07 Mar Braces or Invisalign: What’s Right for You?
Everyone notices a beautiful smile. In fact, in a survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry, 96% of respondents said a smile is an important factor in a person’s appearance. But when it comes to getting that beautiful smile, which is better – braces or Invisalign?
There are several factors to consider when choosing between braces or Invisalign, so let’s look at how each one of the following considerations factors into your decision.
Braces or Invisalign – Appearance
Probably the most significant factor you might consider when choosing between braces or Invisalign is your appearance. When considering this factor, Invisalign wins hands-down every time. They make Invisalign trays of clear plastic, making them nearly invisible, as the name suggests.
Braces, on the other hand, are metal and much more noticeable. Still, it’s now possible to choose braces made from differently colored bands, which can be fun for some people, particularly children.
Braces or Invisalign – Price
Another big consideration is price. Pricewise, it’s likely that traditional braces will be the less expensive option. They usually cost somewhere between $2,500 and $8,000, depending on the exact treatment the patient needs.
Invisalign typically costs a little bit more. Again, it depends on the severity of the changes you need and the number of trays to accomplish the necessary realignment, but Invisalign costs between $3,500 and $8,000.
If cost is a significant factor for you, talk with your orthodontist since many will offer more affordable payment plans. If you have dental insurance, you can check if your policy covers some or all of the cost of braces or Invisalign.
Braces or Invisalign – Effectiveness
Another critical factor when choosing between braces or Invisalign is the effectiveness of the treatment. You don’t want to pay a lot of money only to have your teeth end up in the same position as before the treatment.
Of course, traditional braces have been used very effectively for many years, but the patient cannot remove them. They have to wear them all day, every day. This is where Invisalign is more challenging.
The Invisalign trays can be removed, so patients may not wear them as recommended. If they don’t, the treatment won’t be as effective, or it may take longer to achieve the desired results. It is also true that there are some cases of severely misaligned teeth that Invisalign can’t treat, particularly if they are rotated or if they overlap other teeth.
Final Thoughts
It can be difficult to choose between traditional braces or Invisalign. While Invisalign is more appealing because the trays have a much less noticeable effect on your appearance, the severity of your misalignment may mean you need traditional braces to correct the problem.
Additionally, Invisalign trays can cost more though your dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost. At Aesthetic Dental Partners in San Antonio, TX, we’re happy to discuss all of this with you and answer all of your questions about which is better for you. Give us a call today!
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