Traditional Vs. Invisible Braces – Which is best?
If you are looking to straighten your teeth, you might look to make the best out of your treatment plan. Getting braces can be challenging. You might be asking so many questions to yourself like – should I opt for traditional or invisible braces? Which option will be most effective and provide value for the cost? That is why, we’ve composed a list of things, so that you get some idea on what treatment option is good for you. Straightening your teeth, give you more than just a stunning smile. They are easy to clean, helps you keep off cavities, corrects the bite issues and aligns your teeth and jaw.
Table of Contents
Difference between Traditional and Invisible braces
Both the traditional and invisible braces work to give the similar result of straightened teeth. So, what makes them different? The major difference lies within the process of how they straighten the teeth. The traditional braces are made of metal brackets and are glued on to the enamel of the tooth. These metal braces are connected with wires between the brackets to shape the teeth. While the Invisible braces allow the patients to have their braces discretely, yes, they are invisible. The invisible braces are a 3D image of your teeth, shaped to fit the aligner trays.
Traditional or Invisible braces – Which is the best?
Treatment Time – Since the traditional metal braces are fixed, the treatment time is often much quicker in the clear correct aligners. The expected treatment time for metal braces is typically about 2 years in most patients, whereas it is up to 18 months with invisible braces. But the treatment time solely depends on the complexity of the patient.
Cost – Though the price for the treatment varies from patient to patient, the invisible braces cost is usually higher than the traditional metal braces, as the invisible braces are customised for every user based on length, type and the duration of the treatment.
Cleaning – It is complex to clean the metal braces, as it requires a systematic approach. This is because, if any food gets stuck between the brackets, it is sure to create a rotten smell. While with the invisible trays, cleaning is easy. All you have to do is, follow a regular brushing pattern and rinse the trays in warm water.
Follow up visits – For the metal braces, you should be visiting your orthodontist every month, where you will be examined on how your teeth are shifting, and the wires will be adjusted accordingly. But for the invisible braces, you will have to change the trays every two weeks.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if you want metal or invisible braces, as each patient’s preferences and requirements are unique and very special!