Braces vs Invisalign
Learn pros and cons of choosing braces vs Invisalign clear aligners
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Braces vs Invisalign Clear Aligners - Best Treatment Options in South Bay Area, California
Getting your teeth straightened is not only beneficial for your smile, facial esthetics, and overall personality but also for maintaining good oral health and physical well-being. If you are looking for a reliable, convenient, and esthetically pleasing orthodontic treatment option for getting your teeth straightened, Dr. Esfandiari recommends Invisalign clear aligners.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign removable aligners are made from a transparent, thermoplastic polymer virtually invisible when worn. As a result, Invisalign aligners will not interfere with your facial aesthetics – allowing you to wear them at your workplace, social gatherings, and even on a date – without anyone noticing.
We offer the best Invisalign treatment options for you if you live in Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga, Santa Clara or any of the nearby South Bay Area Communities.
Table of Contents
How Clear Aligners Work?
Your Los Gatos dentist will prepare a customized treatment plan for you based on the type and severity of your orthodontic problem. Our dentist, Dr. Mahsa, will take digital impressions of your teeth, which will be used for designing a set of numbered aligners using special software. These aligners will then be fabricated using 3D printing technology. Each aligner set consisting of trays for the upper and lower teeth – will be designed to gradually move your teeth in optimal alignment. You will be asked to wear each aligner set for 14 days, making sure to wear them for at least 22 hours each day. However, you can remove them for eating, drinking, or oral hygiene maintenance. In this way, each set of aligners will continue to move your teeth until they are perfectly aligned at the end of your treatment.
Braces Versus Invisalign Clear Aligners - The Pros and Cons
Although both braces and clear aligners have the same treatment goal – to fix misaligned teeth – both systems work differently. Similarly, both orthodontic systems have their own merits and demerits. Let us compare both treatment options and look at their pros and cons.
How They Work?
While fixed braces move teeth by applying pressure through the orthodontic wires, clear aligners do so by sitting over the teeth and forcing them into optimal alignment.
Which offers superior Aesthetics?
Fixed braces are conspicuous due to their metallic appearance. That is why many people dislike braces for their treatment. Clear aligners are transparent, hence they are virtually invisible when worn – and won’t affect your smile or facial appearance.
Which is More Comfortable?
Braces wearers often complain of soft tissue injury and tooth pain during their treatment. On the other hand, clear aligners are made from a flexible polymer. As a result, they are much more convenient and comfortable to use.
Oral Hygiene Maintenance
A significant problem associated with braces is that the orthodontic brackets and the wire make it challenging to clean the teeth and inter-dental spaces. As a result, braces wearers are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal inflammation. On the other hand, clear aligners are removable; therefore, you can easily remove them before brushing or flossing.
Dietary Restrictions
Dentists recommend braces wearers to avoid hard and sticky foods as they are hard to clean and may also result in the dislodgement of the brackets. On the other hand, there are no dietary restrictions with clear aligners. Simply remove your aligners before eating and once you’re done, wear them back after rinsing them in water.
The Cost
The average cost of treatment with traditional braces and Invisalign aligners is comparable. Treatment with metal braces may typically cost you between $1800 and $5500, while the cost of treatment with clear aligners may vary between $3000 – $8000 – depending on the severity of your problem.
Treatable Cases
Fixed braces are a reliable and time-tested option for fixing various orthodontic problems. Similarly, clear aligners can also be used to treat several tooth alignment problems. However, metal braces generally offer better results when treating complex issues involving the bite. Your dentist can advise you regarding the most suitable treatment option depending on your treatment needs and budget constraints.
What are Different Types of Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances worn over the teeth and used for teeth straightening. Invisalign aligners are among the most popular and time-tested brands of clear aligners. Let us take a look at some of the brands of clear aligners currently available for orthodontic treatment:
Invisalign Aligners:
Invisalign aligners, manufactured by Align Technology, were the first clear aligner brand to be introduced commercially as an alternative to fixed braces. The system comprises a series of removable, clear aligners worn over the teeth to treat various orthodontic issues.
Orthoclear:
This system is similar to Invisalign – offering clear aligners to treat and fix bite issues.
OrthoFX:
This aligner system consists of 3D-printed aligners made from a proprietary polymer material. The system uses a combination of physical, in-person, and virtual checkup appointments to keep track of the treatment progress of the patients.
ClearCorrect:
Regarded as one of the fastest-growing clear aligner brands in the US, Clear Correct has a similar design and mode of action as Invisalign. However, treatment with Clear Correct aligners is considerably less costly than Invisalign.
SmileDirectClub:
The Smile Direct Club is based on a direct-to-consumer model – implying that consumers can get their aligners directly from the manufacturer. Patients simply need to upload photographs of their teeth and smile – and x-ray images – if required. The manufacturer will then design aligners sets and dispatch them directly to their addresses. However, the direct-to-consumer systems have faced criticism from dental professionals as there is no involvement of a dentist in the aligner fabrication and treatment process.
When it comes to getting your teeth straightened, choosing a qualified and experienced dentist is the most crucial aspect. If you’re looking for a clear aligner dentist in Los Gatos, Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group should be your first choice. We offer high-quality, affordable orthodontic services under one roof – in a calm and comfortable environment. So, book an appointment with Dr. Mahsa today and begin your journey towards a charming and attractive smile.
Contact Our Invisalign Dentist in Los Gatos
As part of our commitment to bringing a comprehensive array of quality, in-house dental procedures, the Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group is proud to offer Invisalign clear aligners to our patients in the South Bay Area. Invisalign costs are similar to the price of traditional braces, making this option a more comfortable and practically invisible way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (408) 371-1070 to have a consultation with any of our Los Gatos Dental Group dentists, and we will be happy to help!
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