The advancement in dental technology saw the introduction of new dental devices to improve the quality of treatment. One of the devices introduced to the cosmetic field of dentistry is Invisalign aligners, also called clear aligners. As the name suggests, clear aligners are transparent and almost invisible when worn. They are also removable, which has led to more people opting for them over traditional braces. But are Invisalign aligners better than braces? That’s a debate that has been going on for a while now. We will compare the two to help you decide which is the better option as we give our own verdict.

Invisalign vs. Braces

There are so many things to consider when comparing Invisalign with braces. How much do they vary in cost, performance, durability, comfort, appearance, and others? This has made choosing either of the two quite challenging, especially if you have no basic knowledge of dentistry. So first, let’s learn how both devices work.

Invisalign Aligners: These are new sets of aligners that have grown popular since their first introduction to dentistry. Invisalign aligners use clear, plastic trays customized per the patient’s needs to apply pressure to misaligned teeth until they finally move to their correct position. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners come in trays that have to be worn in different phases per the dentist’s instructions.

Traditional Braces: Traditional metal braces, as you’ve come to know them for their signature appearance, feature a metal frame that is attached to the outside of teeth to manipulate crooked or misaligned teeth to shift to their correct position. The braces are quite effective and also aid in reducing tooth gaps which can make your smile unattractive.

Invisalign vs. Braces: Comparison

Appearance

There is no debate that Invisalign looks better than braces. This is the main selling point of Invisalign aligners since they work similarly to braces. Clear aligners are virtually invisible, which has seen them steadily rise in popularity as a choice for adults and children. No one wants to be bullied or nicknamed for wearing traditional braces. You also don’t want to frown in photos to hide your braces. So get Invisalign in Watsonville, CA, if you are self-conscious of your smile’s appearance.

Comfort

You will feel mild to moderate discomfort the first time you wear your aligners, regardless of whether it’s braces or Invisalign. That being said, we can’t ignore that Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier for you to eat and clean your teeth and trays. Braces are also more uncomfortable to wear as the metal attachments can bruise your face and cheek walls when eating or talking, especially if newly fitted. So in terms of comfort, Invisalign is better than braces.

Durability

Invisalign aligners are made of dental-grade plastic, while traditional braces are made of metal. Although the plastic material in Invisalign is durable, it is not much for the metal used in traditional braces. In addition, braces can damage quite easily if not properly stored since they are removable. This makes braces the best option for children since they may try to take them off or fall face flat during playtime.

Cost

Improvement in dental technology has made Invisalign more affordable than before. Depending on your dental needs, the cost of getting Invisalign aligners may be slightly higher or even at par with braces. However, in most cases getting Invisalign aligners will cost more compared to traditional braces, so braces are more cost-effective.

Duration of Treatment With Invisalign vs. Braces

Time is an important thing to consider when doing any comparison. If you are concerned with the duration of treatment, you are better off choosing braces over Invisalign. However, it’s worth noting that your dentist’s skills, your body’s healing capabilities, and the nature of your dental problem will also determine how fast you recover after treatment.

Maintenance and Care of Invisalign vs. Braces

Another good reason to opt for Invisalign over traditional braces is care and maintenance. With traditional braces, you’ll have to go for regular dental checkups so your doctor can check on your progress and adjust your braces if necessary. This can be once per month or more until you make a full recovery and achieve a symmetrical smile. On the other hand, patients with Invisalign aligners can see their dentist every four to six weeks or even longer, depending on the dentist’s instructions.

Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?

Both aligners have their strengths and weaknesses. Invisalign aligners being removable can tempt patients to remove them unnecessarily, which may delay treatment. They are also more fragile than braces, so they are not suited for children. On the other hand, braces are uncomfortable to wear and look ugly but robust. In addition, braces are more suited for correcting major dental flaws that Invisalign may fail to treat. We recommend visiting a dental clinic in Watsonville for consultation. Your dentist will recommend the best option for your dental needs.

Conclusion

Invisalign and braces are both reliable options for patients looking to improve their smile. Unfortunately, you have to choose one, so we provided you with a detailed comparison of the two to aid you in making an informed decision. We recommend visiting Watsonville Family Dental for a consultation so they can assess your dental problem and help you pick the one best suited for your dental needs.