Congratulations on deciding to straighten your teeth. It’s an important choice that can improve your dental health and overall confidence. Now it’s time to make another important choice: should you use traditional braces or Invisalign?
There’s no right or wrong answer. The most important thing is to choose the option that best meets your goals. Think about the feasibility, time commitment, and cost of each option. Understanding these details will help you choose the braces that are best for you.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: How Practical Are They?
Invisalign aligners are great for people with relatively mild dental issues. These nearly-invisible braces can fix slight malalignments with bites and a few crooked teeth. However, Invisalign trays may not be appropriate for more complex or severe cases.
Traditional braces require more time in the dental office with personalized adjustments each time. This hands-on approach is important for truly complicated cases.
Invisalign requires a lot of patient cooperation. You must remove your Invisalign trays to eat or drink, clean the aligners twice daily, and more. As such, it’s not an appropriate option for patients who are not fully committed to this kind of care. For example, defiant teenagers or those with special needs may do better with traditional braces.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Time Considerations
Traditional braces require patients to spend more time in the dentist’s office than Invisalign trays. Each time someone needs an adjustment to their traditional braces, they must spend some time with the orthodontist, which can interrupt school or work schedules.
On the other hand, people with Invisalign aligners simply switch out which trays they are using every week. You get several sets of trays ahead of time, so you don’t have to go to dental appointments quite so often. While we miss seeing your smiling face, we’re happy to know that you get to go about life as normal.
For some people, Invisalign can work faster than traditional braces. On average, Invisalign treatments are six months shorter than traditional braces would be for a similar case. However, the time it takes for either type to work depends on several factors, including how well the patient adheres to instructions.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: How Much Do They Cost?
For a long time, Invisalign was significantly more expensive than traditional braces. However, the costs of the two options are very similar now. Sometimes, Invisalign is slightly more expensive than traditional braces, but the total cost is closer than you may think.
Many patients appreciate the upfront pricing of Invisalign. Traditional braces can come with surprises that come with unexpected costs. On the other hand, the Invisalign system maps out the full treatment course ahead of time, so you know exactly how much you will pay for your new smile.
It’s important to consider which option your dental insurance covers, if any. All dental insurance plans are different. Some may cover one type of braces, but not another. Some have no orthodontic coverage at all. The best dental insurance plans cover both Invisalign and traditional braces. Our friendly office staff can help you understand your plan.
Find the Right Braces for You in NYC
Still not sure whether you prefer to get Invisalign or traditional braces? Let us help. Contact Jennifer Stachel Orthodontics today to set up your consultation.
