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Invisalign vs Braces, Which is Better for Me?

Invisalign-or-Braces You have no choice of whether you are born with straight teeth. It’s a matter of genetics, and science is not advanced enough to control the genes that control your smile.

Luckily, there is a choice when it comes to correcting misshapen teeth. There are two options – standard metal braces with brackets and rubber bands, or Invisalign, which includes a series of plastic aligner trays prepared to gradually shift teeth into place.

But, when comparing Invisalign vs braces, is one better than other? Are there times when braces are the best choice? This blog will answer those questions and hopefully help you decide which is the better treatment.

Which is More Expensive, Invisalign or Braces?

Invisalign is the more expensive of the two, by far.

Apart from the underlying dental condition that needs to be addressed, a primary question to ask is “How much do braces cost?”

The answer: A typical treatment with standard metal braces will cost between $1,200 and $2,000.

Another question to ask is “How much does Invisalign cost?”

The answer: Correcting misaligned teeth with Invisalign can run between $3,000 and $5,000.

The cost can often be the ultimate factor in making a decision, especially since standard metal braces can resolve any misalignment as well, if not better, than Invisalign.

Which Is the More Effective Treatment? Invisalign or Braces?

Before answering this question, understand the advice that follows is only a guideline. Choosing one or the other requires the guidance of a qualified Puyallup cosmetic dentist.

In general, both are very good for tooth-straightening, though there are advantages to both.

Traditional braces are more effective at dealing with difficult or complex cases. For instance, there are a handful of conditions that respond better to the use of braces:

  • Malocclusion (crooked or crowded teeth)
  • Abnormal bites
  • Cylindrical tooth rotation
  • Vertical movement of teeth
  • Seriously misaligned teeth

Braces can correct an abnormal bite relatively quickly, sometimes by just installing the braces. Using metal brackets and wires can also work quicker than Invisalign. For instance, gaps in teeth are often corrected in just a few months with braces and, in general, a month or two longer with Invisalign.

But again, these are generalities, and more concrete answers can only be obtained by seeing a dentist.

Advantages of Invisalign vs Braces

It’s fair to say that having metal in your mouth for six months or a year is not the most attractive addition to your smile. Plus, they can make food taste funny.

Thus, Invisalign is often a great alternative. The question is, does Invisalign work?

These plastic trays are clear and relatively invisible (thus the name). They can be removed when it’s time to eat or floss. And smiling without being self-conscious is easier with Invisalign.

In terms of effectiveness, Invisalign can be used to treat misaligned teeth assuming the case is not too complex. Often, the time taken to correct misaligned teeth is about the same as using braces, but this is the opinion of some dentists, though not all.

Proponents of Invisalign also say they are less painful than braces as well. A new Invisalign tray is put in place every two weeks, which means the correcting process is more gradual. Braces tend to be more forceful in their corrective approach.

Of course, Invisalign takes longer to correct issues and costs more money, so you have to weigh the Invisalign pros and cons.

So, in the Invisalign vs braces debate, is one better than the other? It really depends on your wallet and the particulars of your case. Consult a dentist or orthodontist and see what makes sense for you.

Have you found this blog helpful? Share it with a friend and they too can take advantage of the expert opinion of SK Family Dental.

About Dr. Samuel Kwon

Dr. Kwon graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 2004. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from UCLA. Dr. Kwon has been practing dentistry for over 10 years at his practice in Puyallup, WA.

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