Invisalign vs. Braces
Are you or your child ready to straighten teeth with orthodontic treatment? Unsure what to choose? Call Kenmore Dental today at (425) 485-0588 for a consultation!
Your smile is your greeting, signature, and thus, an essential aspect of your overall appearance. If you have crooked teeth, it can seriously affect the way others see you and the way you see yourself.
Orthodontic treatment plans focus on correcting misalignment and positioning your teeth where they should be, straight and smiling. To straighten teeth, orthodontic appliances such as braces or Invisalign clear aligners apply pressure to the teeth and move them back into position.
Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners are clear plastic trays custom-molded to fit your teeth. Based on 3-D imagery created during the initial stages of your Invisalign treatment, the lab creates multiple trays, each one slightly different in progression. As you progress from one tray to the next, your teeth will gradually move back into position until the last tray is done.
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and easily removable when eating food or brushing your teeth. However, the trays need careful cleaning to remove bacteria and food particles from the indentations, which could cause serious issues.
Fixed or Metal Braces
When we think of braces, fixed braces or metal braces are likely the images that spring to mind. There are several different kinds of metal braces, but they all share the same essential components:
- Brackets bonded to the teeth
- Thin wire connecting the brackets
With traditional braces, the metal brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth. A thin wire connects through the brackets, joining them together. Sticky or chewy foods can be troublesome for traditional braces.
Ceramic braces use ceramic or tooth-colored resin instead of unsightly metal brackets. Therefore, the result is less noticeable. They are a good alternative if you want minimally noticeable braces, but Invisalign is not an option for you.
Lingual braces are similar to traditional ones. However, the bonded brackets are affixed to the back of each tooth, where the wire is fed through. Lingual braces occasionally affect a patient’s speech temporarily and may even cause sores on the tongue.
Good oral hygiene is crucial when you have any fixed braces. Dentists recommend brushing and flossing and rinsing with mouthwash to prevent bacteria and particles from building on the teeth and brackets.
Comparing Invisalign vs. Braces
Which is faster, Invisalign or Braces?
Clear aligners straighten teeth faster than regular braces and require less time in the dentist’s chair. Shorter treatment time is especially true for less complex misalignments; however, it requires compliance with all treatment aspects.
Which is most effective, Invisalign vs. Braces?
For less complex tooth adjustment, Invisalign and metal braces are equally effective. However, for more complicated issues, fixed braces are often the better option. In both cases, orthodontic retainers are necessary after treatment to maintain teeth in their corrected positions.
Refinements
Any orthodontia cost depends on three factors: the complexity of your dental issues, plus the length and extent of the treatment. The longer the treatment is, the more costly it will be. However, metal braces are usually slightly less expensive than Invisalign aligners.
The choice between Invisalign and braces comes down to personal preference. Once you’ve considered the option, call Kenmore Dental at (425) 485-0588 to schedule a consultation. We can help you navigate the Invisalign vs. braces debate and choose the best orthodontic treatment for you or your child.
Choose Kenmore Dental For Invisalign Treatment in Kenmore, WA
If you are interested in Invisalign treatment to correct crooked teeth or other orthodontic issues affecting your smile, Kenmore Dental can help. As your premier Invisalign provider in Kenmore, WA, we can thoroughly evaluate your teeth and jaw and help you decide if Invisalign is the proper dental care for you.
Call Kenmore Dental at 425-485-0588 to learn more about our dental services, including Invisalign clear aligners. Schedule a consultation today.
