If you've always dreamed of having perfectly straight and evenly-spaced teeth, there are a few different options for meeting that goal. These days, straightening teeth is not a one-size-fits-all process. Comfort, visibility, cost and timelines are all factors that you will want to consider before getting your teeth straightened. Braces and Invisalign are 2 of the most common methods of straightening teeth.
Braces are the most common and classic way of straightening teeth and have several different parts. A bracket is adhered to each tooth by a dentist using a sticky, non-toxic glue. Bands travel from each bracket all the way across the mouth to straighten the teeth. These bands can be tightened by the dentist over time to reduce gaps in the teeth and aid with straightening. A small elastic ligature is placed on each bracket to hold the on the tooth. A small elastic band may also connect the top and bottom teeth to further move teeth or correct a cross bite.
Braces tend to be highly uncomfortable. First, the metal or ceramic brace may cut into the gums near the lips, especially for new users who are unaccustomed to having so much hardware in their mouth. For children or adults who play sports, braces can be especially uncomfortable as getting hit by a ball in the mouth may cause bleeding in the gums from the braces. Second, getting the braces tightened may cause an uncomfortable or even painful experience in the mouth. An aching feeling is common as the teeth begin to move.
Many braces users also find food restrictions irritating. Items like popcorn, apples and gum are not recommended during braces usage as tough and sticky foods may cause a bracket to become unglued. This may cause a costly and timely trip to the dentist, as leaving the bracket unattached may cause the tooth to move in the opposite direction from the desired position.
Braces are generally expensive, especially for families without good dental insurance. Bracings can range from $3,000 up to $10,000, depending on the type. Typically, the more crooked or misaligned teeth, the more expensive it is to fix them.
Most of the time, individuals who need braces will be wearing them for around 18 to 24 months. However, depending on the person's severity of misaligned teeth or their age, they may need to wear them for a longer or shorter period of time. After the braces come off, a retainer is typically used to hold the teeth in place.
Made with either metal or ceramic, brackets tend to be bulky and highly noticeable, even from a far distance. Although they are able to be customized with various color options for the elastic ligature, braces are largely noticeable and unfashionable. As a result, some people choose to straighten their teeth with a less noticeable option.
Invisalign is considered to be a less noticeable and more comfortable way to straighten their teeth. Many people, especially adults, choose Invisalign so that they can straighten their teeth in a more fashionable manner. Made from a blend of plastic, Invisalign braces are clear. They are made by taking a mold of your mouth which is then used to create a clear plastic mold that fits over each of your teeth, moving them slowly towards the desired position.
Invisalign tends to be more comfortable than braces, as there are no metal brackets and no metal wires to poke the gums. It is also removable for activities such as eating and drinking, so there are no food restrictions. Because the plastic is soft and flexible, the Invisalign braces are also safer to wear during sports or different activities, as getting hit in the face will not cause damage to the gums.
Invisalign pricing tends to be comparable or slightly less expensive than braces, with average costs ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the type. Insurance coverage, however, tends to be less for Invisalign, although insurance agencies may differ. Invisalign is capable of fixing both overbites and underbites, just like regular braces, although they are not recommended for severely crooked teeth.
The average time that Invisalign takes to fix crooked teeth is about 12 to 18 months, making it a quicker fix than regular braces. Users of Invisalign claim to be able to see results in just a few weeks. With this quick fix however, some dentists become concerned about the amount of time that teeth will maintain their straightness after removing the Invisalign, so it's important that users follow-up appropriately with retainer usage.
Another downside to Invisalign is that it can become dirty quickly and difficult to clean. Although the plastic is clear, not properly cleaning the Invisalign aligner can cause the plastic to become cloudy and cause a build-up of plaque. As a result, it is important that the user keep their teeth clean. Because the Invisalign aligner is plastic, it can also become broken or damaged, which is costly to repair or replace.
In summary, if you want to get the smile that you've always dreamed about, then you have to be ready to put up with some problems. Braces and Invisalign are 2 common ways of straightening teeth. While braces are noticeable, uncomfortable and bulky, they're also more durable and more likely to be covered by insurance. On the other hand, Invisalign is more comfortable and less noticeable due to its clear, plastic composition; However, it is also more easily broken, more difficult to clean, and less likely to be covered by insurance. If you're looking to straighten your teeth, you'll have to consider all of these factors and decide what is most important to you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.