British orthodontist, John Mew, doesn't view crooked teeth as a genetic issue. He sees crookedness as a "symptom of an unrecognized health crisis." 

No matter the cause, when your smile is looking less than perfect, you want to do something about it. What are your choices?

Sometimes a palate expander or pulling teeth helps, but when orthodontics are in order, you have two choices...traditional metal braces or nearly-invisible aligner trays. 

Are you asking yourself, "Should I get braces or Invisalign? How much do Invisalign costs compared to braces?" 

What do you need to know when comparing metal braces vs. Invisalign? Keep reading to learn more about these two options

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Invisalign or Braces? What You Need to Know When Deciding

Invisalign vs braces...which one is more effective? What is the Invisalign cost vs braces' cost? What is the difference in treatment time? Let's take a look at the answer to these and more. 

Effectiveness

Metal braces cannot be removed and therefore, do the intended job 24/7. They are extremely effective in complicated cases and close gaps and align teeth quite quickly. The average person has their braces for two years, but see an improvement rather quickly. 

Invisalign works effectively when the aligner trays are worn for 20-22 hours a day throughout the treatment period. They are effective in cases that are not overly complicated. 

Maintenance 

Metal braces take some effort to maintain. You can't take them out to clean your teeth, so using a water pik is a good idea to clean around the brackets. Flossing and brushing are more difficult, but it's important to be thorough. 

Because they are removable, it is easier to brush and floss your teeth. You can also remove the trays to eat and drink, so no worries about food getting stuck in them. 

Treatment Period

The treatment period for metal braces ranges from 6 months to 3 years. Orthodontic visits range from every 4 to 8 weeks. Wires and bands are changed and/or tightened. 

Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient as well but is from 6 months to 18 months on average with office visits every 4-6 weeks. At home, the patient switches out aligner trays every 1 to 2 weeks to keep the progress going.

If trays are not changed on schedule or in for less than the recommended time per day, treatment time increases. 

Cost

The cost of metal braces usually includes the equipment, the office visits, and the after-removal retainer. Depending on where you live and how severe your case is, metal braces range from £1800 to £5500. 

Invisalign usually starts at around £2800. This includes the trays, retainer, and office visits. 

Metal Braces vs. Invisalign 

Now that you know the difference between metal braces vs. Invisalign, which one works better for you and your particular situation? Weigh the pros and cons and apply them to your needs. 

1. Do you know who can help you with your dental needs? Burnside Dental Surgery is here for you. Our services include dental implants, Invisalign, cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, and more. Contact us today.