Poorly spaced, crooked, or crowded teeth can make even the most confident person self-conscious. Fortunately, dental technology has come a long way in recent years, and there are now several ways to straighten teeth without spending a fortune or taking up a lot of time
If you have been considering straightening your teeth but are turned off by traditional metal braces, you may wonder if there are any other options. Invisalign is one such alternative that has gained popularity in recent years.
Keep reading to learn about the differences between traditional braces and Invisalign and how it can be an ideal alternative to conventional metal braces.
Invisalign Vs Traditional Braces
Metal braces and Invisalign are separate treatment procedures for the same dental issue. They help straighten teeth, minimise spacing and relieve crowding. But they work differently. Here, we will discuss how each works to make you understand the process better.
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Metal Braces
Metal braces are an orthodontic device that uses metal brackets and wires to correct teeth alignment. They are the most common type of braces and are effective in treating different orthodontic problems.
They apply pressure to the teeth in specific directions to move them into the correct position.
On average, correcting teeth alignment using metal braces takes about 18 months to two years. However, the time it takes to correct teeth alignment may vary depending on the severity of the misalignment and how much work is required to fix it. It also depends on the patient’s compliance with wearing their braces and if they need any extractions.
How To Take Care of Metal Braces?
Here are some tips that can help you take care of your metal braces:
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Brush your teeth and braces after every meal and snack â It will help keep your teeth and braces clean and free of plaque and bacteria.
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
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Floss your teeth at least once a day.
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Avoid eating sticky or hard foods that may damage your braces.
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Don’t chew on ice cubes, pencils, or other hard objects.
Make sure to attend all your orthodontist appointments so that they can check on your progress and adjust your braces as necessary.
In addition, try to drink plenty of water each day. It will help keep your mouth hydrated and minimise the risk of developing bad breath.
Advantages of Metal Braces
Metal braces have the following advantages:
- They are strong and can withstand a lot of force without breaking.
- They are durable and can last many years without needing to be replaced.
- They are less likely to cause irritation or inflammation around the teeth than other braces.
- They are less visible than other braces, so they are often chosen by people who want to improve their appearance.
- They are affordable and work well for severe cases of crooked teeth.
- They correct a wide range of dental problems.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a dental treatment system that uses clear, removable aligners to correct teeth alignment over time. The aligners are custom-made for an individual patient and worn for about 22 hours daily. Invisalign can correct many dental problems, including crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and overbites.
It is made of clear plastic and less visible than traditional braces. Invisalign also allows you to eat and drink the food of your choice, and there is no need for metal wires or brackets.
The dentist will ensure that the Invisalign aligners fit your teeth by taking an impression of your teeth. They will then send the images to a lab, where the aligners will be made. It takes about two weeks for the lab to make the aligners.
Then, the dentist will call you when they are ready to schedule a fitting appointment. The dentist will ensure the aligners fit properly and work correctly at this appointment. If everything looks good, then you can start wearing them.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Invisalign Aligners?
The amount of time you have to wear Invisalign aligners depends on the severity of your malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) and how well you respond to treatment. Typically, people wear Invisalign aligners for about 12 months, but this may vary depending on your situation.
If you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign and follow your doctor’s instructions, you can expect results in as little as three months. However, it’s essential to understand that everyone’s teeth are different and will move at different rates, so it’s necessary to be patient and let the treatment take its course.
How To Care Your Invisalign Aligners?
Here is a general guide on how to care for your Invisalign aligners:
- Rinse your Invisalign aligners before and after each use.
- Do not eat or drink anything besides water while you have your Invisalign aligners.
- Remove your Invisalign aligners before brushing your teeth.
- Brush your teeth and floss normally when you remove your Invisalign aligners.
- Replace your Invisalign aligners every two weeks.
You will receive new aligners at each appointment. Store your old aligners in the case that was given to you when you started treatment.
Advantages of Getting Invisalign
Invisalign aligners have several advantages over traditional braces, including:
- They are much more discreet. Many people wear them because they are not as visible as traditional braces. It helps you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing about it.
- They are removable. It means that you can eat and drink the food of your choice and brush and floss your teeth normally.
- They are comfortable. Because the aligners are made of plastic, they do not cause the irritation that metal braces can sometimes cause.
- They are effective. Invisalign is just as effective as traditional braces in correcting orthodontic problems.
Price and Payment Options
The cost of Invisalign aligners and traditional braces can vary based on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of what influences the pricing and payment options:
1. Level of Alignment Required: The extent of correction your teeth need significantly determines the overall cost. More complex alignment issues may require longer treatment and more aligners.
2. Number of Aligners: The number of aligners necessary for your treatment plan affects the overall cost. Each set of aligners is custom-made to move your teeth into the desired positions gradually.
3. Adjustments: Regular check-ups and adjustments by your dentist are essential for successful treatment. The frequency and number of adjustments can impact the total cost.
4. Insurance Coverage: Private health insurance plans may cover a portion of the orthodontic treatment costs. The amount covered depends on your insurance provider and policy.
If you find yourself responsible for the full cost of Invisalign or if your insurance coverage is limited, there are payment options available:
Payment Plans: Many dental professionals offer payment plans to manage the cost of treatment. These plans typically involve spreading the total cost into manageable monthly instalments throughout your treatment.
Tax Rebates: In Australia, specific dental treatments qualify for tax rebates under the Medical Expenses Offsets in the Australian Tax Return. This means you may be eligible for tax benefits related to your orthodontic expenses, potentially reducing your financial burden.
Invisalign – An Alternative to Braces
Invisalign is a popular alternative to braces for adults and kids. It’s a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth without the unsightly metal brackets and wires. Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually move your teeth into the correct position.
And since you take them out while you eat and brush your teeth, there’s no need to worry about food getting stuck in between braces or having a metallic taste in your mouth.
The best thing about Invisalign is that they are comfortable and easy to wear. You can remove them whenever you need to eat or drink, and there is no need for wires or brackets. Invisalign is also a very efficient way to correct your smile â most people achieve the desired results in less than a year.
If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign, consult an experienced dentist who can tell you if it’s right for you.
Find The Best Straightening Solution for Your Teeth
Your smile matters to make or break your first impression because people make judgments. Invisalign aligners can be ideal for professionals who want to change their smile without making people know about it. In addition, they are easy to care for and provide a discreet solution. So, you can go on the journey to get straightened teeth with this popular option.
Every mouth is different, and it requires a unique treatment method. So, your dentist must tailor a customised solution to suit your specific needs or goals. It is best to consult a dental clinic Highett who can meet all your expectations.
Contact our professionals at Studio Smiles to see whether Invisalign is a suitable alternative to braces for you so that you can achieve your dream smile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are a few ways to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign aligners. For one, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and bite to see if Invisalign is the best option.
If you are found to be a good candidate, your dentist can provide you with a custom treatment plan that will outline how many aligners you will need and how long your treatment will last. Remember that most people require around 18-30 aligners total, depending on the severity of their case.
However, good candidates for Invisalign are people with mild to moderate orthodontic problems who want a discreet way to correct their teeth.
The cost of Invisalign aligners varies depending on your specific case. It depends on the provider you choose and the severity of your misalignment. However, your provider may have different pricing. It’s important to remember that the cost of Invisalign is often comparable to that of traditional braces, and in many cases, it can be less expensive.
The cost of Invisalign aligners can be prohibitive for some people. However, many insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost of treatment. Additionally, financing options are often available to help make treatment more affordable. So, you can check with your insurance company to find out how much treatment cost they can cover.
Moreover, you can check with your dentist for the flexible payment options they offer to make Invisalign more affordable.
It is often possible to use Invisalign in place of braces, but it depends on the extent of the dental issue. Many people prefer Invisalign because it is less noticeable and removable. In addition, it is a clear aligner system that uses gentle force to move teeth into the correct position.
However, it is important to consult an orthodontist to see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.
Invisalign corrects a wide variety of orthodontic problems, but there are a few exceptions. For example, braces may be a more suitable option for some to fix an underbite or overbite issue.
However, Invisalign is just as effective as braces in straightening teeth. So, if you are considering using Invisalign instead of braces, it is best to consult with a dentist to find out if it is a viable option.
Both braces and Invisalign can give fast results, but it depends on specific cases.
Many factors can affect how quickly either treatment works, including the severity of the misalignment, how compliant the patient is with the orthodontic appliance, and how well the patient maintains oral hygiene while wearing it.
If you have mild to moderate crowding, Invisalign will likely give you faster results. Braces will probably give you faster results if you have more severe crowding or a significant overbite or underbite. In either case, it’s important to consult an orthodontist to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. They can confirm what you can expect in terms of results.
The aligners are made of a clear plastic that is comfortable to wear and does not interfere with sleep..
Initially, you can wear them for a few hours before bedtime, so your mouth gets used to them. Also, ensure you’re using a good quality pillowcase, so they don’t get dirty or bent out of shape. Finally, try not to chew gum or eat crunchy while you have them in because that can damage the aligners.
Invisalign usually takes about 12 months, while braces can take around 18 to 24 months. Keep in mind that these times are just a general estimate – every mouth is different and will require additional time to correct.
