Traditional Braces Vs. Invisalign For Your Teenager
Posted on: 17 January 2018
If your teen's dentist is pushing for braces, you may be wondering what options you have. While traditional metal braces are still common, more and more people are choosing invisible braces like Invisalign. If you aren't sure which is right for your teen, check out these frequently asked questions.
Do Braces Hurt?
Braces work by moving your teeth, so it is not the most comfortable experience. Metal braces are typically more painful after each adjustment, however. Plus, metal braces have wires and other metal components that can irritate your teen's mouth. With Invisalign, the dentist doesn't tighten the braces. Instead, a new aligner is used that moves the teeth a little. This too can be uncomfortable at first, but the aligners are smooth plastic, so they don't irritate the gums or cheeks.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
Whether you choose to get metal braces or invisible braces, expect to pay close to the same amount. Traditional braces cost about $3,000 to $7,000, and Invisalign costs about $3,500 to $8,000, making invisible braces a little more expensive. Some insurance policies may provide some orthodontia coverage that pays for some of the cost. With medical credit cards, you can even make installments, making braces a much more affordable treatment than in the past.
Which Options Is More Effective?
Traditional braces are still the most effective at moving teeth, so if your child has severe problems, such as rotated teeth or severe overlapping, metal braces are likely the best choice. Invisible braces can fix mild to moderate crookedness, gapping and overlapping. Invisalign is also not effective at correcting a bite problem. Both, however, have to be worn for about the same length of time, but more severe cases will take longer.
Can Invisible Braces Be Removed?
Invisalign aligners can be removed, which can be both a positive and negative. The plastic aligners are removed when your teen eats and brushes their teeth. This means that their teeth stay cleaner, and they don't have to avoid certain foods. With metal braces, some foods get stuck in them, and if your teen doesn't keep their teeth clean, decay can be severe. However, if your teen removes the aligners too often, the teeth may revert back to their previous position, and treatment time will take longer.
If your teenager has crooked teeth, braces can give them back their confidence. To learn more about orthodontic options for teens, contact a dental office like Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics.
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