What Are Traditional Braces?
To completely understand the comparison between Invisalign versus braces, you must know everything about them. Traditional braces have been around for a long time. These orthodontic devices come with metal wires and metal brackets or tooth coloured ceramic brackets to bond to your teeth. Traditional braces apply continuous pressure on the teeth and help them move in a desired position. The orthodontist attaches the metal/ceramic brackets to the front surface of your teeth. He then fixes and adjusts the wires running through these brackets so that there is enough pressure for the movement of your tooth. If you opt for an orthodontic treatment in Andheri West or anywhere else, you would need to visit your orthodontist regularly to ensure that there is a positive tooth alignment progress in your treatment. Additionally, the orthodontist will periodically make necessary changes in wires needed to correct your dental issues.Introduction To Invisalign
Before we proceed to take a look at the difference between braces vs Invisalign, let us get a little idea about Invisalign braces. Invisalign braces are very different from traditional braces as they are virtually invisible. They are a set of clear aligners prepared by the orthodontist according to the requirements of your dental concern. Invisalign aligners are custom-made for every individual. They are made to fit in your mouth and apply the necessary force to move the teeth into the desired position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign braces are removable. People can easily take them off whenever they wish to eat or drink something and even only on special occasions. Invisalign aligners are a revolution for people who want a more discreet method to correct their dental issues. Adults and teenagers who want a more convenient option to straighten their teeth often visit dental clinics in Andheri West to begin their Invisalign treatment.What Is The Difference Between Braces And Invisalign?
Most people often ask ‘Is Invisalign better than braces?’ Well, both orthodontic treatment options are an effective way to align the misaligned teeth. However, taking a look at the difference between braces and Invisalign will help you understand which treatment is well-suited for you. The below-mentioned are some important differences between braces and Invisalign.1. Effectiveness And Treatment Goals
For people who have mild to moderate dental issues, Invisalign aligners are the best choice. These removable aligners can gently shift your teeth into the desired position. Also, they are a better choice for people who want a discreet and convenient treatment option. However, wearing the aligners as instructed by your orthodontist is very important for them to be effective. Traditional braces are highly effective in treating most orthodontic problems. They help you straighten your overcrowded or spaced out teeth, correct bite issues, get rid of the jaw issues during growth period, and give you a beautiful smile. However, you can opt for traditional braces only if you are suffering from complex dental problems as guided by your orthodontist. However, you will need to wear retainers once the treatment is over. You can read more on the importance of wearing orthodontic retainers after braces with our blog.2. Comfort And Convenience
When we talk about comfort and convenience, Invisalign aligners always turn out to be a better choice. You can easily remove them while eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing your teeth. They are made of smooth plastic and are more comfortable to wear. Compared to traditional braces, it is easy for you to clean and maintain the aligners. Traditional braces comprise hard metal/ceramic brackets and metal wires. So, they might be a little uncomfortable to wear and occasionally may irritate. Also, one has to take better care in avoiding eating certain foods with fixed Braces. Some patients might also experience mild soreness in their mouth once the orthodontist puts these braces on their teeth. It is also difficult for some people to maintain their oral hygiene with traditional braces.3. Duration Of Treatment
The first question any patient asks from their orthodontist is ‘Do braces work faster than Invisalign?’ There is no specific answer to this question as the duration of treatment depends entirely upon the level of dental issues that one faces. Invisalign braces are useful for people who wish to opt for treatments of shorter durations. Clear aligners can fix dental issues within 12 to 18 months. It is so because these dental issues are usually mild or moderate. However, the amount of time it takes to align the teeth depends upon the regularity of a person in wearing these aligners. Traditional braces are the best suited for those people who require complex dental treatments having longer duration. Generally, you would be required to wear your traditional braces anywhere from 18 months to 3 years.4. Aesthetics
When it comes to aesthetics, Invisalign aligners are a more popular choice among people. Clear aligners can easily blend in well with your natural teeth. So, patients can easily undergo their treatment without drawing any extra attention to their smile or mouth. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are easily noticeable. In fact, some patients also complain that the traditional metal wires and brackets also look shabby. Those who are self-conscious and do not want to affect their appearance avoid opting for traditional braces.5. Cost Of Treatment
People often ask ‘Which is cheaper, Invisalign or braces’? There is a huge difference between braces vs Invisalign when we consider the cost component. The cost of treatment of Invisalign braces is generally higher than the traditional braces. For instance, the cost of clear aligners treatment in Mumbai can start from INR 50,000 and go up to INR 5,00,000 depending upon the kind and intensity of treatment that you require. The cost of traditional braces depends upon the complexity of the case and the type of braces used. However, the cost of traditional braces is significantly lower than the cost of Invisalign aligners.How To Choose The Perfect Orthodontic Treatment For Yourself?
Choosing the perfect orthodontic treatment is very important for you to get the desired results. You need to consider several factors and questions before you choose an orthodontic treatment. For instance, answers to questions like ‘Do braces hurt more than Invisalign?’ are very important when you consider a treatment plan. Additionally, it is important to seek advice from your orthodontist as only he can recommend the best treatment option for you.Conclusion
Both Invisalign aligners and braces offer a convenient treatment option for people. These orthodontic treatments help you fix dental misalignments and crooked teeth. Both can help you straighten your smile. However, there are many points of differences between the two orthodontic treatments. For instance, traditional braces are the best-suited option if you are suffering from complex dental problems. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners can easily fix small dental issues. There is also a huge difference between the cost of the two treatments. So, before you choose any treatment, make sure you know the differences between braces vs Invisalign. Also, consult with your orthodontist to know which treatment is the most appropriate for you. To know more about these orthodontic treatments, feel free to contact us.FAQ’s
Both treatments are effective, but braces are better placed for complex cases. Invisalign suits simple to moderate malocclusions.
Invisalign aligners are removable, and you have flexibility during meals and cleaning. Braces are fixed, meaning you can't have them out until the treatment is done.
Both take similar time duration for treatment of irregular teeth. Severe cases are usually treated by fixed braces and may take longer time than mild to moderate cases.
Invisalign is mostly more comfortable since it does not contain thick attchments on teeth. However, you might feel discomfort from brackets and wires with braces, eventhough they are very well made and not sharp, due to their thickness.
Invisalign tends to be more costly because the aligners are custom-made using advanced technology. Orthodontic braces are less expensive, but the cost depends on the type of orthodontic treatment required.
Braces are a better solution for more complex orthodontic issues. Invisalign works best for less complex cases.
Dr. Nikhil Vashi
Dr. Nikhil Vashi, an esteemed Orthodontist with over three decades of experience, earned his MDS in Orthodontics from Nair Hospital Dental College, Bombay University, in 1985. He achieved the title of Diplomate of the Indian Board of Orthodontics (D.I.B.O.) in 2000 and specialises in enhancing smiles through comprehensive dental care in Mumbai.