Braces vs. Invisalign: A Comparative Guide
Braces and Invisalign both offer effective ways to straighten teeth, but they have distinct advantages and disadvantages. This guide will delve into the key differences between these two orthodontic treatment options, helping you decide which is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.
As a respected expert in orthodontics, Dr. Matza specializes in smile aesthetics and complex interdisciplinary cases. With extensive experience in Orthodontic Craniofacial Anomalies, he is highly regarded for treating congenital birth defects, including cleft lip and palate. When it comes to supporting you with your best smile, there is no better team than Matza Orthodontics.
If you have questions about Invisalign or braces for yourself or a family member, we’re here to help. We look forward to meeting you and providing the care you deserve.
People love the look of Invisalign, yet many shoppers still opt for braces. Traditional braces and Invisalign are two popular orthodontic treatments used to straighten teeth gradually. As both are FDA-approved devices that yield stunning results, it can be hard to know which method is best.
When choosing between Invisalign aligners and braces, shoppers should consider factors like the level of correction needed, age, and lifestyle. Here, we delve into everything consumers need to know to decide between Invisalign and braces.
The Benefits of Clear Aligners
Appearance
Unlike metal braces, clear plastic Invisalign aligners closely fit a user’s teeth and are nearly invisible from a distance. A discreet style is one of the main reasons many people choose transparent aligners over braces.
Comfort
Clear aligners fit flush against teeth and don’t cause the cuts or discomfort that braces can. While wearers do experience some discomfort with teeth repositioning, the inside of the mouth is largely spared pain with Invisalign.
Ease of Brushing and Flossing
With clear aligners, users simply remove the mouthpiece and brush and floss normally. No need for a lengthy and challenging dental care process as with traditional braces.
No Danger With Hard or Chewy Foods
Braces wearers should avoid hard and chewy foods, including nuts, popcorn, and bagels, to prevent damage or irritation. But because people with aligners must remove them before eating, they don’t need to avoid these foods.
Fewer Orthodontist Visits
Some patients won’t need to visit the orthodontist as frequently with aligners as with braces. While Invisalign treatments usually require a visit every four to six weeks, some online companies provide customers with clear aligners and zero orthodontist visits, although this isn’t the best option for everyone. For braces treatment, customers must come into the office for every adjustment.
The Drawbacks of Clear Aligners
Not for Complex Corrections
Transparent aligners do not work for every situation and are typically best for people who need only minor straightening.
Must Remove to Eat
Patients may drink water when wearing Invisalign trays but should remove them whenever eating or drinking anything other than water. The plastic is soft and easily damaged by food. Additionally, the clear plastic stains easily and warps with heat, so users should remove the aligners when drinking hot or colorful beverages.
Requires Discipline
People must wear the Invisalign aligner at least 20 to 22 hours daily. Wearing them less often may slow progress or even harm the final results. Because it’s easy to take them out, only people who are disciplined enough to wear them the required number of hours each day should opt for clear aligners. Another concern, especially for kids, is losing aligners, which costs more money and extends treatment time.
More Tooth Brushing
Users with poor dental hygiene should not wear an Invisalign aligner as this can cause bad breath and cavities. After eating or drinking, wearers should ensure they clean their teeth with a thorough brushing. Because most people snack throughout the day, daily brushing time may double or triple when using Invisalign.
May Require Visible Attachments
Some people need small tooth attachments that connect to the clear aligners like buttons. These attachments help control tooth movements and must be attached and taken off by an orthodontist. As a result, users who need attachments may require more consultations than others, and the attachments are visible through the clear plastic.
The Benefits of Braces
Braces have remained a go-to teeth-straightening device thanks to a wealth of benefits, but multiple downsides lead people to consider clear aligners. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of traditional braces.
Works for Complex Corrections
Braces are a universal treatment that works for minor to complex cases. By adhering directly to each tooth, braces are more powerful than clear aligners, resulting in an incredible smile in even the most difficult circumstances.
Multiple Options to Choose From
While metal braces are the most affordable option, you can also choose behind-teeth (lingual) and ceramic braces for a more discreet appearance. Without the traditional metal brackets and wires, wearers can achieve excellent results.
Not Easily Removed
Unlike Invisalign aligners, users cannot remove braces without the help of an orthodontist. But the permanent attachment requires less responsibility. There’s no need to remove a mouthpiece before eating or make sure it’s in for at least 20 hours daily. Kids, teens, and adults alike may do better with this straightforward treatment approach.
Safe to Drink All Beverages
Braces don’t stain and are heat resistant, so wearers can drink tea, coffee, or other beverages throughout the day without the hassle of having to remove aligners or possibly stain attachments.
The Drawbacks of Braces
Mouth Discomfort
Metal braces are not very comfortable. They take time to get used to and often cause irritation or cuts along the inside of the mouth.
Appearance
Braces, especially traditional metal braces, are easily seen by others. While lingual braces and ceramic braces are less noticeable, on average, they are still more obvious than a clear aligner.
Food Limitations
People with braces shouldn’t eat a number of foods, including gum, bagels, hard candy, and popcorn, which may get stuck in the brackets or even damage the brackets or wires. A poor food choice can hurt and require a trip to the orthodontist.
Frequent Orthodontist Visits
While some invisible aligner users can do everything remotely, braces require regular orthodontist visits.
Can Leave Stains
Because metal brackets stay in place for an average of two years, users may find variability in tooth color after removal. Fortunately, most users can fix tooth discoloration by maintaining good brushing habits and whitening teeth after treatment.
Invisalign vs. Braces Comparison Chart
| Braces | Invisalign | |
| Treatment Length | Average of two years | 6–24 months |
| Price | $2,000–$6,000 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Removable? | No | Yes |
| Works for | Minor, moderate, and complex cases | Minor cases |
| Requirements | Brush and floss well No hard or chewy foods |
Wear 20–22 hours/day Remove when eating Brush after eating |
| Gum irritation | Yes | No |
| Nearly invisible | No metal, yes lingual | Yes |
Byte
Candid
Candid is the only online company that guarantees orthodontist-only plans and care. Most at-home brands utilize dental professionals whose education level is unclear. The skill level allows Candid to help people with more complex adjustment needs.
AlignerCo
AlignerCo provides budget-friendly aligners with a price tag that’s half that of other leading at-home companies. Shoppers may choose between a traditional aligner plan that requires users to wear the mouthpiece for at least 20 hours daily or a nighttime-only option. The nighttime method takes longer, but customers need to wear the aligners only 8 to 10 hours nightly.
The Bottom Line
Invisalign and other clear aligners are attractive and comfortable teeth-straightening strategies. But for people who require severe correction or kids who don’t have the self-discipline to wear an aligner 20-plus hours each day, traditional braces are the best option.
Traditional braces and Invisalign aligners cost an average of $5,000, and the length of treatment depends upon the level of correction needed. Dental insurance may help mitigate the costs, and at-home clear aligner companies are another strategy for cost savings. People debating between these strategies for straighter teeth should speak with a dentist or orthodontist to see if braces or aligners are a better fit.
Confused about braces or Invisalign? We’ll help you choose the best solution for your needs and achieve a beautiful, confident smile. Schedule a consultation today at 561.368.3480. Come join us on our IG @matzaorthodontics to learn more.
Reference: [https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/invisalign-vs-braces-which-is-better/]