Let us guide you through part of the process to help you decide whether Invisalign or braces are the best solution for you and your family.

Appearance

A major downside to traditional braces is how they look. Metal braces line the outside of the teeth, making them very visible. Some kids do enjoy picking out different colors for their braces, but traditional braces aren't always the best option for adults.



Invisalign, on the other hand, is discrete and practically invisible. They are made with clear plastic material and fit over the teeth, making them perfect for adults. 

Price

Price is an important aspect to consider, so are braces or Invisalign cheaper? Traditional braces are typically the more cost-effective option, running between $2,500 and $8,000. 

The total price for Invisalign depends on how many trays you need to have made. This will depend on the severity of your teeth. Each tray can only move your teeth so much, so you will likely need multiple tray sets to fully straighten your smile.

Individual Invisalign trays cost between $3,500 and $8,000 depending on how misaligned your teeth are. If you have severe overcrowding or large gaps between your teeth, you may want to consider traditional braces. 



Speak with your orthodontist about how much Invisalign and traditional braces will cost. Your dental insurance will cover a portion of the treatment, so don't forget to ask about that as well.

Comfort

Shifting your teeth so that they are aligned is never a comfortable experience. However, you should consider your comfort when choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces. 

Traditional braces have sharp edges that can cut your gums and the inside of your mouth. They also apply pressure in strange ways, making them rather uncomfortable to wear. If you are especially active, traditional braces could pose a risk if you were to have an accident, cutting up the inside of your mouth.

Invisalign is a more comfortable option, as they fit over the teeth and apply even amounts of pressure. They can also be removed when necessary, such as when you eat, sleep, or brush your teeth. 



Regardless of which option you choose, you will need some time to grow accustomed to having teeth aligners in your mouth. With enough time, you can get used to both braces and Invisalign. 

Convenience

Braces can be convenient since you won't have to worry about taking them out before eating or sleeping. If you are prone to misplacing things, it's also helpful to know exactly where your braces are at all times. Unfortunately, traditional braces do prevent you from eating certain foods and can generally be annoying to deal with.



Invisalign, on the other hand, allows you to continue eating and drinking what you want. So long as you take your liners out when necessary and remember where you've placed them, Invisalign may be a more convenient option for you.

Maintenance

No matter what type of teeth aligner you use, you will still need to clean and care for your teeth. With braces, you can continue your daily cleaning as usual. Brushing and flossing stay relatively the same, though you may have to use caution cleaning around the braces.

Cleaning your teeth is simple with Invisalign since you remove the trays when you practice dental hygiene. However, you will also need to take steps to ensure that the trays themselves are clean.

Invisalign trays come with a special cleaning solution that you brush onto and into the trays. Cleaning them can be a bit of a hassle; you may find it difficult to get into the crevices of your Invisalign trays. If you go without cleaning the trays, old food and bacteria can easily build up inside of them.

If maintaining the Invisalign trays would be difficult for you, then you may want to stick with traditional braces. If you still like the idea of Invisalign, you can speak with an Invisalign dentist in Honesdale for information on keeping your Invisalign trays clean.

Effectiveness

You should strongly consider how effective both Invisalign and traditional braces are when it comes to straightening your smile! Since braces cannot be removed by their wearer, they will constantly be at work straightening your smile. This makes them very effective at straightening your teeth!

Invisalign wearers can run into issues with their teeth. Invisalign users tend to neglect using the trays sometimes, making them less effective. Without the trays in, the teeth can move around and adjust, delaying progress.

Invisalign users also have to follow their orthodontist's recommendation on how long to use the trays in order to get straight teeth. Many are tempted to go against these recommendations, giving up on the liners early. 



Traditional braces are generally more effective at straightening teeth and will be needed for less time than Invisalign.

Make Your Decision of Invisalign or Braces Easier

When it comes to deciding on Invisalign or braces, you should make an informed decision. Keep these pros and cons in mind as you visit your orthodontist. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure you speak with your cosmetic dentist in Honesdale for further advice!

Do you want to achieve the smile of your dreams but don't know where to go?



We're here to help. Contact our dental office in Honesdale, PA with any questions or concerns you have about our dentistry services, and continue reading our blog for more helpful information today!