Braces vs Aligners: Which One to Choose?

Invisalign and braces are the two most popular dental treatments that help straighten your crooked teeth accordingly. Most of us choose invisaligns as they do not affect your look, rather than traditional braces that might make you uncomfortable. Since dentists approve both, they ensure excellent results.

Choose the one that suits you best by going through this discussion on aligners vs braces. Keep reading!

What Is Invisalign?

An orthodontic procedure that repairs and straightens your crooked teeth without any metal is Invisalign. They are custom-made braces that you can use to push back your misaligned teeth into a proper place through time. Invisalign does not include any metal brackets that might make you uncomfortable. These braces ensure precisely aligned teeth and are made of special medical-grade components.

Invisalign, apart from aligning your teeth, ensures sealing the wide gaps between your teeth. Additionally, it also treats open bite, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and overcrowded teeth structure.

What Are Braces?

mouth with braces — (source: molesorthodontics)

An effective teeth-straightening device, these brackets come in plastic, metals, and ceramic and can be of your tooth colour too. You can also customise your brackets as per requirement after consulting your dentist.

The brackets of these braces are attached to your teeth with an archwire or ring-like bands that keep the braces properly in place. Your dentist will adjust them periodically as per requirement. To stabilise your teeth, your dentist might ask you to wear a retainer after removing the braces. Let us come to the advantages and disadvantages of braces.

What Are the Differences Between Braces and Aligners?

The difference between braces and aligners depends upon certain parameters, which are as follows:

Parameters	Invisalign	Braces
Treatment time	The treatment duration is approximately 6 months to 24 months	Here, the treatment duration is almost 2 years and sometimes more, depending upon your teeth
Works best for	Aligns structure of teeth in minor cases	Used to align moderate and complex teeth structure
Removable procedure	Yes, they are removable	No, they are not removable
Side-effects	No gum irritation or other side effects	Can cause gum irritation and other side effects
Requirements	You can wear an invisalign 20-22 hours a day. Remove them while eating and brush them regularly.	You have to avoid hard food while wearing braces. Brush and floss your braces properly after eating
Price	Rs. 1,50,000 – Rs. 3,50,000	Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 80,000

Now that you know the difference between aligners and braces let's step into the benefits and risks of the two.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Aligners and Braces?

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of Aligners Vs Braces:

Aligners

Advantages:

You can comfortably move your teeth precisely by wearing invisalign.
Since these are clear braces, you can wear them as they are less noticeable.
You do not have to visit your dental clinic often to adjust your braces, saving a lot of time.

Disadvantages:

Invisalign will suit you better if you have minor teeth correction. Therefore, they do not help repair complicated teeth structures.
Invisalign is a risk for children since they are removable. Losing one might cause additional charges and a longer treatment time.
If you have poor oral hygiene, invisalign is not for you as it might cause cavities and bad breath. If you eat frequently, you must brush and floss your teeth repeatedly, causing repeated removal of the aligners.

Braces

Advantages:

While invisaligns treat specific cases, braces help to treat all cases of misaligned teeth and the complex ones as well.
You will find multiple options available as they come with colour or without colour. You can choose the lingual ones that fit behind your teeth or ceramic braces for a pleasant look. However, you can choose the comfortable porcelain braces over the usual metal ones.
Braces are resistant to heat and do not stain. So, you can consume food and beverages anytime, and you won't have to remove them repeatedly.

Disadvantages:

As your braces tend to rub onto your lips and cheeks continuously, it is likely to cause discomfort. You might also find it difficult to talk fluently wearing these braces.
Braces are noticeable; one can view them attached to your teeth when you smile. This might cause you discomfort too.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Will my braces hurt more than the invisaligns?

Braces might be painful for you compared to invisaligns which are less painful. While eating, you might feel a hard substance stuck inside your mouth due to braces which might hurt you. In such cases, consult your doctor immediately.

Can I sleep while wearing my invisalign?

One of the major benefits of aligners is that you can wear them almost 20-22 hours a day, including sleeping. You can only take out your aligners while drinking or eating hot beverages. You can also remove it while you are brushing your teeth.

What is the cost of getting an Aligner in India?

The cost of getting an Aligner treatment will vary depending on the complexity and the equipments used. However, it generally ranges from ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 90,000.