If you’ve decided to straighten your teeth and achieve that your best smile, you must be full of questions. And the biggest question at the top of your mind must be:
‘Should I go with conventional or invisible braces?’
That’s a difficult question.
Well, not to worry, because this comprehensive guide will help highlight the pros and cons of each teeth-straightening solution, and enable you to make the best informed choice.
What are traditional braces and invisible braces?
First, though, let’s look at what traditional and invisible braces look like, and how they work to straighten teeth:
Traditional braces
- Consist of stainless steel brackets that are fixed to the front surface of the teeth
- Held together by metal wires and rubber wires (thus, irremovable during treatment)
- Teeth are gradually straightened by manually adjusting the amount of tension exerted by the wires
Invisible braces
- Transparent, retainer-like aligners
- Removable during the treatment period, but needs to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day
- Gradually shifts teeth into proper positioning as you change into a new set of invisible braces every few weeks
Congrats—you now have a rough idea of the differences between conventional braces and invisible braces. Of course, while that’s a step closer to making your decision, it’s always good to know more.
No worries, the following will help!
Key benefits of invisible braces
1. You can smile and clean easy
Because invisible braces are well, transparent, they wouldn’t garner too much attention. You can be rest assured that you can go for an interview or give that presentation without a brace face if it bothers you.
Go ahead and take your headshots and selfies with friends and your teeth-straightening journey wouldn’t remain a history record.
Brushing with metal braces can be quite the ritual with all the flossing required. With invisible braces, all you have to do is remove them and brush as you normally would. Once you’re done, pop them back on! Invisible braces give your the level of hygiene you wouldn’t get with metal braces.
2. Avoid cuts and scraps
Just ask anyone who has had metal braces before, and they’ll tell you about the:
- Sore gums
- Scrapes or sores on the inside of the cheeks due to the inevitable contact between the metal brackets and cheeks
- Tongue cuts (from running the tongue across the braces)
Metal braces can be uncomfortable and bear in the mind that it is usually a 2 year long commitment! Invisible braces have a very smooth surface so there is no need to worry about getting cut.
3. Invisible braces can be easier on your wallet
On a budget? Go with invisible braces.
Advances in 3D scanning and printing technology have greatly brought down the costs of invisible braces. That means you no longer need to wait for that elusive year-end bonus to give yourself your best smile.
But just how affordable is it, you ask? Well, for your reference:
- Zenyum Invisible Braces cost from just $2,400 to $3,900 – with no hidden costs
- Conventional braces in Singapore – cost up to $6,000
4. No food restrictions and appointment waiting time!
Because invisible braces can be removed anytime, go ahead and eat all the nuts and chips (in moderation)! You wouldn’t have to worry about snapping the wire that goes around the metal brackets.
We’ve been WFH for almost a year now, and most of us can no longer go back to the daily commute. Rest assured as our dentists can monitor your progress through our app so you don’t have to spend time travelling and waiting at the dentist’s office!
5. You can flash that straight smile sooner
In general, you’ll achieve a straighter, more attractive smile faster when you opt for invisible braces. Studies have shown that traditional braces take an average of almost 36 months. Invisible braces on the other hand take up from 3 to 15 months depending on the amount of teeth movement needed.
3 to 15 months vs 36 months.
The choice clear! (Pun intended)
Downsides of invisible braces
1. Invisible braces aren’t applicable to everyone
The suitability of invisible braces depends on each individual depending on their needs. Invisible braces are more suited for milder conditions where there is less severe misalignment. Metal braces on the other hand are well suited for more complicated and severe cases where a longer treatment time is required.
However, it doesn’t hurt to submit your photos to our team, let the experts decide if you’re a suitable candidate! It’s free!
2. You need discipline
Invisible braces require up to 20-22 hours of wear per day. That means that they are always on except for meal time and brushing. Your progress is heavily dependent on your ability to keep up with wearing your aligners long enough since they are removable.
See the light?
We hope this guide has aid your decision making process in choosing the best braces plan for you. If you’re unsure about whether you’re a suitable candidate for invisible braces, check out our free smile assessment and let the experts decide!
