Many people covet a straight smile, but most people need help getting there. Orthodontic treatments help straighten the teeth, which helps combat the many health and aesthetic problems associated with misalignment. With the desire for straight teeth on the rise, patients often have to decide between two orthodontic treatment options: metal braces or clear aligners.
Before committing to a transparent aligner system (like Invisalign®) or braces, it’s natural to contemplate how orthodontic treatment will affect your time and bank account. Additionally, you may ask yourself, will this treatment even work? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
Speed
At the consultation appointment, dentists decide how to correct teeth and create a plan for moving forward. Every case is different. Total orthodontic treatment time depends on how much the teeth need to be moved or rotated. On average, Invisalign is faster than traditional braces:
- Invisalign may take 9 to 18 months to complete treatment.
- Braces typically take 22 months to move teeth into the desired alignment.
Cost
According to the manufacturer’s website, the price points of Invisalign and braces are comparable. More complex cases require more treatment time and more materials, which adds to the total cost.
When financing orthodontic treatment, out-of-pocket is not the only option. If budget is a concern, consider the following:
- PPO Insurance: If your insurance covers braces, then it should cover Invisalign.
- HSA & FSA: Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are benefits that help patients pay for an array of health industry services, including orthodontic treatment.
- CareCredit: Third-party lending helps patients afford the treatment they need and want.
Effectiveness
When force is appropriately applied, both Invisalign and braces gently move the teeth into the optimal alignment. Before deciding if Invisalign or braces are more effective for each one-of-a-kind case, here are two factors that the dentist must deliberate:
1. Complexity
Patients with more complicated dental problems may need a more complex orthodontic treatment. Even though Invisalign is constantly updating its technology, braces are still more effective at treating severely complex cases (such as twisted or extremely crowded teeth). Invisalign is the ideal solution for patients with mild to moderate spacing issues.
2. Age
Clear aligners are appropriate for responsible older teens and adults that can handle keeping up with treatment. Because children’s teeth are complicated and may still be growing, most health care professionals do not recommend Invisalign to kids.
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No matter how you get there, straight teeth directly correlate to better overall wellness. Proper alignment of the teeth and jaws can:
- Help facial muscles function properly
- Keep teeth and interdental spaces free of debris and bacterial build-up
- Prevent gum disease
While the science of orthodontics has been around for centuries, both metal braces and Invisalign have a decades-long history of effectively and affordably straightening teeth. However, Invisalign stands out because it is typically faster and more discreet than traditional braces.
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud examines teeth so that she can help patients decide which orthodontics treatments will be most effective for their unique alignment. Thanks to modern technology, orthodontic treatment can be effective without metal braces. To learn more about Invisalign in Lombard, IL, contact us by calling 630-629-5700 or sending us a message online.
