Interested in aligning your teeth for a beautiful smile? Good for you!
But between Invisalign and Braces, which one is the better option for you? Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve stacked up the two dental treatments side by side and have mentioned all the differences between them. Ultimately, you want to opt for a treatment that does the job, regardless of how high the cost might be. You don’t want to keep circling the dentist’s office, right?
Remember, always do your research and seek the help of your dentist to make an informed decision. Keep reading ahead to see whether Braces or Invisalign near you is right for you.
Traditional Invisalign Vs. Braces – The Basics
Invisalign and braces are both designed to correct the alignment of your teeth and provide you with a better smile. While braces have been around for ages, Invisalign is a relatively new concept in dentistry.
Traditional Braces are made out of metal or ceramic. They are glued to the outside of your teeth or inside for lingual braces while tied together using rubber bands and wires. You can also opt for brackets that match your tooth color or go for colorful options to make a fashion statement.
Invisalign, on the other hand, uses transparent, BPA-free plastic aligner trays. Your dentist will customize the aligners for every patient using 3D scan technology.
Invisalign Vs. Braces In Denver: Which Works Better?
Appearance
Easily the major difference between the two is appearance. And as evident by its name – Clear braces – Invisalign comes out on top in this category.
Invisalign is constructed from transparent plastic material and is virtually invisible. Comparatively, braces are metal/ceramic and are typically quite noticeable. Kids are usually enthusiastic about picking colorful bands for their braces.
However, we’ve noticed in our practice that kids and adults alike prefer more discreet options, i.e., Invisalign. So, if you want to align their teeth discreetly, Invisalign is the way to go.
Cost
For patients concerned about the cost of the treatment, traditional braces are typically the more affordable option. As far as Invisalign goes, the price depends on the number of trays used. In turn, the number of trays required depends on how severe your case is.
Whether you opt for Invisalign or dental braces near you, you can consult your dentist for a quote before deciding on any treatment. You’ll be glad to know that we offer several dental membership plans that provide a 25% discount on different dental treatments, including Invisalign.
Comfort
Truth be told, straightening your teeth is never a comfortable experience. Whether you opt for Invisalign or traditional braces, shifting your teeth’s alignment is a painful process.
That being said, Invisalign can be the better option in terms of overall well-being. Invisalign induces less pressure, and there are fewer incidents of gum and mouth problems.
Metal braces tend to have sharp edges that can cause cuts in your mouth. Moreover, they can be a safety risk in athletic children in cases of accidental contact.
Treatment Duration
How long you use Invisalign and braces depends on the original condition of your teeth rather than the type of tool you go for.
For mild cases – straightening only a few front teeth – requires short treatment plans( Six months or less) with Invisalign. For complex issues, the treatment length is longer, typically a year or two.
Effectiveness
When it comes to the degree of effectiveness, braces are always a superior option. And here’s why.
Braces are non-removable. You have to wear them 24/7 and can only remove them in a dental setting. As opposed to braces, Invisalign trays are removable. Patients don’t typically comply with the recommended amount of use and often misplace or forget to use them altogether. Hence, your teeth will shift back to their original position. And the total time for the treatment completion will increase as well.
Braces are also more beneficial where tooth crowding and impactions are severe. You can book a free consultation with a dentist near you in Denver to see which dental treatment is a better fit for you.
No. of Appointments
Patients opting for conventional braces should expect to spend a substantial amount of time at the orthodontist’s office. You will need to drop by at the clinic every month because adjustments are required throughout the treatment. Moreover, emergencies, such as poking wires, often occur with the traditional braces. So it’s best to have an emergency dentist in Denver on your speed dial.
With Invisalign, patients are typically required to come back for a quick check-up every six to eight weeks. Additionally, they will also have to change their aligners every seven to ten days.
Invisalign Vs. Braces: The Breakdown Chart
| Invisalign (removable) | Conventional Braces (non-removable) | |
| Aesthetics | Virtually invisible | Noticeable |
| Cost | Higher baseline cost | More affordable |
| Treatment Time | 6 to 18 months | 24 months |
| Effectiveness | Suitable for mild to moderate cases only | Suitable for all types of cases, including severe cases |
| No. Of Appointments | Change aligner trays every 7 to 10 days, visit a clinic every 6 to 8 weeks | Visit clinic every month |
| Food Limitations | Remove aligners while eating; no diet modification is needed | Avoid hard, sticky food |
| Care & Cleaning | Change aligners every 7 to 10 days, brush & rinse trays with lukewarm water | Regular cleaning with brush and floss, professional cleaning needed |
| Comfort Level | Less pressure on teeth, more comfortable | Painful, poking wires can cut inside of cheeks |
| Patient Compliance | Depends on regular wear for 22-24 hours/daily | Excellent compliance is needed with the maintenance of oral hygiene |
No Matter The Treatment, Finding A Good Dentist Is Half The Battle
The truth of the matter is that choosing between Invisalign vs. Braces all comes down to personal preferences. Both the treatments are excellent for teeth alignment and helping you gain your confidence back with a beautiful, vibrant smile.
But remember, no matter the treatment you choose, finding the right dentist to do the job is incredibly crucial. And we say with confidence that our Dental & Implant Center in Denver will not disappoint. We provide a free consultation where our specialist will discuss your diagnosis and tailor a treatment option right for your needs.
Together, we will start the journey of helping you achieve your dream smile.
Call us today at (720) 740-0696 to book a free consultation with us or drop by in person at our Dental and Implant Clinic in Denver. You can also visit any one of our other branches located in Boulder and Broomfield.
