1. Appearance
Appearance is the most significant advantage clear aligners have over traditional braces. Metal braces are very noticeable, even if they are tooth-colored and designed to be less visible. Clear aligners are made from a specialized, transparent plastic material that is nearly invisible at first glance. If you are concerned about your appearance and want something discreet, clear aligners are a good option.
2. Duration of Treatment
The average treatment time can vary based on the patient’s current dental condition. However, traditional braces require more time than clear aligners. The treatment duration can range from 18 months to 3 years based on the severity of the patient’s misalignment. Invisalign and other clear aligners require around 12 months to get the job done. The treatment duration can vary from one patient to another, but aligners usually require less time.
3. Complexity of Treatment
Traditional metal braces are permanently affixed to your teeth and stay on for the duration of the treatment. During this time, you need to visit the dentist regularly to adjust the braces, replace any broken wires, and make sure your teeth aren’t damaged. Metal braces require much care, and that can be difficult to manage, especially if the patient is young.
Aligners are comfortable because they aren’t permanent. The patient gets a series of aligner trays to move their teeth into the desired position. You can remove the trays to brush your teeth, floss, or eat. Each tray stays on for around one or two weeks before you move on to the next aligner in the series. This treatment is much easier to manage and doesn’t require as many visits to the dentist’s clinic.
4. Maintenance
Both options have some impact on your lifestyle. Metal braces require more care than clear aligners. You need to follow a strict dental hygiene routine recommended by the dentist to keep the braces clean. You also need to avoid hard and sticky food items as they can become trapped in the braces and cause infection. Hard food items can place more pressure on your teeth and create long term damage.
Aligners don’t require as many restrictions. You only need to visit the dentist once every 4 to 6 weeks, and there’s no need to follow different dental hygiene routine. You can brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash to keep dental problems at bay. Aligners are removable, and you can keep them off for 2 to 4 hours every day without compromising your treatment. There are fewer lifestyle restrictions because you can eat anything you want after removing the aligner trays.
5. Cost of Invisalign in Scottsdale
Cost is a major deciding factor for most patients. Traditional braces can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000 while clear aligners are somewhat expensive. Invisalign and other branded aligners start at around $4,500 to $5,000. Generic aligners are cheaper in comparison.
However, it is essential to take duration of the treatment and number of dentist clinic visits into account. Clear aligners have a shorter treatment span, and you don’t need to visit the dentist as often. The additional dental visits can add to the cost of the overall treatment. Some patients find the cost of metal braces and clear aligners to be comparable.
If you want to know more about our orthodontist treatments and find out which option is suitable for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Rod W. Gore DDS. You can call at 480 585 6225 or contact us directly.