When you are considering orthodontics treatment to get your teeth aligned for a perfect smile, you can choose between two treatments: braces and Invisalign. Braces are traditional orthodontic treatment composed of colored metal brackets glued to the teeth and are tied together by tiny rubber bands and wires. A newer option is the Invisalign which is composed of invisible plastic aligner trays designed to gently move your teeth. The aligner trays are created by using X-rays, pictures and 3-D model of your teeth to design the tray just for you.

Upon knowing that the Invisalign is invisible and that braces are composed of colorful metal brackets, you might have the impression that Invisalign is better than braces. You'll have to understand that each treatment is great and effective and what's best for you will depend on the following factors:

Cost and Treatment Time

The costs and treatment time for braces and Invisalign are different. The costs of braces range from $2–5,000 whereas the cost for Invisalign can go higher than that.

As for treatment time, braces usually lasts for two years; while treatment for Invisalign can last for just 6 to 18 months. However, you need to be disciplined to put the Invisalign tray for at least 22 hours every day to ensure optimized treatment within this time period.

Habits and Care

Your habits and the amount of care needed for the treatment materials also matter when choosing. For one, braces are not removable, so less discipline is required for the success of  

treatment. Moreover, you just need to do regular brushing and flossing without extra cleaning steps. Basically, braces do not affect your everyday life. Things are different with Invisalign. First, you'll have to remove before eating or drinking anything aside from water. Second, you must brush after each meal or snack to avoid staining your teeth and the tray. Even so, even if you need to remove regularly, you still need to be disciplined enough to let the tray sit for not less than 22 hours a day. You also need to regularly clean the tray using Invisalign cleaning system.

Treatment Needs

The condition of your teeth and the treatment that you need also matters when choosing between the two. Braces are generally more effective for more complex treatment needs. Invisalign are effective for teeth alignment for a better bite, but you'll need to wear your teeth retainers even after treatment.

When choosing between Invisalign and braces, not one treatment is better than the other. Either way, dentists like Michael G Landy DDS can determine which treatment is the better option for your unique condition.

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