If you are unhappy with your smile and eager to improve the alignment and position of your teeth, it’s very likely that you’ve debated between Invisalign Vs traditional braces.
Both are great orthodontic options for adults in Glasgow looking to change their smiles and build confidence in their oral health. However, both offer differing advantages and disadvantages. There’s also the important consideration of costs, treatment time and impact on your daily life.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces, and explain why Invisalign has become a popular choice for patients who want to improve the look and function of their teeth. We’ll also outline the possible disadvantages of Invisalign so that you can make an informed decision over which orthodontic treatment is best suited to you.
So, let’s dive in and find out more about who’s winning the fight between Invisalign Vs Traditional Braces.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces
Invisalign and traditional braces are two orthodontic treatment options available to people who want to straighten their teeth and improve their smiles.
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that consists of a series of custom-made, clear aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. Traditional braces, on the other hand, use metal brackets and wires to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. You’re probably familiar with traditional braces and may have even worn them yourself as a teen or young adult, whereas Invisalign is a more modern orthodontic solution that has only become popular in the last decade.
One of the main differences between Invisalign and traditional braces is that Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, whereas traditional braces are highly noticeable when in the mouth.
This makes them appeal to professional adults who need to interact with friends, colleagues and clients on a daily basis, and may feel self-conscious wearing metal braces in a professional or social situation.
In addition, Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning, while traditional braces are fixed in place and can only be removed by a dentist or orthodontist.
Another difference between the two is the length of treatment time. Invisalign treatment is often faster than traditional braces, taking an average of 12 to 18 months to achieve the desired results, while traditional braces can take up to two years or more. However, treatment times will vary on a case-by-case basis.
It’s also worth noting that Invisalign tends to work best for milder orthodontic cases. If your teeth are severely misaligned, traditional braces may be the best option for you.
Despite these differences, both Invisalign and traditional braces can be effective teeth straightening solutions. In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into the advantages that Invisalign treatment has over traditional braces.
The advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign has become an extremely popular choice for adult patients in Glasgow who are eager to straighten their teeth and fix their smiles without the use of traditional metal braces.
Invisalign aligners offer many benefits over traditional braces, including:
- Quick treatment times
- The ability to work in tandem with other cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening
- A non-invasive, painless treatment process.
- Fully removeable
- Virtually invisible and highly discreet
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to clean and maintain
Invisalign aligners also provide high impact results with minimal effort, making them an attractive option for those who want to achieve a beautiful smile without undergoing lengthy and uncomfortable treatments.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the main benefits that Invisalign treatment offers.
Aesthetics
Invisalign has a clear advantage over traditional braces when it comes to aesthetics.
The clear aligners used in Invisalign treatment are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults who don’t want to draw attention to their orthodontic treatment.
In contrast, traditional braces are made of metal brackets and wires, which are much more noticeable. This can be a major factor for those who are self-conscious about their appearance or who work in professional environments where appearance matters.
Comfort
Invisalign clear aligners offer greater comfort compared to traditional braces.
One of the reasons for this is that Invisalign’s custom-fit aligners are designed specifically for each patient’s teeth. The aligners are made using advanced 3D technology that ensures a perfect fit, reducing the chances of discomfort or irritation.
Additionally, there are no metal wires or brackets involved in the Invisalign treatment process, which can cause pain and discomfort in traditional braces. The smooth plastic aligners are more comfortable and can be removed easily when needed.
Convenience
In addition to the aesthetic benefits, Invisalign offers a range of conveniences that traditional braces cannot match.
First and foremost, Invisalign aligners are fully removable, which means patients can take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing. This eliminates the need for food restrictions and makes oral hygiene easier.
With traditional braces, food particles can easily become trapped in the brackets and wires, making oral hygiene more difficult.
Treatment Time
Invisalign treatment tends to offer shorter treatment times and fewer appointments when compared to traditional metal braces.
As Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit each patient’s teeth, they allow for more efficient and precise movement. Additionally, because there are no metal wires or brackets to adjust, patients typically require fewer appointments throughout the treatment process. You simply need to pick up your new set of retainers every couple of months and continue with the initial treatment plan, whereas traditional braces require tightening and adjusting every few months. This means less time spent in the dentist’s chair and more time enjoying the results of the treatment.
With Invisalign, patients can achieve the desired results in a shorter amount of time, making it a popular choice for those seeking quick and convenient orthodontic treatment.
The advantages of traditional braces
Although Invisalign aligners offer many advantages over traditional braces, it’s important to consider the benefits of traditional braces as well so as to make an informed decision over your orthodontic treatment.
Traditional braces are often better sutied for treating more complex orthodontic issues, such as severe overcrowding or misalignment.
In addition, traditional braces are often less expensive than Invisalign treatment, making them a more affordable option for some patients.
Finally, traditional braces require little to no effort from the patient. Unlike Invisalign, where the patient is ultimately responsible for wearing the aligners for the correct number of hours each day, traditional braces are fixed and therefore cannot be removed. This means the patient doesn’t need to put any thought or effort into their orthodontic treatment, other than showing up to their scheduled appointments every couple of months.
The disadvantages of Traditional Braces
While traditional braces have been a popular orthodontic treatment for many years and offer many advantages such as the ones outlined above, they do come with multiple disadvantages as well.
As mentioned earlier, traditional braces can be highly visible and uncomfortable, with frequent adjustments required that can cause pain and discomfort. The brackets and wires of traditional braces can also make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene, as food and bacteria can get trapped in the metal components, leading to issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Traditional braces can also require dietary restrictions, with certain foods and drinks off-limits to prevent damage to the brackets and wires.
Finally, traditional braces can take longer to achieve the desired results than Invisalign treatment, which can be completed in as little as six months in some cases.
While traditional braces may be the best option for some patients due to their lower costs and high-impact, it’s important to consider these disadvantages when deciding on your orthodontic treatment.
Traditional braces vs Invisalign: Costs compared
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, the cost can understandably be a significant factor for many patients.
Invisalign treatment typically costs more than traditional braces due to the advanced technology used to create the clear aligners.
The cost of Invisalign treatment will vary depending on the complexity of the case and the length of treatment nut on average you can expect to pay anywhere between £2000 – £5000.
Traditional braces are typically less expensive than Invisalign treatment. The cost of traditional braces can range between £1000 – £3000 in the UK.
At The Berkeley Clinic, we offer helpful finance options so that our patients can access the treatment they need without the high up-front cost. Find out more about our finance options before committing to a particular orthodontic treatment.
Which is better, Invisalign or metal braces?
Invisalign and traditional braces both have their advantages and disadvantages, so the decision of which treatment to choose ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual circumstances.
Invisalign aligners are a popular choice for adult patients due to their:
- Quick treatment times
- Non-invasive and painless treatment
- Virtually invisible appearance
- Convenience and comfort.
Traditional braces, on the other hand, are a tried and tested option that can achieve more complex tooth movements and are generally more effective for severe orthodontic issues.
When deciding between Invisalign and traditional braces, factors such as the severity of the misalignment, personal preferences, costs, and lifestyle considerations should be taken into account.
A consultation with an experienced orthodontist, such as those at The Berkeley Clinic in Glasgow, can help patients make an informed decision about which treatment option is best for them.
Give us a call today on 0141 564 1900 to get started.
Invisalign treatment at The Berkeley Clinic
If you’re considering Invisalign treatment in Glasgow, The Berkeley Clinic should be at the top of your list.
At our modern Glasgow dental clinic, we provide a range of high-quality cosmetic dental solutions to help you achieve your smile goals. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology to ensure your treatment is as comfortable and efficient as possible and our highly experienced team of dentists and orthodontists will always be on hand to help you throughout your treatment.
Our number one goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of, and Invisalign treatment is a great way to do just that!
If you would like to learn more about Invisalign treatment or schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthodontics to discuss your treatment options, do not hesitate to get in touch today.