As we all know, realigning teeth to create a new, radiant smile is a long process and comes at a price. Traditional braces have been the traditional go-to orthodontic treatment for crooked, misaligned teeth, but recently, Invisalign has surged in popularity as a more aesthetic alternative. The question on everyone’s minds is, “Is invisalign cheaper than braces?”
While some may argue that braces are a more cost-effective option based solely on numbers, this blog will show how Invisalign aligners’ many advantages over traditional metal braces make them a superior choice and a worthy investment for those seeking a perfect smile.
Before we delve into the Invisalign vs. braces debate, let us first learn what orthodontics treatment really is.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental treatment that deals with diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malocclusions or misaligned teeth and jaws. It focuses on how teeth fit and function together in the mouth and how they interact with the rest of the body.
Malocclusions are common and can cause various problems, such as difficulty chewing or speaking, jaw pain, and gum disease.
Orthodontic treatment aims to improve the function, aesthetics, and overall health of the teeth and jaw by using various dental appliances, such as braces, aligners, and retainers. It requires extensive training and experience, as well as advanced technology and techniques.
Orthodontics has evolved significantly over the years and can now offer patients more efficient, comfortable, and personalised solutions than ever before. It is a valuable investment in oral health and can lead to a lifetime of smiles and confidence.
An Overview of Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontics primarily uses braces to realign teeth.
There are two main types of braces that are used to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth, and our skilled dentists decide which one is the best treatment option for you, depending on the severity of your malocclusion, your lifestyle, and individual preferences.
Traditional braces
Metal braces and ceramic braces have been used for many years and are well-known for their durability and reliability. They comprise metal brackets that are attached to the surface of your teeth with a special dental bond and have a metal wire that passes through them. The tension on this wire is adjusted in regular appointments with our skilled dentists to move crooked teeth into their desired position.
Invisalign braces
Invisalign braces are an orthodontic treatment that helps straighten and realign crooked teeth. Unlike braces made of metal or ceramic, Invisalign is made of clear, nearly invisible plastic aligners that fit onto your teeth. These clear aligners are designed to move your teeth into their desired position gradually.
Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces: A Comprehensive Comparison of Benefits
In the great braces vs. Invisalign treatment debate, some factors to take into consideration are:
Comfort
Invisalign clear trays are considered more comfortable to wear than metal braces. The trays are made of smooth, clear plastic material, which eliminates the presence of sharp or protruding metal wires and brackets that could cause discomfort and irritation in the mouth. This smooth surface reduces the likelihood of soft tissue injuries, such as cuts or ulcers, that can occur with traditional metal braces.
Allergic reactions
Metal braces are made from various metals, including nickel and chromium. These metals can cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to them, resulting in redness, swelling, and itching around the area where the braces are attached to the teeth.
In contrast, Invisalign is made from medical-grade plastic that is hypoallergenic. This means it does not contain substances that could cause an allergic reaction in patients. Its hypoallergenic material can provide peace of mind for individuals who require orthodontic treatment but are prone to allergies or have a history of metal sensitivities.
Convenience
If you need braces for straightening teeth, it may be worthwhile to note that Invisalign provides more convenience than braces.
The presence of fixed metal brackets and wires can make it difficult to bite and chew certain types of food. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods may need to be avoided completely or consumed with care to prevent damage to the braces or difficulty cleaning them afterwards.
On the other hand, Invisalign braces are removable, which means you can take them off at meal times. This enables you to enjoy your favourite foods without discomfort or inconvenience, and you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces, as debris can be cleaned before putting the aligners back on.
Maintenance
Metal braces require appointments with our dentists every four to six weeks to get them adjusted. This can be more time-consuming and cause interruptions in daily life.
In contrast, Invisalign requires less upkeep than traditional braces. With invisalign, you only need to visit our dental clinic every six to eight weeks to check the progress of the treatment and to get your next set of aligners. This is a much more convenient option if you have a busy schedule and can’t make frequent appointments.
Discretion
Invisalign offers a significant advantage over metal brackets in terms of discretion.
The clear plastic material used in Invisalign trays makes them virtually invisible when worn on the teeth. This allows you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to the fact that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. The discreet appearance of Invisalign aligners allows you to feel more confident and at ease while going about your daily activities and in social interactions.
In contrast, metal brackets and wires of traditional braces are easily noticeable and can be perceived as less aesthetically pleasing due to the “metal mouth” effect they give., especially if you are an adult undergoing treatment and feel they will affect your personal and professional life.
Treatment Times
While the treatment time for any orthodontic treatment is directly proportional to the severity of your dental problem, your age, and the desired outcome, Invisalign treatment generally has the edge over traditional braces.
The average time for Invisalign treatment to be effective is approximately 12 to 18 months, while traditional braces can take up to two years.
Thus, Invisalign can be a better option for individuals looking for a faster way to improve their smile.
Customisation
Another feature that sets Invisalign clear aligners apart from their metal counterparts is the level of customisation they offer. Invisalign braces are created specifically to meet your orthodontic needs and are tailored to fit your teeth’ unique shape, size, and spacing.
A customised digital treatment plan is created for you, taking detailed impressions of the teeth and creating 3D images to map out the course of the treatment.
On the other hand, traditional braces adhere to a one-size-fits-all model, which can result in discomfort and irritation for the wearer.
Better Oral Health
One major advantage of Invisalign is that it allows for easier and more thorough cleaning of teeth and gums.
With traditional braces, the brackets and wires can trap food and bacteria, making it difficult to properly clean teeth and gums, leading to dental decay, periodontal disease, and other dental health issues.
In contrast, Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes it easy to maintain good oral hygiene habits. You can easily take out your aligners to brush and floss normally, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Safety
Invisalign clear trays are a well-suited orthodontic treatment for if you are an athlete or a sportsperson. By eliminating the risk of discomfort or injury associated with metal braces, Invisalign allows you to fully engage in physical activities without the concern of metal and ceramic braces causing oral discomfort, irritation, or potential damage during intense movements or impacts.
This freedom of movement and reduced risk of injury make Invisalign an appealing choice for people who lead an active lifestyle but do not want to risk injury to the oral cavity due to metallic braces.
Speech
Traditional braces can cause a lisp or difficulty speaking due to the metal brackets and wires, especially lingual braces, which are attached to the back of teeth.
Invisalign clear trays are thin and non-intrusive and do not cause any speech problems, helping keep your speech clear.
So, Is Invisalign Cheaper Than Braces?
The final Invisalign cost could vary depending on the following:
- How much alignment your teeth need
- How many adjustments will need to be made
- How many aligners you will need
However, as a general rule, it is safe to say that traditional braces cost would be slightly lower than that of Invisalign.
The Invisalign Journey at My Local Dentists
My Local Dentists offer a four-phase Invisalign treatment process for teeth alignment.
- Phase 1: This involves an assessment by one of our experienced dentists to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. If severe malocclusion problems are identified, this treatment may not be your best option.
- Phase 2: Once you have been cleared for treatment, we move on to the planning stage. Our dentists will use a digital scanner to take accurate 3D scans of your teeth. This information is used to create a detailed treatment plan that maps out every stage of your tooth movement.
- Phase 3: This phase involves custom-making your Invisalign aligners. Once we have finalised your treatment plan, we will fabricate your aligners and deliver them to you. You must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours daily to ensure the best results.
- Phase 4: Finally, the switch stage involves regularly switching to the next set of Invisalign aligners on a pre-decided schedule. This gradual progression is crucial to properly aligning your teeth, as it ensures they move into the desired positions in the correct order.
At My Local Dentists, we are committed to providing our patients that wear braces with exceptional care and service. Our four-step Invisalign treatment process is designed to deliver exceptional results and give you the confidence to show off your beautiful, straight smile.
Affordable Invisalign Treatment at My Local Dentists: Your Smile, in Your Budget
At My Local Dentists, we offer various options to make Invisalign treatment affordable for our patients.
We start with a detailed assessment of your teeth and provide a comprehensive estimate to help you plan your treatment according to your budget.
Our friendly, caring, and empathetic staff will work with you to create a tailored, flexible payment plan that will help you achieve your dream smile without any financial burden.
Additionally, we accept leading dental insurance and health funds and accept SuperCare, allowing you to utilise your benefits to cover some or all costs of treatment.
Regardless of your financial situation, we want to ensure that you receive quality orthodontics dental care at an affordable price.
Why Choose My Local Dentists for Premier Invisalign Treatment in Sydney?
My Local Dentists in Sydney are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to all patients with a patient-centred approach.
We are committed to offering comprehensive treatments, modern facilities, and convenient appointments with extended trading hours, making us an ideal choice for your dental needs.
With five convenient locations across Sydney, we strive to deliver personalised dental care to our patients, making our clinic accessible to everyone. Our dentists are all graduates of Australian dental schools and meet monthly to ensure we continue to provide premium dental care to our patients.
Our clinics offer a variety of in-house treatments, including orthodontic services, which means no referrals are necessary. You can rest assured you will receive superior dental care from a dedicated professional team when you choose My Local Dentists in Sydney.
So what are you waiting for? Avail of our complimentary orthodontics consultation offer and get effective, affordable Invisalign treatment to make your dream smile a reality. Contact us on (02) 9000 1239 now!
Source Links
Braces: Types & How They Work
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24601-teeth-braces
Metal braces: Uses, costs, benefits, and more
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/metal-braces-uses-costs-benefits-and-more-2