BRACES VS ALIGNERS - COST, COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE COMPARED
Are you planning to get your teeth aligned for smile enhancement; so that you can have a beautiful dazzling smile? Well, oftentimes it requires orthodontic treatment. Whether you have teeth alignment issues or misaligned bites you will need to undergo braces treatment. With new advancements in the field of orthodontics you now get various different options for your braces treatment.
In this blog you will be reading about the two most popular braces options that help you get straighter teeth by exerting controlled forces. They are traditional braces and invisible aligners.
About metal braces and invisible aligners : Before we move forward to read about the comparison between the cost, comfort and convenience of braces and aligners let us first know in brief about how they look like;
Metal braces : Have you ever noticed the silver clips on the teeth of teens with a wire attached to it? Well, that is how the metal braces appear. Your orthodontist fixes metal brackets on your individual teeth through which passes a metal archwire. Later during the course of treatment various rubber bands and thin strings of wire are added to it as per the treatment requirements.
Invisible aligners : These are soft removable transparent trays. Custom fabricated for your teeth with medical grade material. It fits snugly over your teeth. No wires or rubber bands are used in these aligners.
Comparison between braces and aligners :
- Cost
- Comfort
- Convenience
Cost :
As compared to the metal braces, aligners are slightly more expensive. Ever noticed that whenever you talk about someone getting or planning to get an orthodontic treatment the first thing that comes to your mind is the treatment cost. For most people, cost plays an important role in their treatment’s decision making. And with the various options available now your curiosity about the difference in treatment charges is welcomed.
Coming to the cost comparison between the two options; it is sometimes difficult to determine which is less expensive than others and most of the time it is the orthodontist who decides it for you taking in account your specific treatment requirements; as there are various factors that contribute to the difference in treatment prices.
On an estimate metal braces can range from 55k- to 65k whereas invisible aligners can range from 90k- to 2L. Your geographic location as well as dental insurance plan can also lead to further changes in your braces treatment cost. Some dental clinics also offer you easy payment options in terms of EMIs to make your braces treatment more affordable.
Compared to the traditional metal braces, aligners are more aesthetic and appealing to the patients and most of the time because of these benefits their cost becomes irrelevant to the patients opting aligners as their braces option.
It is always better to consult a few orthodontists in your area to get a more specific idea about the braces treatment charges based on your individual needs.
COMFORT : Talking about which among the two is more comfortable, aligners succeed in the battle!
Since aligners are made from smooth transparent material they are more comfortable to wear. They have smooth edges and fine finish causing them to easily adapt in your mouth. Metal braces on the other hand sometimes cause undue trauma leading to traumatic white patches on the inner surface of your cheeks and lips.
One of the major concerns that patients planning to undergo braces treatment have is the appearance of the braces. Does the metallic appearance of the braces bother you too? Do not worry as we got aligners to your rescue. The transparent look and appeal of the invisible aligners is what has made it a go-to braces choice for people who are too worried about their appearance with braces. Aligners are more comforting, allowing you to smile freely without thinking much about the way you look in braces.
Aligners are removable, therefore they allow you to have your favorite foods with no diet restrictions on the other hand metal braces are fixed on your teeth because of which you are advised certain diet limitations to protect your braces from any damage.
CONVENIENCE :
Now coming onto the convenience offered by the two braces options, aligner takes the lead again! With aligners it is easy for you to maintain your oral hygiene. As they are removable you can easily brush and floss your teeth like you regularly do. But with metal braces you are denied this privilege.
They are fixed on your teeth which makes brushing and flossing a bit difficult for you. Causing unwanted plaque and calculus deposition on your teeth which if not monitored and controlled on time can lead to other dental problems.
Don’t worry; as there are various ortho/braces brushes available in the market. With its proper use along with the interdental brushes (cleans underneath brackets, wires and in between your teeth) and water flossers you can maintain good oral hygiene even with your metal braces.
There’s a lot to consider when you are weighing up the traditional metal braces and invisible aligner options of orthodontic treatment. Hope this blog will be useful for you and help you decide the best for you.
Remember, both the traditional metal braces and the invisible aligners have their own benefits. And their respective use completely depends on the type and severity of the misalignment issue to be treated. There’s no right or wrong option. But yes it’s always better to have information and knowledge about the treatment you are planning to undergo. This not only helps you decide better but also makes you aware of the pros and cons that may follow during the procedure.
Patient compliance is key!
Both the braces and aligners have almost the same mechanism by which they work and offer you the same results. Both are effective solutions for straightening your teeth. The key factor responsible for a perfect treatment outcome with both is your compliance with the procedure. As you know treatment with braces or aligners is a long journey so it becomes absolutely necessary on your part as a patient on braces to show complete dedication towards your treatment. From maintaining proper oral hygiene to your regular dental follow ups you can manage your braces care with ease. Another important point you should keep in mind with aligners is that they are removable and not fixed like the metal braces so you should keep a track of time and wear them for an estimated duration of 21-22 hours. Try not to remove them frequently but only when necessary as during eating for brushing.
Curious to know more about the orthodontic braces? Schedule an appointment with our experts at Realtooth today, where our braces specialist will guide you about your orthodontic needs and help you make a better decision about your misaligned teeth and overall oral health needs. With our world class equipment and high end technologies we at Realtooth offer you the best of the treatments.
Planning to get a confident vibrant smile, but can’t decide what to choose between braces and aligners? Visit us at Realtooth the one stop destination for painless dentistry by experts. Meet our consultants or request an appointment online with our doctors today!
