Invisalign or Metal Braces – Which One is The Best?

Having a beautiful smile can uplift your overall look and make you look gorgeous. But to have a gorgeous smile, it is essential to have straight teeth. Although most of the time, people only get their teeth straightened to get a beautiful smile, they don’t understand that it can help their oral health. Having straight teeth will help you with teeth cleaning and keep the cavities away. You can also have the correct bite and align teeth and jaw.

What are metal braces?

Traditionally braces used to consist of metals. Metal braces come with brackets that get attached to the front of the teeth. Some come with bands that fit around each tooth and wires to hold the bands and brackets in place.

What are the benefits of using metal braces?

We will discuss in detail the benefit of using a metal brace.

1. Time for treatment: As patients can’t remove the braces, the treatment time takes much less than Invisalign. One has to wear the metal braces 24 hours and 7 days a week, and most of the time, it stays for a couple of years.
2. Irremovable: People who often tend to lose their tray should stick to metal braces as they stay in place. One does not have to change the tray regularly.
3. Cleaning: Patients can easily brush and floss their teeth while using a metal brace. They do not have to indulge in extra steps.

What are the limitations of using metal braces?

The traditional or metal braces also have some disadvantages to it.

1. Restriction on food and drinks: After opting for metal braces, you need to look after what they eat and drink. Anything that possesses the risk of causing cavities needs to stay off-limit. Sweets, hard food, soda, or anything that can damage the hardware should stay off-limit while wearing a metal brace.
2. Regular adjustment: Most adults don’t like to opt for metal braces as it requires regular adjustments. The dentist will tighten the braces, and it can cause sore teeth for days.

What is Invisalign?

When we think of a clear aligner, we often relate it to Invisalign, which is a popular brand and a great alternative to traditional metal braces. A variety of dental problems gets solved with the help of Invisalign, such as crowded teeth, gapping, irregular bites, and many more. One has to wear it for 20 hours a day, but the clear aligner does not look bad but gets the job done.

What are the benefits of using Invisalign?

People can see several advantages of using an Invisalign. We will discuss a few of them in this article.

1. Comfort: Invisalign does not come with bands or brackets; hence patients can wear it without any discomfort. It also has no sharp edge making it easier to wear without the fear of cuts.
2. Attractive: You will have an attractive look, as they don’t consist of metals or wires. Due to the clear design, most people often do not even notice it. Most of the time, adults prefer this treatment for this reason.
3. Low maintenance: One does not need to spend time on maintaining the Invisalign. After a time when it gets stained, use a toothbrush with some bleach and water and give it a scrub. By scrubbing for a minute, you can quickly get rid of the stain and make it look like new.

What are the limitations of using Invisalign?

Just like the advantage, Invisalign also comes with its set of limitations.

1. Expensive: Dental insurance does not cover Invisalign, and it can cost a lot of money. People who have a tight budget will find it hard to afford to get an Invisalign. One can have to pay up to $8000, which is a lot of money to spend on dental treatment.
2. Have to wear it for 22 hours a day: Another downside to having an Invisalign is to wear it for 22 hours a day. One can only remove them while eating or practicing oral hygiene. Other than that, they need to wear them all the time.

Which is the best: metal brace or Invisalign?

Both Invisalign and metal braces come with their own set of pros and cons, and it can get difficult to choose. The choice between these two comes down to the patient and their needs. For those who have self-doubt should opt for Invisalign as they don’t come with brackets and wires.

But those who don’t like the maintenance should opt for the metal braces. One does not have to change the tray or take it out as metal braces stay in place for a couple of years at a stretch.

In many cases, patients do not get the option and have to stick with metal braces. Talk with your dentist to know which one will suit your needs.