4 million United States citizens are sporting braces now. 1 million of those people are over the age of 18.
Why are braces so popular? Because people understand the value that having a beautiful smile can bring to their lives.
Braces’ ability to make your teeth look great isn’t the only reason that so many people are wearing them. We’re also here to tell you that not only are braces more accessible than ever, but you also have options when it comes to the kinds of braces you get!
Depending on where you get your dental work done, you can choose between opting into traditional metal braces or taking advantage of new Invisalign technology.
Not sure which teeth straightening device to pick?
Below, we touch on important factors to consider when choosing between metal braces vs. Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the new kid on the block when it comes to orthodontics. They’re basically clear trays that work to gradually shift your teeth into the position that you’d like them to be in.
Invisalign comes with several benefits that could make them stand out as the clear winner in the metal braces vs. Invisalign debate. Here are Invisalign’s main advantages that you’ll want to be aware of.
Invisalign is Removable
If you’re going to eat and don’t want to get your braces dirty, you can pop your Invisalign off. If you’re going to take a picture and want to smile for it without having a pair of braces in it, you can pop your Invisalign off.
Get the picture?
Unlike braces, Invisalign is 100% removable, which allows users unprecedented flexibility as they get their teeth fixed.
They Look Great
Invisalign braces are clear. While upon close inspection you can see them, to the casual viewer, it’ll look like you’re not wearing anything in your mouth at all.
This is a huge advantage for people that worry about how self-conscious they’ll feel while wearing braces.
Modern Orthodontic Care
Given how new Invisalign braces are, they incorporate the latest and greatest in ortho technology into their functionality. That means that you can be sure your Invisalign works as efficiently as possible when it comes to achieving your teeth-straightening goals.
A Cleaner Mouth
Having metal in your mouth means that a lot of food and bacteria can build up in and around your teeth. That build up can lead to infections which can cause bad breath and other dental hygiene problems.
With Invisalign, since you can take them out when you eat and brush, you won’t run into this problem. You’ll be giving your mouth a higher chance of staying healthy.
Convenience
Invisalign trays can ship to your door every two weeks and you can swap them out to continue shifting your teeth in the right direction. Direct to your door shipments lead to fewer trips to the orthodontist and more time to focus on other important things in your life.
What Are Metal Braces
Metal braces are the go-to orthodontic tool when it comes to fixing crooked teeth. They are a combination of wires and brackets cemented into your mouth which works to gradually pull your teeth in the desired direction.
Believe it or not, metal braces do feature a handful of advantages over Invisalign. Here are a few of those advantages.
Non-Removable
If you’re not going to be disciplined about wearing your Invisalign 22 to 24 hours a day, you should opt into metal braces. Since metal braces can’t come out, you won’t waste your money and undermine your progress by not wearing your Invisalign.
Time Tested
Metal braces have been in use for a very long time. Iterations of modern metal braces go back centuries.
That time tested nature is one of the key advantages that metal braces carry in the metal braces vs. Invisalign debate.
If you’re looking for a teeth-straightening method that has proven itself effective in the orthodontic community, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better solution.
Price
Metal braces are much cheaper than Invisalign. That benefit is non-debatable.
While Invisalign can cost around $5000.00 for two years of use, some metal braces treatments can be as cheap as $1800.00.
Insurance providers cover most metal braces, at least in part. Invisalign is not covered by most providers.
Availability
Every orthodontist offers metal braces. Many do not offer Invisalign treatment.
Remember, Invisalign is a fairly new form of orthodontic care. That means that many veteran ortho surgeons have not been properly educated in using Invisalign.
Metal braces, on the other hand, is a treatment that has been taught to orthodontists for many years.
You can read more about how to choose an orthodontist that has the services and experience you’re looking for.
You can also see what sorts of services an orthodontist offers you’re considering by visiting their website.
Our Final Thoughts on Metal Braces Vs. Invisalign
There are pros and cons to both options when deciding between metal braces vs. Invisalign debate. We hope that the insight we’ve shared above has added some clarity to the questions you have and that you’re feeling confident in which teeth strengthening option is best for you.
If you need more information on orthodontic work, talk to your dentist and ask any questions that you may have. They should be able to answer them or refer you out to an orthodontist that can.
You’re also welcome to browse more of the educational lifestyle content that we have featured on our website.
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