Do you have crowded or uneven teeth? Perhaps you are suffering from an overbite and want to correct the problem. There are a couple of options available to help create the perfect smile, the two most popular being Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces. If you are looking to correct common malocclusion issues or other teeth issues, our skilled orthodontist can help. Straightening your teeth not only will help create a beautiful smile, but it can also promote positive oral health at the same time.
How To Know What Is Best For You
There are two main methods dentists use to straighten teeth; Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces. They are both effective ways to treat many tooth misalignment concerns such as crooked teeth, overbites, and jaw misalignments. There are some differences between Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces that can affect the outcome of a person’s treatment. In addition to the differences, certain treatments may be more effective in specific oral conditions than others. Clear aligners are BPA-free plastic trays that fit over your teeth while traditional braces are metal brackets physically glued to your enamel. There are advantages and disadvantages of each to consider that will help you choose which type of treatment is best for your situation.
Everything You Need To Know About Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners are fitted in the office, but the trays are worn independently at home. There are also some off-brand clear aligners that can be ordered online without the need to visit a dentist in person. Invisalign and clear aligners are great ways to treat crooked teeth and other forms of dental malocclusion. Invisalign is just as effective as traditional braces but it is important that patients wear their aligner trays for at least 22 hours a day in order to see results.
Invisalign and clear aligners are effective treatment options for most people who suffer from minor misalignments. They are not effective for everyone, however. Some patients who may not be good candidates for Invisalign or clear aligners are;
- People who grind their teeth.
- Those who wear partial dentures or bridges.
- People who require premolar or canine rotations
- Those who require vertical tooth correction
- Anyone who may have trouble wearing trays for more than 22 hours daily.
Clear aligners and Invisalign have clean aesthetics which makes them a popular choice for people of all ages. The trays are made of clear plastic molded to fit each tooth which makes them extremely hard to see with the naked eye. For pictures and meals, they can also be removed which is another reason that many people prefer clear aligners and Invisalign treatments over traditional braces.
How Much Do Invisalign and Clear Aligners Cost?
Just like with regular braces, the complexity of treatment will play a big role in the final cost of Invisalign and clear aligner treatments. Where you seek treatment and the brand of aligner trays you choose will also play a part in the final cost. . Candid Co. clear aligners have a single rate of $2,400, while Candid Co. has a fixed rate of $1895 for their clear aligner treatment plans. Invisalign treatments are provided in-office only and will range from $3,000 to $8,000. Byte brand clear aligners have a smaller range which falls between $1895 and $2245 for their entire treatment.
Treatment, Follow-up, & Maintenance for Clean Aligners
Invisalign and other clear aligner orthodontic treatments usually take between one year and 18 months for full treatment to be completed. Easier corrections will take less time while more complex corrections will more time in order to be effective. These time frames are based on the patient wearing the aligner trays for a minimum of 22 hours each day. Follow-up appointments are completed every two months. During these appointments, the dentist will evaluate the progress of the correction and provide the patient with a new set of aligner trays.
Cleaning Invisalign trays and clear aligners is simple. The trays can be brushed with toothpaste and then rinsed in warm water. A patient’s natural teeth should be cleaned and flossed after every meal and before wearing the aligner trays.
Everything You Need To Know About Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are made from a combination of metal braces applied to the enamel paired with wires to pull the teeth into alignment. They are applied and aligned in the office. The glue used to attach them to the teeth is semi-permanent but won’t damage the surface of the tooth. The metal bracket is applied to each tooth and will remain in place until treatment completion. Adjustments to the wires will be made over time and in some cases, the wires may require replacement.
Traditional braces are able to effectively correct most types of teeth misalignments. You can have braces placed on all of your teeth, or simply a few that need correction. In ideal cases, braces will be used during adolescence when the bones in the mouth are still malleable. Adults are still able to utilize traditional braces effectively, however, the treatment may take longer to be effective. Although regular braces are suitable for most people, they are not the most preferred option for patients who are active in contact sports.
How Much Do Traditional Braces Cost?
Traditional braces are customized to each patient and in-office care and adjustments The cost will largely depend on how much work needs to be done, the individual dentist charges, and the level of difficulty of the teeth correction. That being said you can expect the cost of traditional braces to fall somewhere between $1,800 and $5,500. This cost also includes which includes emergency visits and office visit charges.
Treatment, Follow-up, & Maintenance for Braces
Correction with regular braces will take between 18 and 36 months for most patients. Depending on the complexity of correction required, this time may be briefer or longer. Follow-up appointments in the dental office are required every six weeks. During each visit, the orthodontist will assess the progress of the treatments and make adjustments to the wires as needed. If there has been any damage to the braces or wires, it will be fixed during these visits as well.
Cleaning traditional braces requires a bit more effort than cleaning your regular teeth. After each meal, it is critical that you brush your teeth to prevent cavities and also to prevent food from getting stuck under the wires or around the brace brackets. Any food stuck under the braces may lead to stains or worse. Most dentist will provide their patients with a customized cleaning tool that helps to clear food and debris from under and around the braces.
Overall Patient Comfort – Invisalign, Clear Aligners vs Traditional Braces
Invisalign and other clear aligners trays have a moderately lower level of discomfort than traditional braces. Both forms of teeth correction will trigger pressure, discomfort, and mild pain as the teeth are moved from their current placement and pushed into a new alignment. With braces, patients frequently suffer from gum and cheek irritation in addition to periodic cuts in their mouths from the metal. Invisalign has a smooth plastic surface which prevents this type of oral trauma. If you are interested in upgrading your smile by straitening your teeth, (company) can help. Give us a call today to find out more.