It’s a topic that everyone in the dentistry and oral health world is familiar with, the age-old debate of Invisalign vs braces. Both of these are orthodontic treatments used for teeth straightening and dentists get asked about them all the time. So, what really is the difference between Invisalign and braces? Do they have the same results? Is Invisalign better than braces? To clarify these common questions, let’s have a look at where these treatments differ.
1. Invisalign Is A Brand, Braces Are A Device
Invisalign, invisaligners or even just ‘aligners’ are all different ways to refer to the orthodontic treatment of wearing aligners to straighten and adjust teeth. Developed in the 1990s, Invisalign is actually one of the oldest and most well-known brands of aligners. This is why many people know them by the brand name.
Traditional braces made from metal or ceramic have been used in dentistry longer by decades. There are a lot of different brands of braces but they are all commonly referred to as just ‘braces’.
2. Invisalign Is Removable, Braces Are Not
While braces are fixed over your teeth and can only be removed by a dentist, Invisalign aligners are worn by the patient. They can easily be taken on and off for eating or brushing your teeth. Most patients find them to be more comfortable than braces because they are removable and are worn over the teeth, there are no sharp edges like with braces.
3. Invisalign Is Usually Quicker Than Braces
The average Invisalign treatment plan is usually around 12 months for patients. Braces, on the other hand, have an average treatment period between 18 – 24 months.
There are a number of reasons why Invisalign has quicker results for patients. It is partly because Invisalign patients generally only have minor or mild cases of misalignment which don’t require as much movement as severe cases. Invisalign aligners are also adjusted every two weeks or so, which is more frequent than braces.
4. Braces Can Correct Severe Cases, Invisalign Cannot
While Invisalign can be used to treat a wide range of misalignment issues, it is only suitable for mild cases. For patients with severe cases of misalignment such as severely crooked teeth or bigger gaps, different orthodontic treatments such as metal braces are recommended.
5. Is Invisalign Cheaper Than Braces?
The cost of traditional braces can vary on a case-by-case basis, as does the cost of Invisalign so it is not always straightforward to compare the costs. In general, metal braces are slightly cheaper than Invisalign treatment in Mount Waverley but the difference truly depends on the patient’s needs and personal care plan.
Learn More: Invisalign and Braces in Mount Waverley
Whether you are interested in more information about Invisalign and braces, or are personally exploring your teeth straightening options, contact our experienced Mount Waverley team at Dentists @ 330 today.
Our dentists in Mount Waverley offer a range of orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages including Invisalign, Braces and Inman Aligners. Through consultation, we’ll be able to assess your condition and support you in choosing the best orthodontic treatment to meet your teeth straightening needs.
