Posted on February 17, 2021
When you want to improve and straighten your teeth, it can be hard to decide which route is best. There seem to be so many options and orthodontist offices today, that the choices can be overwhelming. Should we go with traditional braces, or get the new Invisalign aligners? Should we set up a payment plan, or pay in full? The choices can seem staggering, so much so that people sometimes end up not getting treatment at all.
In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of traditional metal braces versus Invisalign clear aligners. We’ll help you decide which is better for you, and then touch upon some common questions people have about orthodontists. At the end, you should have more than enough information to make your own decision and get the wonderful smile you desire.
In the world of orthodontics, many terms can be thrown. Instead of having to carry a dictionary with you to your appointment, we’ll go over some terms here that will help you, starting with “braces.”
“Braces” typically refers to traditional metal braces, connected by wires and worn visibly on the teeth for multiple months or years. There are also lingual braces, which are worn on the back of the teeth and are invisible to the outside observer. Neither are removable and will force you to adjust your eating and drinking habits somewhat.
“Invisalign” is a brand name that refers to a type of clear aligner that has all the functions of braces, but without many of the downsides. It is an impression of your teeth that is slowly updated with new aligners. They shift your teeth in much the same way as braces, but they are removable and allow you to eat, drink, and clean your teeth normally.
Choosing between traditional metal braces or clear aligners is one of the more difficult decisions in the world of orthodontics. What can seem like a fine choice one day may end up being a pain down the line, or an extra cost that you no longer want. Before choosing between traditional metal braces, figure out what your budget allows and how you want your experience with braces to be.
For example, if you want to continue to eat and drink as normal or work on your oral hygiene, then you would greatly benefit from Invisalign clear aligners. The same goes for if you’d like to keep your current aesthetic and not have a mouth full of metal brackets. But if neither of these things is an issue for you, and you’d like to save a bit of money, then traditional metal braces are a great option. It all comes down to personal choice, lifestyle, and habits.
Many dental insurance plans now have coverage for braces. Especially if you can prove that it is correcting a condition other than cosmetics, you may be able to pay for only a fraction of the cost of braces. While they may not cover Invisalign or other fancier types of braces, you will never have to go without if you simply do a check.
On the other hand, many orthodontists also want to provide you with amazing service and have payment plans available. Some of these plans are interest-free and require you to pay over many months, others are just like any other loan. Your orthodontics office may have a special deal for you depending on your circumstances, so it’s always helpful to inquire.
These days, braces are more popular than ever. In fact, approximately 4 million Americans are wearing braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Many people report a self-esteem boost, better chewing, and increased dental hygiene after receiving braces. So no matter which you choose, getting braces should be seen for what it is: an investment in yourself that can truly pay dividends later.