Should I Get Braces or Invisalign?

You want to straighten your teeth and get a beautiful and healthy smile, but you also aren't very thrilled about the idea of wearing metal braces for a couple of years. On the other hand, Invisalign sounds like a bit of a hassle, and aren't sure if you can keep up with all the maintenance. 

So, you are at an impasse: Should you get traditional braces or Invisalign? 

Read this article to find the pros and cons of both. 

Invisalign Pros and Cons 

Invisalign can offer some hard-to-resist benefits: 

• It's Discreet: Invisalign aligners are almost invisible. If you are too self-conscious about orthodontic treatment, then this option can provide a subtler way of straightening your teeth. 

• The Trays Are Removable: Invisalign aligners can be taken out during meals or for brushing your teeth. This makes the entire treatment a bit more comfortable. 

• The Trays Are Comfortable: With Invisalign, no sharp wires or brackets are poking your mouth and gums and causing sores and injuries. 

• Easier Oral Hygiene: The trays can be removed for brushing and flossing.

On the other hand, with Invisalign you also need to consider these drawbacks:

• You Need to Be Very Disciplined: You must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day for the treatment to be successful. 

• Cost: Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces.

• Not Everyone Is a Good Candidate: Invisalign can only treat mild and moderate misalignments. Complex orthodontic issues will require braces. 

Braces Pros and Cons 

Here's why you should consider braces: 

• Can Treat Even Complex Cases: Traditional braces can treat a wide range of dental misalignments, from mild to more severe ones. 

• Less Responsibility: You don't need to take them off every time you eat or something other than water and you don't need to remember to put them on after eating or brushing.

• More Affordable: Traditional braces are less expensive than Invisalign and can be a better option for those on a budget. 

However, traditional braces do have some cons: 

• More Visible: Although there are plenty of options nowadays, like tooth-colored ceramic braces, this orthodontic treatment is significantly more noticeable than Invisalign.

• Oral Hygiene Becomes Harder: Cleaning around the brackets and wires can be challenging.

• You'll Need to Mind Your Diet: Traditional braces come with some dietary restrictions too. You will need to avoid certain foods that can damage or get stuck in braces, such as gummies, corn on the cob, and so on. 

What Should You Choose? 

You will need to look objectively at a few important factors to answer this question: 

• Your Orthodontic Issues: Keep in mind that Invisalign can only treat mild to moderate cases. If your dental problem is more complex, braces may be the only way to go. 

• You Have Good Oral Hygiene Habits: Invisalign requires frequent teeth cleaning to ensure your teeth and the aligners remain clean. You need to have excellent oral hygiene to benefit from Invisalign. 

• You Are Disciplined: Invisalign must be taken off during meals, cleaned, stored carefully, and changed every couple of weeks. If you are not ready for this level of commitment, braces may be better for you. 

• Your Budget: Invisalign aligners can come at a hefty price. If you want to straighten your teeth but are on a budget, braces can help you correct your smile. 

If you need a professional to help you find the best treatment for your needs, don't hesitate to ask our Alexandria dentist from 320 Dental Studio. 

Schedule an appointment now and come in for a consultation and honest conversation.