If you don’t have aligned and straight teeth, it can impact how you feel about your smile. Thankfully, orthodontic care can fix such concerns. A long time back, metal braces or traditional braces were the only options to correct your smile but not anymore. Today, we have options like Invisalign, which are just as effective. When you visit a dentist in San Diego, CA, they will explain everything in detail, but for your help, here is an overview of the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces.
Aesthetics
The most significant difference between Invisalign and traditional braces lies in the aesthetics. If you don’t want people noticing you are wearing braces to correct your smile, Invisalign is a better choice as it relies on clear, almost invisible plastic aligners. Metal braces consist of metal wires, which could be a concern, especially for those who go to work or have a busy life.
Effectiveness
There is no way that traditional braces cannot fix your orthodontic concerns. These are constantly in place, which means you are continuously benefiting from the treatment. In that context, traditional braces are more effective than clear trays, especially when your smile needs more attention. Because Invisalign trays are removable, patients don’t always adhere to the requirements, which may make it hard to achieve the results.
Convenience
Invisalign is a much better choice when it comes to convenience because you can remove the trays when eating and brushing, and therefore, it is much easier to care for your oral hygiene. On the contrary, traditional braces are not removable, which may make it hard to focus on blushing and flossing adequately. Only your dentist can remove them; therefore, you may have restrictions related to food.
Maintenance
You need to keep up caring for your gums and teeth, regardless of whether you are choosing Invisalign or braces. There are special brushes that you can use to remove food that’s stuck to the metalwork when using braces, while Invisalign trays can be cleaned as usual. Your dentist will share how you can care for your teeth and orthodontic appliances as per the treatment plan.
Costs
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign is more expensive, and depending on the number of trays required, you may have to pay more for the treatment. If you have insurance, the plan may cover some or all of the costs.
Talk to your dentist about Invisalign and traditional braces to know what may work best for you.