Metal vs. Invisible Braces
Compared to traditional wire braces, invisible aligners are often better. Unquestionably, invisible braces are comfortable and removable, and our prices are 60-70% less than other clear braces. And now you can get straighter teeth with orthodontist-designed clear braces for 65% less and without visits to the clinic. There’s never been a better time to fix them, thanks to the affordability and ease of invisible braces and aligners. We reviewed the best invisible braces companies on the market and looked at cost, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.
Metal vs. Invisible Braces
If invisible braces are less intrusive, why are metal braces still on the market?
There are pros and cons to both. Let’s take a look at them. Metal braces work better for severe cases. If your teeth are extraordinarily crooked, invisible braces might not work.
Here are the pros and cons of metal braces.
Pros
- Metal braces are better at correcting severely crooked teeth, underbites, and overbites.
- These braces are permanent, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.
- Treatment time can be faster than invisible braces because you are forced to wear them 24/7.
Cons
- Metal brackets and wires can hurt the sides of your mouth.
- This option is less attractive than invisible braces or clear braces.
- Metal options are not suitable for people who play contact sports.
- Brushing and flossing can be more difficult with metal braces.
- You have to wait to do teeth whitening until after you are done.
Discover the best invisible braces
Here are the pros and cons of invisible braces.
Pros
- Invisible braces are more attractive. Appearance is one of the main reasons that people don’t want to wear braces.
- A hidden option is more beautiful than metal options because they’re nearly invisible.
- This option is less painful than metal braces as they lack metal wires.
- You can floss your teeth and bleach them because the braces are removable.
Cons
- Invisible braces are easy to lose because they’re removable.
- These require more self-discipline than metal braces.
Who Are Invisible Braces For?
Clear options are the best braces for adults who want the flexibility of removing them during critical events. Adults also tend to be more responsible and less likely to lose trays. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that metal braces still be used for more extreme repair situations. Invisible braces are also best for people who need a slight correction. Hidden options won’t correct an overbite or underbite as well.
As people get older, their teeth can move. Invisible braces are great for adults who had braces as children but whose teeth have moved and become crooked in adulthood.
In general, you’re a candidate for invisible braces if you have the following:
- Mild overbites
- Crowded teeth
- Mild open bites
- Gapped teeth
- Mils crossbites
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Mild underbites
Like traditional braces, invisible braces can help remove problems that cause teeth grinding. Both treatment options can fix front teeth, back teeth, and bites.
How Long Does It Take for the Invisible Braces to Straighten Teeth?
Depending on the severity of your case, invisible braces can take anywhere from six months to a year to work. It also depends on the user. If you follow your orthodontist’s advice and wear your invisible braces 22 hours or more daily, they’ll work faster. However, if you take them out more than you should or only wear them at night, expect treatment time to take longer. More extreme cases may need longer. Talk to your orthodontist or another dental professional to find out if you’d need six months, nine months, a year, or longer in your specific case.
How Much Do Invisible Braces Cost?
You might assume invisible braces are more expensive than metal braces. But you’d be wrong.
Invisible braces are comparable in price to metal braces.
The cost will depend on the severity of your case and how much you need your teeth adjusted, but invisible braces typically range from $3,000 for a simple correction to $8,000 for something more complex. In comparison, metal braces typically range from $3,500 to $9,000. The best invisible braces can take your smile to the next level. You can use this guide to help you get started with your teeth improvement plan.
