Gaps in teeth, crowded teeth, or misaligned teeth can cause functional and cosmetic problems for dental patients. On the one hand, some kids, teens, and adults are a little embarrassed by crooked teeth or significant gaps in their smiles. On the other hand, misalignment can lead to issues with your bite alignment that can lead to jaw pain and damage to your teeth. For this reason, orthodontic solutions straddle a line between cosmetic and general dentistry. That said, there are a few choices to make when approaching orthodontic care. For example, should you get traditional metal braces or Invisalign retainers? Here at Dental Town in Chicago, many of our offices provide Invisalign aligners for patients looking to straighten their smiles.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Which is Faster?
Invisalign braces and traditional braces’ timelines will be dependent on what you need to straighten your teeth. Generally speaking, smaller fixes will take less time than others. In fact, in some cases, if you have a complex orthodontic issue, Invisalign aligners may not be right for you in the first place. That said, Invisalign tends to take less time with one big asterisk. Invisalign takes less time if done correctly. The biggest reason Invisalign aligners can take longer than traditional braces is that they can be removed. If a patient doesn’t follow their dentist’s instructions and wears their Invisalign for less time than the recommended 22 hours per day, they will likely prolong the time it takes to straighten their teeth. For this reason, some parents are concerned about using aligners for their teens as their teens might take them out for the entirety of the school day.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Cost & Insurance?
Another thing to consider is the cost of getting Invisalign vs traditional braces. Typically, Invisalign is going to be more expensive than traditional metal braces. This is because you will get many different pairs of aligners during your treatment. Every two weeks or so, a lab will create new aligners fitted to your teeth that exist as a transition point between the beginning of your orthodontic treatment and the completed treatment. By contrast, you keep the same braces for the entire treatment with adjustments made by an orthodontist at regular intervals. Insurance varies from plan to plan. Some insurance options cover any recommended orthodontist treatment to a certain percentage or to a certain fixed amount while others only cover specific procedures.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Diet & Lifestyle
One of the key benefits of Invisalign is that they provide a better treatment experience. Traditional braces affect your lifestyle in significant ways. You will likely have to alter your diet and it will be harder to brush and floss. As dentists, one thing we see constantly is teens who either do not floss effectively or fully give up on flossing because of the metal wires in the way. This can lead to gum disease and cavities. This is especially true since the wires create another crevice for food and bacteria to get stuck. By contrast, Invisalign aligners make it much easier to enjoy your regular diet and take care of your teeth. This is one reason many adults who had braces as a kid opt for aligners as an adult.