Every year around 64% of adults visit a dentist; from that number, around 1.5 million people seek orthodontist help. The great news is that lately numbers of adults that decide to wear braces are on the rise.
Finally, people started to value having straight teeth and a pretty smile more than ever, but not just from the aesthetic point of view; having straight teeth improves functionality and overall dental health.
Nothing can do magic for your teeth as much as wearing corrective appliances like braces and clear aligners.
There’s been a new trend in dental health, and I am sure you all heard about Invisalign. So, are you thinking about getting traditional braces, or you might opt for Invisalign? If so, you are probably wondering which one will cost you more.
Today I will compare braces and Invisalign and talk about their prices to help you make a decision easier. Let’s start!
Traditional Braces
People see this corrective appliance only as a messy metal bracket full of rubber bands and wires, so there is no surprise why most adult people avoid correcting their smiles since wearing one of these in the workplace does not seem professional.
Anyhow, metal braces are great for correcting severe cases of misplaced teeth, well also the only proper option for correcting the misalignment. Metal brackets are glued to your teeth and tied together by wires and rubber bands. Getting braces on takes around 2 hours, and you will experience some jaw discomfort afterward.
Almost a decade ago, the appearance of braces was simple, and there is not much to choose from. Now, braces come with colored brackets and rubber bands; they can even be clear to blend in with your teeth.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a different type of dental aligner that functions the same way. The main differences are that they’re designed to be invisible, they are removable, and that they are not suitable for severe misaligning since they do not use the same force as metal braces, so the result might not be satisfactory.
Invisalign is a clear aligner tray that is molded to your unique jaw imprint. The trays are made from solid plastic that is worn over your teeth like a mouthguard. Trays apply subtle pressure on your teeth and move them in the right direction.
Invisalign braces must be removed prior to eating, and you must make sure you wear them at least 22 hours a day.
Braces vs. Invisalign
Both corrective appliances function the same with different forces. However, they still have different pros and cons.
Pros of traditional braces:
· Help you to address complex dental issues
· Available in different designs and colors
· Braces are fixed; due to that, they can ensure greater success for less self-disciplined patients
· Cost less
Cons of dental braces:
· Wearing braces means you will have a mouth full of metal brackets and wires for some time
· Braces must be worn approximately two years
· The brackets and metal wirings may cause sores, pain, or discomfort for some patients
· The fixed dental braces make eating, regular brushing, and flossing difficult.
· Certain foods have to be completely avoided when wearing braces
· Braces may cause discoloration on teeth as the brackets and wires prevent even brushing and flossing
Pros of Invisalign:
· Clear and almost invisible aligners encourage patients of all ages to choose this treatment over metal braces
· Clear aligners can be removed while eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth, providing better oral health
· No risk of staining and discoloration where your brush can’t reach
· Invisalign provides quicker results compared to braces; you can achieve the same result in 6 to 18 months
· Invisalign makes minimal changes in your daily routine
Cons of Invisalign:
· Not suitable for people with more complex misalignment issues
· People with back tooth bite issues and bridgework are not suitable candidates for Invisalign
· You have to remember to wear it for at least 22 hours a day to get the desired results
· Since they are removable, they can be easily misplaced
· Pricey
Average Cost Of Braces vs. Invisalign
Traditional braces are usually more affordable than Invisalign. While the cost of Invisalign is covered by more and more insurance companies, you’re still more likely to have better insurance coverage for metal braces.
The average cost to get Invisalign is between $3,000 and $ 5,000, while traditional braces run an average price of $1,800 to $5,500. Remember that only your orthodontist can determine what the cost of treatment will be since other factors affect the price also.
If your oral health requires more work, the cost will naturally be higher. If you have an overbite, it takes longer to move your teeth into the desired position, so the cost will rise. Also, the average dental prices in your city and how much your insurance plan will cover will affect your wallet as well.
