Metal Braces vs Invisalign: Which Is Best for You?

According to a recent report, more than 4 million Americans get braces every year. This includes both younger people (about 75% of those with braces) and adults (about 25% of those with braces). Everyone is enjoying the benefits of braces right now and setting out to get the straight teeth they’ve always wanted.

Are you thinking about possibly obtaining orthodontic care so that you can improve the appearance of your smile? You’ll need to decide whether you would prefer to go with metal braces or Invisalign.

So, what are the differences between metal braces vs Invisalign? Before you choose one orthodontic treatment over the other, you should take the time to learn more about them. It’ll help you make the right decision in the end.

Discover more about the metal braces vs Invisalign debate below.

Metal Braces

People have been trying to come up with different ways to straighten their teeth since prehistoric times. But it wasn’t until the 1800s that the first metal braces were invented.

Metal braces have come a long way since then in terms of both how they’re used and what they look like when they’re placed in a person’s mouth. But generally speaking, they continue to serve the same purpose that they have since the beginning.

Metal braces contain metal brackets that are bonded to a person’s teeth along with metal wires that can be tightened over time to provide a person with straight teeth. A person can also choose to put elastics around the brackets for their metal braces to add pops of color to them.

The Pros of Metal Braces

Metal braces have been able to hang around for as long as they have for one simple reason: They work! When you have metal braces put on your teeth, you can rest assured knowing they’ll be able to fix some of the most complicated orthodontic issues in the world.

Whether you have gaps in your teeth or teeth alignment problems, you’ll be able to make these kinds of problems things of the past when you choose to get metal braces. You should also be able to get the straighter teeth you want within just 2 years with metal braces, if not sooner.

Metal braces are also still a very popular choice among those seeking orthodontic care because of their cost. Getting metal braces will typically cost less than getting Invisalign will. It’s one more thing to keep in mind when you’re trying to pick between metal braces vs Invisalign.

The Cons of Metal Braces

Metal braces might be the right option for you when you’d like to get straighter teeth. But there are a few potential downsides that you should be mindful of before choosing metal braces over Invisalign.

For starters, metal braces will remain on your teeth at all times when you have them. You won’t be able to take metal braces out whenever you want, which can make it challenging to keep up with dental care.

You’ll also need to avoid eating certain sticky and crunchy foods when you have metal braces since doing it could lead to oral care complications. You might accidentally break the brackets and/or the wires for your metal braces if you bite down on the wrong things.

Invisalign

Metal braces ruled the roost for decades when it came to orthodontic care. But that all changed in the late 1990s when Invisalign was first invented. Invisalign offered those seeking orthodontic treatment an excellent alternative to metal braces.

As its name suggested, the Invisalign orthodontic treatment system included clear aligners that a person would put over their teeth while being treated. Just like metal braces, these clear aligners are capable of straightening a person’s teeth and treating other orthodontic issues.

The Pros of Invisalign

The biggest benefit of choosing Invisalign over metal braces is that other people won’t even know that you’re going through the orthodontic treatment process when you have clear aligners on your teeth. Unless they’re standing right next to you, they shouldn’t be able to see that you have clear aligners. It’s what makes Invisalign so appealing to people, including many older adults who want to get straight teeth.

Another thing people have come to love about Invisalign is that you can take clear aligners out whenever you’d like. It’ll make it easier for those with clear aligners to keep up with their dental care. It’ll also allow them to eat whatever they would like without having to worry about doing any damage to their braces.

The Cons of Invisalign

While Invisalign clear aligners have been amazing additions to the orthodontic world, there are a few cons that will need to be on your radar before you go in this direction. First and foremost, you’ll need to be aware of the fact that Invisalign will cost more than metal braces in most cases.

Invisalign will also require more self-discipline on your part. It’s nice to be able to take clear aligners out when you want. But you’ll need to get into the habit of wearing them on your teeth more often than not.

Additionally, you might not be able to treat all orthodontic issues with clear aligners. Some of the more complicated problems might still call for you to get metal braces vs Invisalign.

Metal Braces vs Invisalign: Which One Should You Choose?

Now that you know more about the pros and cons of metal braces vs Invisalign, which option seems like the better choice to you? You should consider everything from the condition of your teeth to your budget before making a final decision.

It would also be worth discussing metal braces vs Invisalign further with the best orthodontist in Lynchburg, VA. Central Virginia Orthodontics can talk to you more about which type of orthodontic treatment might produce the best results for you.

Contact Us to Schedule Orthodontic Care Services

When you call on Central Virginia Orthodontics for orthodontic treatment, we’ll use our experience and expertise to help you decide between metal braces vs Invisalign. We’ll also aim to give you the straight teeth you’ve always wanted in a timely fashion.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.