If you’re considering braces or invisalign, you may be wondering which treatment is right for you. Both braces and Invisalign have their pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which option is best for straightening your teeth. In this blog post, we will compare the two treatment options and help you decide which option is best for you!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens your teeth without the use of metal brackets or wires. Instead, Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners that are custom-made for your smile. Because they are clear, they are virtually invisible and many people won’t even know you’re wearing them!

What are braces?

Braces are a more traditional orthodontic treatment that uses metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. While they are not as invisible as Invisalign, braces have come a long way and now come in a variety of colors and styles.

How do they work?

Both Invisalign and braces work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth to move them into the correct position. Invisalign does this with clear aligners that you need to wear for 22 hours a day, and braces do this with metal brackets and wires.

How long does each treatment take?

The treatment length will depend on the severity of your orthodontic issues. Invisalign typically takes about 12 months, while braces may take 18-24 months.

Invisalign Pros and Cons

Pros: One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that they are virtually invisible. Invisalign is a great option to straighten teeth more discreetly.  Because they are removable, you can eat sticky foods that you would not be able to eat with ceramic or traditional metal braces. Invisalign are very easy to keep clean, you can simply take them out to brush and floss your teeth as usual!

Cons: Some disadvantages of Invisalign are that the aligners can be lost or broken, the patient must be disciplined as aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours per day in order for the treatment to work, you cannot have anything other than water while wearing the aligner and they may not be suitable for more complex orthodontic cases.

Braces Pros and Cons

Pros: The biggest benefit of braces is that they are very effective at straightening teeth. They can also correct a wide variety of orthodontic problems,  making them a good option for complex cases.

Cons:  Some disadvantages of braces are that they are not as invisible as Invisalign, they can be uncomfortable, they may require more visits to the dentist and they are more difficult to keep clean as you cannot remove them.

The cost of treatment?

The cost of treatment will vary depending on the severity of your case, however the costs of the two treatments are similar. On average the cost of braces is typically between $6,000 – $9,000 whereas Invisalign will cost $6,500 – $9,500.

So, which is right for you?

The best way to decide which treatment is right for you is to consult your dentist. They will be able to assess your individual case and recommend whether braces or invisalign is the better treatment option for you.

Book a consult with Kangaroo Point Dental

If you are considering braces or invisalign, contact us today to schedule a consultation! We would be happy to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!