Difference Between Invisalign and Braces

Invisalign is one of the best treatments created for straightening teeth in cosmetic dentistry.  These braces are more suitable for adults seeking an integrated solution that they can incorporate into their daily lives, without worrying about the aesthetics of their smile. Both versions of braces (traditional and Invisalign) can be used for all age groups, Invisalign versus braces is still a running question in the industry! Check out our break down of both options to help you decide for yourself. 

Here Are The Facts

Both Invisalign and traditional braces are designed for straightening misaligned teeth. Traditional braces are used for treatment with the dentist gluing metal brackets to each tooth, then adding a metal wire to the top arch of the teeth as well as the bottom arch. Every month or so, these metal wires are tightened appropriately to allow the teeth to shift into the proper position. 

Invisalign has the same concept of shifting teeth gradually. However, this treatment option does not need the use of metal brackets or wires. Invisalign uses custom-made clear trays that can be fitted over the top and bottom arches of the patient. These trays are adjusted every two weeks to allow the gradual shift of teeth. 

Pros of Invisalign & Traditional Braces

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces will, in fact, give the patient the results they want. They have been used for many years as the primary treatment option for patients with misaligned teeth. Braces are also known to sometimes be slightly cheaper than Invisalign as they do not require the need for custom-made trays every two weeks. The metal brackets can be dressed in special rubber bands with certain colors to individualize the treatment. Many younger patients enjoy their monthly visits for wire tightening as they can change the color of their rubber bands in their brackets. 

Invisalign 

Invisalign users typically opt for this treatment option as it virtually removes the need for anything metal related. The clear plastic trays that are adjusted bi-weekly, gradually shift teeth to their right positions. This makes this treatment option much more discrete than the use of traditional braces. The medical-grade plastic that is used for these trays can be perfectly molded to fit the patient's teeth. The treatment is more custom this way, and the plastic fits the curves of every tooth to allow them to look more invisible. 

Moreover, this treatment option has been found to feel much more comfortable than that of traditional braces. It also gives the patients the ability to remove the trays to eat or practice oral hygiene without worrying about metal wires or brackets.

Cons of Invisalign & Traditional Braces

Traditional Braces

Many patients complain about not only the negative aesthetics of braces but also of the pain it causes some patients. The metal brackets and wires can create unwanted sores in the mouth, and the monthly tightening sessions can leave the patient feeling extremely sore and unable to chew for a day or so. Traditional braces also make eating and practicing oral hygiene difficult as sometimes food may get stuck in them, and flossing the food out is a very difficult task. 

Invisalign

The success of Invisalign 100% depends on the user. If the patient doesn’t wear the trays appropriately, the Invisalign treatment isn’t effective. As mentioned above, Invisalign is known to be a bit more expensive than that of traditional braces. This is due to the custom-made trays needed every two weeks. However, the investment is worth the benefits as there are no issues with eating or practicing oral hygiene (as the patient takes them out during these tasks)!