Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Option is Right for You?
The decision to undergo orthodontic treatment is an important one, and it’s crucial that you review all of your options thoroughly before committing in a treatment plan. Many of our patients come to our Spring, Texas practice specifically for Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, but in some cases metal braces are still the best option. Learn more about the benefits of Invisalign compared to braces, and if you have questions that aren’t answered here, contact Dr. Maisa M. Idriss and our team in Spring, Texas for a free consultation.
Appearance
For most of our Spring, Texas patients, the greatest benefit of Invisalign over traditional metal braces is the fact that Invisalign is practically invisible to the casual observer. The goal of orthodontic treatment for many patients is to improve the appearance of their smile, so glaring metal braces are a turn-off, especially for our adult patients. The aligners are custom crafted from transparent plastic to fit your unique teeth very closely, so there is no bulge and no gapping. What’s more, the aligners can be removed for social situations or special events.
Comfort
The clear plastic aligners that come with the Invisalign and Invisalign Teen systems are very thin and smooth, so they don’t irritate the gums and the inside of the mouth the way sharp metal braces can. Braces also need to be regularly tightened and have bands twisted onto them, which can cause pain and soreness. Invisalign patients may feel a little discomfort when they switch to a new aligner, causing their teeth to shift, but it goes away quickly and is typically much more comfortable than metal braces.
Length of Treatment
Orthodontic treatment with braces can take several years, but straightening your smile with Invisalign can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time. For patients who need only minor correction, Invisalign Express 5 is a good option: they can achieve the smile of their dreams in mere months. Furthermore, braces require many office visits when they need to be tightened and adjusted, while Invisalign patients are able to switch to new aligners at home and on their own schedule.
Hygiene
With Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, it’s much easier to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Braces require meticulous cleaning, and even then there is still the possibility for food to get stuck in them. The plastic Invisalign aligners are easily removed for cleaning, and this makes brushing and flossing much easier and more effective. Also, since Invisalign patients remove their aligners before eating, there is less chance that food will get stuck between the teeth.
Cost
Many of our patients are concerned that Invisalign from our Spring, Texas office will cost much more than traditional braces, and this is not always the case. In truth, Invisalign costs are often comparable to the cost of metal braces. Sometimes Invisalign can even be more affordable than braces, depending on the scope of treatment and the number of office visits needed to tighten and adjust braces. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign costs and financing, contact us today: we offer a number of payment options that can help Invisalign fit into any budget.
Convenience
Many of our Spring, Texas patients find that Invisalign is far more convenient than traditional metal braces. With Invisalign, patients don’t need to make as many visits to our office as wearers of braces would, because patients can switch to their next aligner at home and at their convenience. Also, wearers of metal braces need to be restricted from eating certain foods, but since Invisalign aligners are removed before meals, our patients don’t need to adhere to any special dietary regulations. With Invisalign aligners, oral hygiene is very convenient as the aligners are removed before brushing or flossing. People who wear metal braces often complain that it is difficult and time-consuming to get their teeth thoroughly clean.
Contact an Invisalign Provider in Spring, Texas
The first factor to consider when deciding whether Invisalign or braces are best for you is to determine whether you are a strong Invisalign candidate. Invisalign aligners are wonderful for fixing minimally or moderately crooked teeth and fixing gaps in your smile, but if you have extreme misalignment or severe bite issues, braces may be the more effective option for you. To learn whether you are a suitable Invisalign candidate, contact our Spring, Texas office to schedule an in-depth and free Invisalign consultation with Dr. Maisa M. Idriss. At The Smile Designer we can help you weigh your options and make an informed decision about the orthodontic treatment option that is best for you.
The Smile Designer