Even though to most people the end results of a beautiful and confident smile may appear the same; when you actually compare Invisalign to other teeth-straightening options, the advantages become apparent immediately. Understanding the pros and cons of every option at the beginning will help you make a more confident decision.
With traditional braces, it is common to experience some of these issues: injuries or mouth sores resulting from the brace wires, discomfort, pain, tooth decay from inadequate flossing and brushing, difficulty eating, tooth discoloration, bracket or tooth breakage and the list goes on. If this wasn’t enough to worry about, how about throwing in the personal sacrifices you will have to learn not to eat while you are wearing braces: bagels, popcorn, pretzels, hard crusted bread, nuts, pizza crust, hard and chewy candies, carrots, corn on the cob, apples and more.
Veneers and Similar Treatments
Numerous patients have inquired about comparing the benefits of Invisalign to veneers. Even though veneers are definitely an option for enhancing your smile, they only cover up certain dental imperfections as opposed to correcting them. This means that unfortunately, some of your periodontal issues could remain. Veneers are only applied to the front side of the teeth only and therefore, require the removal of the surface enamel on every tooth. This procedure is irreversible and can lead to problems down the road. Veneers are often considered to be a quick fix and there are potentially better alternatives available.
It is also important to take into consideration the fact that veneers need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. This maintenance can become very expensive. It is important to avoid red wine, tea and coffee in order to prevent discoloration. Care must also be taken to prevent any breaking or chipping of the veneer. Even though the surface of the teeth may improve greatly with veneers, any issues in the underlying teeth and gum problems can still exist.
Sadly, there is of course the option of refusing to seek any form of treatment. It is an individual choice. Do however, keep in mind that if left untreated, a variety of orthodontic problems can lead to more serious health and dental issues.
"How much does Invisalign cost?" is one of the most commonly asked questions people have when considering it. The majority of individuals are very surprised to discover that the cost of treatment is often comparable to traditional braces.
Your dentist of course, will help you to be able to fully determine the cost of your treatment. The cost will be based on the specifics of your individual needs. These factors include: how long your treatment will take, the complexity of your case and if you have any orthodontic insurance coverage. Interestingly enough, even your location can have an effect on the price of treatment. For example, in the USA, the cost of Invisalign ranges from $3500 to $8000, the national average being approximately $5000. However, for very simple cases of up to 5 sets of aligners, the cost can be as affordable as $2000 and even less at times. In order to determine what the best treatment option is for you, check with your Invisalign provider.