Ceramic braces vs. Invisalign: how to decide which one suits you best? What is Invisalign? A ceramic brace? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods of dental alignment? And finally, how long does the dental treatment with the two technologies last?
I. What is Invisalign?
We generally speak about the technology Invisalign to evoke this new method of treatment of completely invisible dental alignment.
Invisalign is a structure made of polyurethane plastic that allows to correct of slight orthodontic problems in a less restrictive way.
This is because not only is Invisalign comfortable, but it is also a removable prosthesis. You thus have with it the freedom to remove it from time to time, in particular during your meals.
II. What are ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are used for orthodontic problems. Your dentist may decide to have you wear them to correct your dental alignment for example.
Ceramic braces have proven to be effective, but they do have some limitations. First of all, ceramic braces are not removable but fixed.
It is the pressure they exert consistently that allows the teeth to return to alignment.
II. Ceramic Braces vs Invisalign: How to Decide Which One Is Best for You
1. Length of Treatments
If it remains difficult to fix the duration of treatment, because each case is special, it is nevertheless possible to have an average.
On average, treatment with ceramic braces lasts between 1 and 3 years, while treatment with Invisalign lasts between 6 months and 2 years.
But these data should be taken with caution because generally, the cases treated with ceramic braces are more serious than those treated with Invisalign.
2. Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is not always easy when wearing ceramic braces. Because it is not possible to remove them, teeth cleaning must be done with the bands present.
It is therefore possible that residues may get stuck between the braces. However, with Invisalign, this is not a problem.
You can remove your Invisalign and clean it from the side, while you take care of your natural teeth.
3. The Material
Ceramic allows the braces to be strong. Ceramic braces are also less visible than metal braces. But ceramic will yellow over time, which is harmful.
As for the Invisalign, it is made of thermoplastic and is a mold of the teeth. The appliance is thus personalized, which makes it more comfortable. Invisalign is also removable, which is very practical.
4. Cost
If you want to wear ceramic braces, you will have to pay between $1700 and $6000. If you want to get Invisalign, you will have to spend at least $2400.
It’s even possible that Invisalign could cost you $9,000. These are, of course, average prices.
5. Invisalign vs ceramic braces: Which is faster?
Invisalign has a reputation for offering faster results than dental braces. But this conclusion must be taken with measure.
The orthodontic problems treated by the braces are not the same as those treated by Invisalign.
Invisalign is often used for less complex dental alignment concerns than those treated by braces.
III. Benefits & Drawbacks of Invisalign
There are many advantages to wearing Invisalign. First, it is a discreet and comfortable way to correct your minor orthodontic concerns.
Invisalign is very effective and allows for easy cleaning of the teeth. The disadvantages are first of all the high cost of this technology.
Moreover, wearing Invisalign requires a certain rigor, since it must be worn at least 22 hours a day.
IV. Benefits & Drawbacks of Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are now considered a classic method of orthodontics and have proven themselves over time. It is a more affordable way to restore a beautiful smile.
One of the main disadvantages of braces is that they are visible, even though ceramic mimics the natural color of teeth.
In addition, ceramic teeth do not facilitate oral hygiene, as remnants can get caught between the wires.
V. Other Questions about Ceramic braces vs. Invisalign
1. Do You Need Braces?
Ceramic braces are an orthodontic treatment like any other. After a consultation with your dentist, he will tell you if you need one to align your teeth, for example.
It is important to note that when dental alignment problems are too great, dental braces are the best option.
2. Is Invisalign more comfortable than braces?
Invisalign is made of a flexible and comfortable material. In addition, each Invisalign is custom-made to fit the jaw and teeth it is to repair.
Ceramic braces, on the other hand, can be painful, although you get used to them after a while. But Invisalign is indeed more comfortable than dental braces.
3. Who should not get Invisalign?
Not everyone is suitable to wear Invisalign. It is not a method adapted for young children. Invisalign is removed at each meal and then put back on.
To have effective results, you must wear it for at least 22 hours each day, a discipline that is not within the reach of the youngest.
4. Do ceramic braces hurt more?
Ceramic braces are more uncomfortable than Invisalign, that’s a fact. These braces are placed directly on the teeth and are fixed.
It can happen, especially in the first days, that you feel some pain. But this is usually temporary, while your jaw adapts.
5. How long will my Invisalign hurt?
The Invisalign treatment is done in stages. It happens that the patients feel a little pain with each new stage, but this feeling does not last more than a few days.
It is the sign that the teeth move, to find their alignment.
6. Does Invisalign make your teeth white?
It is one of the aspects of Invisalign that many patients appreciate: the capacity of Invisalign to whiten the teeth.
Because the treatment is in the form of a tray, all you have to do is to put your whitening product on it so that it acts at night.
7. Does Invisalign give you a lisp?
Invisalign is a method in which the tray and the teeth are almost not separated. This reduced space can cause a lisp, at least during the first two days.
If you wear Invisalign at least 20 hours per day, then this lisp will disappear from itself.
8. What’s the shortest time to wear braces?
Dental braces are not worn for the same amount of time by everyone. The minimum period is 6 months.
This is the shortest amount of time someone can wear braces. It depends, of course, on the problem at hand.
9. What is the shortest amount of time to wear Invisalign?
The shortest time to wear Invisalign is 10 months. It takes at least this long to see changes and correct your dental alignment.
Of course, for that, it is necessary to wear Invisalign with regularity, at least 20 hours per day.
10. Can Invisalign change your face shape?
Invisalign may change the shape of your face. It can be the case because this prosthesis also acts on the line of your jaw.
Moreover, when the teeth are prominent, realigning them with Invisalign makes it possible indeed to modify the shape of the face.
11. Can Invisalign push teeth up into gums?
Invisalign is a process that makes it possible to realign teeth. It is very useful in cases of dental malocclusions.
By wearing Invisalign, your teeth will find a proper alignment. If you feel like your teeth are sticking out of your gums, it may be because you have gum loss. See your dentist to learn more.
12. Can I drink coffee with ceramic braces?
Hot coffee can cause the braces’ trays to loosen. Also, it is a risk of staining the teeth.
But you can take some with your dental braces, especially by using a straw. You can also brush your teeth, right after drinking your coffee.
13. Does Invisalign make your teeth yellow?
Invisalign is not known to make teeth yellow, quite the contrary. It is a technology that is rather able to make the teeth whiter because there is a dental bleaching package with the installation of Invisalign.
By placing a whitening product on the tray, you will make your teeth whiter overnight.
14. Can I use toothpaste on my Invisalign?
When you have your Invisalign, your dentist will give you advice for their daily maintenance.
But you can clean them with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, but avoid certain types, like whitening toothpaste. These are abrasive.