Both clear aligners and metal braces aim to straighten your teeth over a period of time. This helps to improve your oral health and your smile. The question is which Invisalign vs. Braces, what should one choose. Metal braces have an established history of successful treatment. Clear aligners or “Invisalign braces” are a newer option, developed and refined over the last two decades. Invisalign was the first brand of digitally customized clear aligners and are the most popular. There are now many aligner options available for orthodontists to choose from. Similarly, there are various braces manufacturers too. So the question is which is for me Invisalign vs. Braces.
Braces have metal brackets that attach to the teeth. These brackets attach to wires. You can get transparent braces that are clear (ceramic braces) or lingual braces (behind the teeth). On the other hand, Invisalign is almost invisible, being made of a smooth, clear plastic. This is placed over the teeth and removed for eating up to 2 hours per day.
Invisalign Advantages
As for the decision between Invisalign vs braces, we will look the pros and cons of each. We will also address the Invisalign vs braces cost.
- Aligners like Invisalign are discreet because the aligners are made of a clear plastic. Since Invisalign looks better than braces, many adults and teens choose Invisalign. Acquaintances won’t notice you’re having orthodontic treatment. And, you won’t have people asking about your braces.
- You can eat what you like – for best results, you should wear the aligners 22 hours a day, removing the aligners for eating. So, you can continue to enjoy the foods you always have.
- Aligner treatment is more hygienic as they are easier to keep clean than braces. You can remove the aligners to brush your teeth and clean the aligners and pop them back in your mouth. Aligner treatment has a lower impact on your oral health than metal braces, clear braces or lingual braces.
- Aligners are more convenient too. You change your aligners every one to two weeks. And, at Fine Orthodontics, we can review your progress via an app on your Smartphone. That means you don’t need to visit as often for adjustments.
- Comfort – there may be a certain amount of discomfort with tooth movement with braces. The smooth plastic surface of aligners makes them more comfortable to wear. Unlike braces, aligners generally do not cause cuts on the inside of the mouth, cheeks or tongue.
Braces Advantages
- Braces are glued to the teeth, so there’s no temptation to remove them or forget to put them back in.
- Braces have options – they are not limited to just the conventional metal brackets and wires. You can now have the choice of ceramic braces (braces that are clear), so the braces are less noticeable.
- Coloured braces or even gold braces are available to give you the special look you want.
Invisalign and Braces Similarities
- Both techniques may result in a small degree of discomfort as the teeth begin to move.
- Some treatments are more efficiently done with braces, and others with Invisalign.
- Both Invisalign vs Braces treatment require retainers once your treatment is complete.
- Check with an experienced orthodontist, who works with both systems. This is the best way for you to get individualized advice and fair comparison of both systems.
Making the Right Decision for your Treatment
There’s a lot to consider when you are weighing up orthodontic treatment options. Many like the benefits of Invisalign. However, if the idea of removing your aligners to eat and drink sounds a nuisance, then teeth braces may be better for you.
But if you do want the ability to remove them for eating and special functions, Invisalign® might just be the virtually invisible braces you are looking for.
We hope that this post has shed some light on Invisalign vs braces – the pros and cons of each.
Q and A
Q: Which is faster Invisalign vs braces?
A: For some patients, Invisalign will be faster than braces. In others braces will be. It depends upon your case type and orthodontic problem. Dr Martin Fine will help guide you at your consultation.
Q: Which is better Invisalign vs braces?
A: That is an interesting question. With either Invisalign vs. braces, the quality of the treatment is dependent upon the expertise of the doctor, rather than the system itself. A good orthodontist will be able to get good results with either. Having said that, certain cases are best treated with aligners, and others with braces.
Q: Whats the preference for orthodontists Invisalign vs braces?
A: Some orthodontists are not comfortable with Invisalign, while others prefer it. It really depends on their style of practice.
Q: Are braces more painful than Invisalign?
A: The pressure on. the teeth is what produces the discomfort – and this would be similar for both. However Invisalign aligners are removed periodically during the day, whereas braces cannot be removed.
Q: Can I switch from Invisalign to braces?
A: Braces are a different process to Invisalign, so switching between the to really means a restart in a sense; At Fine Orthodontics we have a path through which that can be arranged.
Q: What is the success rate of Invisalign vs braces?
A: Invisalign is as successful as braces – however it relies more heavily on patient compliance than braces.
Q: How does the Invisalign vs braces cost compare?
A: The cost of Invisalign vs braces varies between providers. At Fine Orthodontics, we are aware that the cost difference for Invisalign vs braces makes it harder to make the decision that’s best for you. So, at Fine Orthodontics we keep these costs very similar. Now you can choose the treatment you prefer without costs getting in the way. We also have options (where possible) for limited treatment only. These plans are shorter and are less costly to only address a small concern.