Invisalign vs. Braces for Straightening Your Teeth Q&A

Straightening your teeth not only improves your smile but also your overall oral health. A straight smile aligns your jaw, corrects your bite, and makes it easier to clean your teeth, which prevents cavities. Traditional braces and Invisalign are among the most popular orthodontic treatments available for straightening teeth.
 
The Invisalign aligners are clear and designed to be invisible. This product is made of BDA-free plastic that is smooth and comfortable. Your teeth are gently and subtly moved by wearing aligner trays over your teeth. Using pictures, impressions, and X-rays, the trays are customized according to a 3D image of your teeth.
 
The metal brackets that are glued to your teeth are held in place by wires and rubber hands. There are different types of brackets, including ceramic, metal, and combinations of the two. If you choose brackets that match the enamel color, you can make them discreet.

A consultation with one of our orthodontists will allow you to determine the best option for you based on the specifics of your case. Invisalign is sometimes a better option for your teeth given they are easier to clean and less likely to cause sores or discomfort.

The wires and metal brackets on braces can be difficult to clean, but oral hygiene is imperative when wearing them. By not cleaning your teeth properly, you risk plaque build-up around your braces, resulting in decay and staining. Flossing and brushing your teeth according to your orthodontist’s instructions is important.
 
It is possible to clean your Invisalign trays by rinsing them and brushing them in warm water. Cleaning them should be done in the morning, at night, and after eating and drinking is recommended.
 
The brackets on metal braces can be problematic, and they can cause sores in the mouth, which can be more uncomfortable than Invisalign. The Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are made of plastic that won’t irritate your gums.

A traditional set of braces is usually the more affordable option when it comes to treatment costs. The cost of braces typically ranges from $2,500 to $8,000.
 
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on how many trays are required. Your dentist will determine how many trays you need, depending on the severity of the changes you need to make to your teeth. The cost of Invisalign may range from $3,500 to $8,000.
 
Before you make a decision, talk to your orthodontist about the price. It is possible to receive some or full coverage of braces or Invisalign costs with dental insurance. For an estimate of how much braces or Invisalign will cost, you can check your insurance or contact your provider.

In most cases, Invisalign can be used instead of braces, however, this is not true for everyone. For more complex orthodontic cases, Invisalign is typically not recommended. Make sure you ask your orthodontist if all treatments will yield the same result before choosing one. Having this information will help you decide which type of treatment is best for you. Your orthodontist will determine the most appropriate treatment option for your specific needs.

Using custom-developed clear aligner trays, Invisalign gently moves teeth into their proper positions without the hassle of braces. Straighter teeth can be achieved with Invisalign without any pain or discomfort.
 
It usually takes 12-18 months for adults to finish Invisalign treatment and have straight smiles. It may take just a few weeks after starting the Invisalign process for noticeable results to appear.
 
Each week or two, you get a new set of aligners, which you wear for 20-22 hours each day. With each new set of aligners, teeth are gradually moved into proper alignment. Due to the thin, clear plastic used in Invisalign trays, they are comfortable and nearly invisible.
 
When teens and adults want straight teeth but do not want to wear painful, cumbersome metal braces, Invisalign is an effective solution. A mild to moderate misalignment, as well as some more severe cases, can be corrected with Invisalign.
 
The nature of your dental issue will decide whether Invisalign or braces are the best options for your teeth. Yet, due to its shortened treatment time, simplicity, enhanced appearance, and comfort, more and more people are choosing Invisalign. Invisalign is available at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1319 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95118. We serve patients from San Jose CA, Los Gatos CA, Campbell CA, Santa Clara CA, Cupertino CA, Sunnyvale CA, Saratoga CA, and Mountain View CA.