If you’re unhappy because your teeth are crooked, crowded, or gapped, you’ve most likely browsed different orthodontic treatment options. For most people, it really comes down to two options: Invisalign vs. metal braces. These are the two most popular orthodontic treatments and for good reasons. To start, they both work effectively and they’re relatively close in price, with Invisalign costing a bit more. Appolon Dental Group in Midtown Manhattan is here to help you decide which orthodontic treatment is right for you.
Appearance
When something is going to be in your mouth for the next year or two, comfort should be one of the top factors you consider. Some people find metal braces to be incredibly uncomfortable, especially for the first few weeks of wearing them. They have sharp metal brackets and wires that can easily cut or irritate your cheeks, lips, and tongue. Invisalign, on the other hand, is made of thin smooth plastic. It’s incredibly smooth to touch so you never have to worry about cutting your mouth when you wear them.
Comfort
Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, it’s completely understandable to not want to show off a mouth full of metal. Not only can metal braces look embarrassing, but they might also make you feel even more self-conscious than your natural teeth. The last thing you want to do is draw more attention to your smile. If you feel this way, you should consider Invisalign because the treatment is nearly invisible. The clear aligners are hardly noticeable unless you’re an inch away from someone’s teeth. Feel free to keep your Invisalign treatment a secret between you and Dr. Appolon.
Time
Most metal braces treatments take anywhere from one to two years to complete. Patients can expect to visit their dentist every 6 weeks to tighten their braces. On the flip side, Invisalign can take anywhere from 6 months to two years to complete. They switch their aligners every two weeks to move their teeth. Since movement takes place every two weeks, the teeth move into their desired position sooner. And these days, advanced technology lets many people switch braces every week, cutting treatment time in half again! During your consultation, we can tell if Invisalign can help you expedite your orthodontic treatment.
Dental Hygiene
Brushing your teeth with metal braces is difficult to do. To reach every inch around your brackets, you might have to use either an excellent electric toothbrush or tiny brushes to clean out every crumb. Flossing also requires you to thread your floss under the wire to floss your teeth. With Invisalign, you simply remove your aligners and brush and floss your teeth as usual.
Eating
If you love crunchy, hard, or chewy foods, metal braces might not be for you. When you opt for metal braces, you will be given a list of foods you can’t eat like nuts, chewy candy, hard bread, hard chips, apples, popcorn and so much more. There are no food restrictions with Invisalign. You just remove your aligners to eat.
Now that you have compared Invisalign vs. metal braces, which do you choose? If you would like to start an Invisalign treatment before the year is over, give Appolon Dental Group a call (212) 557-8668 today to schedule a consultation with cosmetic dentist, Dr. Appolon.
