Are traditional metal braces better than Invisalign? The Invisalign treatment system has obvious benefits but the pressing question is whether this new approach to teeth straightening and alignment is as effective as metal braces or not.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign is an ingenious dental product that helps put teeth in proper alignment without being easily detected by the naked eye. This is a welcomed difference from the traditional metal braces that have the telltale dark silver tone that can be spotted very easily. Many patients are thrilled to discover an invisible alternative to braces.
An orthodontist who uses a computer to design the invisible braces fits the product to the patient. The computer uses an imaging system that caters the design to the individual. Each patient has a set of invisible braces to wear.
The progression is systematic, offering gradual changes. Each patient begins with one set of Invisalign braces, followed by a series of others that gradually move the teeth into place. The movement of the teeth takes time, as it does with traditional braces.
How Many Sets of Invisalign are Necessary?
The series of fittings progressively take each patient to his or her goal. The approach differs from one person to another, with some people requiring more sets of retainers than others do. The length of time and the number of braces depend on the severity of the tooth alignment problem.
Patients can expect to have between 18 and 30 sets of Invisalign retainers throughout the course of the treatment. In addition, patients can expect to wear the retainers as long as they would have to wear traditional braces. However, there is significantly less discomfort using the invisible retainers to straighten teeth.
Hygiene
Hygiene is another serious factor to consider when selecting between traditional metal braces and Invisalign retainers. The wearer has the distinct advantage of being able to remove the retainers to clean them after meals, before bed and in the morning. Traditional braces are very difficult to clean, even when using a toothbrush.
Drawbacks
What are the drawbacks of using Invisalign? Two factors stand out: cost and user error. The product is not typically covered by insurance and it can cost considerably more than traditional braces. Some report up to a 50 percent increase in cost while others report a 20 percent hike in rate as compared to metal braces.
Since the retainers can be removed regularly, there is significant room for user error. The wearer can easily forget to wear the device regularly, making progress slow down considerably. In order for the product to work effectively, it should be worn consistently.
Weighing the Options
There are many considerations to make when selecting how to straighten teeth. Visiting an orthodontist to determine which approach is right for your specific needs is an important first step in the process. More information about Invisalign is available on the company’s website.
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