SureSmile vs Braces Comparison
Modern dental care continues to expand and grow with modern advancements. One of these advancements, Invisalign, provides options for straightening your teeth. However, how do you know whether to choose Invisalign vs braces? Will Invisalign meet your smile correction needs?
SureSmile vs Braces Benefits
Which method of teeth straightening will provide you the greatest benefit? In this question of Invisalign vs braces, let’s start with the basics.
Specifically, orthodontic braces have a lengthy history of tooth straightening in our country. Invisalign hit the market with force in the early 2000s. Therefore, the treatment is youthful, with two decades of results. However, braces didn’t change much throughout the history of teeth straightening devices.
As in early braces, these teeth straightening wires and brackets still use metal. Your orthodontist glues the brackets onto your teeth and ties them together with wires. You also use tiny rubber bands between some teeth. However, modern braces now offer custom colors to match your teeth or as a fashion statement.
Invisalign teeth straightening is invisible by design. In fact, you use aligner trays made of smooth plastic. These trays fit over your teeth comfortably to gently move your teeth into better alignment. Your dentist uses dental X-rays, images, and tooth impressions for custom configuration of your aligner trays.
Which Method Is Best for You?
Both braces and Invisalign straighten teeth. Therefore, this decision becomes a personal one. Your family dentist helps you understand the pros and cons of each method, for confident decision-making. However, each method has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Obviously wearing Invisalign instead of braces gives you invisible teeth straightening. This means you don’t feel self-conscious as people often do with metal brackets. Invisalign trays also come out of your mouth for eating and oral health care. Braces remain on your teeth for several years and you must eat, brush, and floss with the brackets and wires in place.
Invisalign alignment trays work in about six to 18 months. Traditional braces stay in place for an average of two years, with many people wearing them longer.
When cost is a consideration, both methods often cost the same. Some people benefit from cheaper braces wear and treatment, but the cost range for metal braces extends to about $5,500 over multiple years. For Invisalign, the cost usually stays under $5,000.
With metal braces, you visit the dentist once every four weeks. For aligner tray use, you visit the dentist every four to six weeks.
Of course, with plastic aligner trays, you don’t have issues of food getting caught or painful sores from snagging, pulling wires in your mouth. The brackets and wires of braces also require you to change your diet, whereas Invisalign does not. You must exclude sticky foods or those easily caught in the braces.
SureSmile vs Braces: Making the Right Decision
Both methods cause teeth sensitivity as the teeth move into better positioning. However, not all people benefit from both methods. Your dentist provides the best advice in the braces or Invisalign benefits debate.