Metal vs. Invisible Braces
Compared to traditional wire braces, invisible aligners are often better. Unquestionably, invisible braces are comfortable, removable and our prices are 60-70% less than other clear braces. And now you can get straighter teeth with orthodontist-designed clear braces for 65% less and without visits to the clinic. There’s never been a better time to fix them thanks to the affordability and ease of invisible braces and aligners. We reviewed the best invisible braces companies on the market and looked at factors like cost, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.
Metal vs. Invisible Braces
If invisible braces are less obtrusive, why are metal braces still on the market?
There are pros and cons to both. Let’s take a look at them.
Metal braces work better for severe cases. If your teeth are extraordinarily crooked, invisible braces might not work.
Here are the pros and cons of metal braces.
Pros
Metal braces are better at correcting severely crooked teeth and severe underbites and overbites.
These braces are permanent so that you don’t have to worry about losing them.
Treatment time can be faster than invisible braces because you are forced to wear them 24/7.
Cons
Metal brackets and wires can hurt the sides of your mouth.
This option is less attractive than invisible braces or clear braces.
Metal options are not suitable for people who play contact sports.
Brushing and flossing can be more difficult with metal braces.
You have to wait to do teeth whitening until after you are done.
Invisible braces are more attractive than metal braces and often more comfortable.
Here are the pros and cons of invisible braces.
Pros
Invisible braces are more attractive. The appearance is one of the main reasons that people don’t want to wear braces. An invisible option is more attractive than metal options because they’re nearly invisible.
This option is less painful than metal braces as they lack metal wires.
You can floss your teeth and bleach them if need be because the braces are removable.
Cons
Invisible braces are easy to lose because they’re removable.
These require more self-discipline than metal braces.
Who Are Invisible Braces For?John Torcasio/Unsplash
While anyone can wear invisible braces, they’re best for adults.
Clear options are the best braces for adults who want the flexibility of removing their braces during important events. Adults also tend to be more responsible and are less likely to lose their trays.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that metal braces still be used for situations that need more extreme repair. Invisible braces are also best for people who need a slight correction. Invisible options won’t correct an overbite or underbite as well.
As people get older, their teeth can move. Invisible braces are great for adults who had braces as children but whose teeth have moved and become a bit crooked in adulthood.
In general, you’re a candidate for invisible braces if you have the following:
Mild overbites
Crowded teeth
Mild open bites
Gapped teeth
Mils crossbites
Slightly crooked teeth
Mild underbites
Like traditional braces, invisible braces can help remove problems that cause teeth grinding. Both treatment options can fix front teeth, back teeth, and bites.
How Long Does It Take for the Invisible Braces to Straighten Teeth?Unsplash
Depending on the severity of your case, invisible braces can take anywhere from six months to a year to work.
It also depends on the user. If you follow your orthodontist’s advice and wear your invisible braces 22 hours or more a day, they’ll work faster.
However, if you tend to take them out more than you should, or only wear them at night, expect treatment time to take longer.
More extreme cases may need longer. Talk to your orthodontist or another dental professional to find out if you’d need six months, nine months, a year, or longer in your specific case.
How Much Do Invisible Braces Cost?Allef Vinicius / Unsplash
You might assume invisible braces are more expensive than metal braces. But you’d be wrong.
Invisible braces are comparable in price to metal braces.
The cost will depend on the severity of your case and how much you need your teeth adjusted, but invisible braces typically range from $3,000 for a simple correction to $8,000 for something more complex.
As a comparison, metal braces typically range from $3,500 to $9,000.
The best invisible braces can take your smile to the next level. Use this guide to help you get started with your teeth improvement plan.
