Invisalign® vs. Braces in Virginia Beach, VA
Of course, people would rather wear orthodontic appliances that are virtually unnoticeable, but there are advantages and disadvantages when considering Invisalign® vs. braces. People living in or around Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and those throughout Virginia’s eastern shore can talk to Drs. Savage, Sabol & Visser about the pros and cons of each treatment to ensure they make an informed decision about orthodontic treatments for themselves or their children. Our patients can start treatment for as little as $99 with low monthly payments.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Invisalign® and Braces?
The goal of any orthodontic treatment is to straighten teeth and correct any misalignment of the jaws and/or teeth. Determining which type of orthodontic appliance is best is the job of the orthodontist; however, there are some general pros and cons of wearing Invisalign® vs. braces. Following are some of them:
Invisalign® – Advantages
Invisalign® is often used on teens and adults needing mild to moderate improvements. This orthodontic treatment is chosen because it offers the following advantages:
- Not noticeable
- Uses removable trays
- Better oral hygiene maintenance
- More comfortable
- No limitations on eating and drinking
- Can be removed for sporting activities and/or important professional and social engagements
Invisalign® – Disadvantages
While Invisalign® offers many advantages, there are disadvantages to consider, including:
- Easy to lose
- Additional cost for replacement trays
- Not available to people with more complex issues (dependent on patient compliance)
Braces – Advantages
Braces have been used for a long time, as they offer the following advantages:
- Correct complex issues
- Permanently affixed to teeth
- Easily maintained with regular brushing and flossing
- Stronger
- Can’t lose them
Braces – Disadvantages
Braces are the most widely recognized type of orthodontic appliance, but may be at a disadvantage because they are:
- More noticeable
- Slightly more uncomfortable
- Limiting with food choices
- Brushing and flossing is more difficult
How Do I Know Which One is Right for Me?
The best way to know which type of orthodontic treatment is the best option to achieve your goals is to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our orthodontists so they can evaluate your teeth and jaws to determine if you need orthodontics and which method is the most effective treatment.
Is There a Difference in Cost with Invisalign® vs. Braces?
The cost of each treatment varies with each patient based on their needs, the length of the treatment, and what is required during the treatment. We review the cost of each treatment with patients during the complimentary consultation to ensure that they can make an informed decision. We accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards in addition to offering financing. We also work with patients to determine if dental insurance plans provide coverage to offset the cost and make your treatment more affordable. We work with most insurance companies to determine your out-of-pocket costs prior to beginning your treatment. At Savage, Sabol and Visser, we offer orthodontic treatment options for just $99 down and as little as $200 a month.
Invisalign® vs. Braces FAQs
Are braces faster than Invisalign®?
On average, the length of time patients typically use Invisalign® aligners is shorter than the length of time patients require braces to achieve their desired results. However, the time it takes for your orthodontic treatment will depend on your teeth’s current condition and your desired results. To get a more accurate estimate of how long your orthodontic treatment will take, we encourage you to come in for a private consultation with our orthodontic team.
Is Invisalign® more painful than braces are?
No, Invisalign® is not more painful than having braces. Each orthodontic treatment involves the slow process of shifting the teeth and aligning the jaw. These treatments will likely cause mild discomfort after each maintenance visit to tighten wires or swap aligners.
Which is better: braces or Invisalign®?
Both Invisalign® and traditional metal braces have their advantages and disadvantages. Invisalign® is a wonderful treatment option for patients with mild to moderate crowding, misalignment, or gapping who wish to have a discrete orthodontic treatment. Braces, on the other hand, are the perfect treatment for patients who have more severe orthodontic concerns and wish to have a quick and efficient treatment.
Can Invisalign® fix crooked teeth like braces?
Yes, Invisalign® is a great orthodontic treatment to address mild to moderate:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapping between teeth
- Jaw misalignment
If you are considering orthodontics for yourself or for a child, Drs. Savage, Sabol & Visser provide orthodontics for children, teens, and adults in and around Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Onley, VA. Our patients can start treatment for as little as $99 with low monthly payments. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation!