Trends are not a new concept. However while fashion trends come and go, there is one that never truly goes out of style – and that is a straight smile. Having said that, it may not always be easy to achieve. Did you know that almost two-thirds of Australians (62%) would like to do something to fix their crooked smiles? Fortunately now, there are now many more avenues of treatment in Melbourne to help improve your smile. Invisalign is one of them – an innovative take on braces!
BRACES VS INVISALIGN
Braces are metal dental devices that are designed to shift your teeth into the desired position in order to create an ideal smile. Now think of your good old metal braces wearing an invisibility cloak – that is essentially what Invisalign is; a series of clear aligners to align your teeth.
Before getting your teeth straightened at Hampstead Dental in Melbourne, Australia, you might want to know which one is the right one for you – Braces or Invisalign?
- Appearance
One of the most valued differences between braces and Invisalign is appearance. While braces flaunt a proud and conspicuous exterior, Invisalign tones it down and is more discrete. If you’re not one for attracting attention, you’d find Invisalign clear aligners to be your friend in social settings as they are virtually undetectable and help elevate your smile.Braces, on the other hand, admittedly come in some fun colours and designs and may be your choice if you do not mind the appearance. - Comfort
Straightening teeth isn’t always the most comfortable experience. Whether you have braces or Invisalign, the process of permanently shifting your teeth can be painful and strenuous. However, in comparison, Invisalign tends to have a better comfort of wear than traditional braces because it applies less pressure to the teeth overall.Additionally, braces can have sharp edges that can cause nicks and cuts on the inner lips, cheeks, and tongue. This can be a safety hazard especially if you are into contact sports. Invisalign is less irritating to the soft tissues and relatively comfortable. - Effectiveness
Metal braces are bonded to the teeth with dental cement and cannot be removed. As a result, the patient has to wear them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This not only improves patient compliance but has also been proven to improve the treatment process.The recommended duration of wear for Invisalign is 22 hours which may or may not be adhered to by the patient. - Convenience
Both braces and Invisalign have pros and cons in terms of convenience. While braces are convenient because you don’t need to take them out, they can often be a bother as they prevent you from eating certain foods for fear of them sticking to the metal framework.Invisalign is more convenient when you want to eat your favourite hard or sticky foods, but remembering to take out trays can cause a whole lot of issues for the process. - Care and cleaning
Clear aligners are much easier to maintain. All you have to do is rinse and scrub them in warm water and- voila – you have a fresh new smile. Cleaning in between the crevices of your braces can be time-consuming and will require some additional effort. Nevertheless, oral hygiene is important regardless of if you have braces or Invisalign, so don’t forget to brush and floss! - Follow-up treatment
Regular orthodontic appointments are important for both braces and Invisalign clear aligners. For metal braces, this means about every month and for Invisalign every four to six weeks. Once you have completed your treatment with braces, you’ll be required to wear a retainer of some sort to ensure that your teeth maintain their new positions.Invisalign also requires you to wear a retainer at night once your treatment is complete. - Price
At Hampstead Dental, we offer Invisalign clear aligners at affordable prices between $2,500 to $7,500 and metal braces between $4,995 and $8,495 depending on your particular need. Consult our expert orthodontic team to know which treatment option is the best one for you.You may also use our Open Play or National Dental payment plans to pay for the orthodontic treatment. Check out our payment plans, here.If you’re in Melbourne and would like to straighten your smile to the next level, we’ve got you covered. At Hampstead Dental, Australia we offer convenient, professional, and affordable treatment for a comprehensive range of dental services!
