation of costs when it comes to both options:
– Firstly, braces are a more traditional treatment and have been used for decades, while Invisalign is a newer technology, meaning that braces may be more effective, but different versions of Invisalign are more expensive due to their new benefits.
– Secondly, braces require regular check-ups and adjustments from a dentist, while Invisalign does not, meaning that there is an extra cost for having checkups, but extra cost for having a method that does not interfere with your lifestyle.
Despite the cost, many people still prefer braces over Invisalign due to their durability and longstanding reputation.
So there you have it, Invisalign and braces are both great options for fixing tooth alignment. However, it is important to consult with a dentist to see which option is best for you.
Invisalign may be more expensive, but it does not require regular check-ups as braces do, you can remove them, and they look more aesthetically pleasing.
Braces are more traditional and can be quicker and more effective, but can be uncomfortable in the beginning and can interfere with your lifestyle. It ultimately depends on what you are looking for with your experience.
