Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign
If you have a crooked smile, choosing between Invisalign or traditional braces for your orthodontic treatment can be challenging. Patients often ask our team at iSmiles Orthodontics many questions about these two options. Each patient is unique, and the right option is determined by a number of factors such as the condition of their teeth, lifestyle, and preferences. Read on to compare the features of Invisalign and traditional braces in Irvine.
Appearance
For patients interested in a discreet treatment option that draws less attention to their mouths, Invisalign is the preferable option. Invisalign is created using a clear plastic material that is nearly imperceptible when worn. There are some options for traditional braces near you that use ceramics to be less conspicuous than metal braces, which you can speak to your orthodontist in Irvine about.
Treatment Cost
Traditional metal braces cost slightly less than Invisalign; however, insurance companies usually cover both options. Regardless, if cost is a factor when deciding which treatment is best for you, traditional braces take the win. When you visit iSmiles Orthodontics looking for orthodontic treatment, our orthodontist near you will provide you with a cost estimate of your desired treatment so that you can determine if the treatment is within your budget.
Duration of Treatment
Invisalign has proved to be very efficient, and its timeline for treatment is comparable to that of traditional metal braces. However, Invisalign treatment’s success depends on the user committing to wearing the aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day. Patients who tend to remove their aligners often will extend the length of their treatment considerably. In many cases, the treatment time with traditional metal braces is shorter because they are fixed to the teeth for 24 hours a day and cannot be removed at will.
By choosing Invisalign, patients can save time in other ways. When starting Invisalign treatment, patients will receive a series of aligner trays along with instructions on how to wear them and when to switch them out. This means that they will not have to visit iSmile Orthodontics frequently to get their brackets tightened and adjusted. Routine appointments will be required every six to eight weeks to monitor treatment progress, but these appointments tend to be quick. Additionally, there is no risk of damaging or breaking any brackets or wires.
Results
Both Invisalign and traditional braces are effective at straightening teeth and realigning bites. The results are usually satisfactory and appealing. However, in cases of complex orthodontic issues, our orthodontist may recommend traditional braces over Invisalign. While this may be a little disappointing for some patients, our orthodontist will always recommend the best option for optimal results.
The Bottom Line
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth and are trying to make up your mind on whether traditional braces or Invisalign are right for you, visit our orthodontic professionals at iSmiles Orthodontics. Our team will take the time to examine your situation thoroughly and ensure that we recommend the best orthodontic treatment option for your needs. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have and provide you with payment options to ensure you are comfortable proceeding with your chosen treatment. Please do not hesitate to contact us to book a consultation today! We can’t wait to start you on your journey to a smile you’ll love.
