If you’re looking to get your teeth straightened, then you’re in luck! Thanks to modern technology, there are more options than ever before. Traditional metal braces are still the most common method of straightening, especially in kids and teens. But the advent of Invisalign has changed the industry to allow for more comfort and flexibility.
Now, you as the patient are faced with a decision: braces or Invisalign? Which one is right for you? It can be tough to understand the differences between the two, making it even more difficult to weigh the pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at these two methods and their individual strengths.
First and most importantly, the state of your teeth before treatment will be a big deciding factor. Traditional metal braces are cemented to your teeth and connected by an archwire to encourage alignment. This method is best for people whose teeth are severely misaligned, rotated, or not fully erupted. Invisalign, on the other hand, relies on a series of trays that gently guide your teeth into their proper alignment. This option is best for people whose teeth are only slightly crooked and don’t need a lot of major adjustment.
Second, Invisalign are naturally more convenient and flexible than braces. When a patient has braces on, they are not allowed to eat food that is excessively hard, sticky, or chewy. Doing so may cause the brackets to snap off their teeth or the arch wire to break. With Invisalign, however, the alignment trays are removable. Simply take them out of your mouth and place them in a case for safekeeping, and you can continue eating whatever you want.
Third, expenses are an important factor for many people. While both Invisalign and braces are roughly the same cost (depending on your personalized quote), traditional braces are more often covered by insurance premiums. Invisalign may be partially covered under certain plans, but it’s unlikely to see full coverage from any insurance provider.
Finally, there’s the simple matter of aesthetics. Some people, especially adults, want to straighten their teeth with low visual impact. As the name implies, Invisalign is practically invisible and may be worn anytime. This is the perfect option for those who don’t want metal and colored brackets across their teeth for several months.
Noble Orthodontics offers patients both traditional braces and Invisalign. If you’re still having trouble deciding which treatment is right for you, schedule an appointment with us and get a full comparison of the two options. Contact us today, or stop by our office in Carrboro, NC. We look forward to hearing from you!
