Invisalign vs Braces Comparison - Cost, Treatment Time, Maintenance, Results

Invisalign vs Braces: How Do They Compare For Straightening Your Teeth?

Getting your teeth straightened can boost your confidence and improve oral health. But should you go with traditional metal braces or clear aligners like Invisalign? There are pros and cons to both options.

In this comprehensive guide, well compare Invisalign vs braces so you can make the best choice for achieving the smile you want.

How Do Invisalign and Braces Work?

First lets look at how each treatment works to straighten teeth:

Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. Each aligner is worn for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next one in the series.

The aligners apply gentle pressure to gradually shift your teeth into position over time. Treatment typically involves 20-30 sets of aligners worn for 20-22 hours per day.

Braces

Braces use metal brackets glued to your teeth and connected by wires. The orthodontist attaches small elastic bands or coils to slowly move your teeth. Adjustments are needed every 4-6 weeks until desired results are achieved.

Braces apply steady pressure and are generally worn all day, except for cleaning. Treatment times range from 12-24 months on average.

Major Factors in Deciding Between Invisalign and Braces

Here are some key considerations when weighing Invisalign vs braces:

Cost and insurance coverage

Invisalign generally costs $3,000-$8,000 while braces range from $3,000-$6,000 on average. Check your dental insurance policy as some plans cover a portion of either treatment.

Treatment length

Invisalign averages 9-15 months. Braces take 12-24 months but can be faster with ceramic braces. The timeframe depends partially on the complexity of your case.

Your lifestyle

Invisalign aligners are removable making them easy for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. Braces are fixed in place. Choose Invisalign if you play sports or musical instruments.

Types of cases

Invisalign works best for minor to moderate alignment issues. Braces have more power to correct severe crowding, bite problems or jaw misalignment.

Appearance

Invisalign is nearly invisible while braces are highly visible. If aesthetics are important, Invisalign offers more discreet teeth straightening.

Oral hygiene

Invisalign makes it easier to brush and floss compared to braces. However, proper cleaning is important for both to avoid permanent white spots on teeth.

Main Advantages of Invisalign Aligners

What are the major benefits of Invisalign treatment?

• Clear and discreet: Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible so fewer people will notice you are straightening your teeth.
• Removable: You can remove Invisalign to eat, drink, brush and floss normally. This also makes cleaning your aligners easier.
• Comfort: The smooth plastic aligners are comfortable and dont cause irritation to your gums and cheeks like traditional braces.
• Shorter treatment: Invisalign averages 9-15 months compared to 12-24 months for braces. However, treatment times vary case by case.
• Flexible: If needed, aligners can be removed for important events like photoshoots or weddings.

Primary Benefits of Traditional Braces

What are the biggest advantages of metal braces?

• More versatile: Braces can correct underbites, crossbites, overbites, gaps and other complex issues. Invisalign is limited in severely crooked cases.
• Faster results: If time is critical, braces may straighten teeth sooner than Invisalign in certain cases, especially when jaw surgery is involved.
• Less discipline required: Braces are fixed in place so compliance is not an issue. With Invisalign, you must be diligent about wearing your aligners.
• Lower cost: Braces can be less expensive than Invisalign with costs ranging from $3,000-$6,000 on average.

What Types of Orthodontic Cases Can Each Treat?

While both straighten teeth, Invisalign and braces are better suited for certain types of orthodontic cases:

Cases for Invisalign

• Minor to moderate spacing or crowding
• Widely spaced teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Mild to moderate under or overbite
• Slightly crooked or overlapped teeth

Cases for Braces

• Severe crowding or crooked teeth
• Crossbites and underbites
• Overbites needing jaw repositioning
• Open bites
• Protruding teeth

Cases for Either

Both Invisalign and braces can effectively treat:

• Closing gaps
• Rotating teeth
• Moving teeth vertically
• Aligning teeth prior to implants, veneers or crowns

Who Are the Best Candidates For Each?

The best candidates for Invisalign vs braces share these traits:

Best Candidates for Invisalign

• Teens and adults (rarely used for children under 12)
• Mild to moderate teeth alignment issues
• Committed to wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily
• Looking for discreet straightening
• Want ability to remove aligners for eating and brushing

Best Candidates for Braces

• Severe crowding or crooked teeth
• Kids, teens and adults
• Under or overbites needing jaw adjustment
• Complex cases with bites or gaps
• Patients open to longer treatment time

Schedule a consultation and your orthodontist will advise which treatment is better suited for your situation.

What About Clear Braces vs. Invisalign?

If you want an inconspicuous option but arent sold on Invisalign, clear ceramic braces are another possibility.

Clear braces still use brackets and wires like metal braces but blend in more with teeth. Brands include ClearCorrect, Clarity and InVu.

The pro of clear braces is they work similar to metal yet are less visible. However, they still have wires that can irritate cheeks. Clear aligners like Invisalign remain the most discreet choice.

Whats Better for Teens: Invisalign or Braces?

The top options for teens are:

• Metal braces - Most powerful for correcting bites and alignment
• Ceramic braces - More discreet but still have brackets/wires
• Invisalign - Comfortable and removable but requires compliance

When choosing between Invisalign vs braces for teens, consider their orthodontic needs and maturity level:

• Invisalign works well for teens with responsible wear habits and mild cases.
• Braces are better suited for complex teen cases needing significant corrections.

Discuss options with an orthodontist to decide whats right for your teens smile.

What About Invisalign Teen vs Invisalign?

Invisalign Teen is a version of Invisalign made for teens with growing teeth. It uses several fresh sets of aligners during treatment to accommodate tooth eruption and jaw growth.

Invisalign Teen costs around $3,000-$7,000 and has blue indicator dots that disappear with wear, allowing parents and orthodontists to monitor compliance. Teens may be motivated by Invisalign Teens clear, removable convenience. But braces still offer dependable results.

How Long Is Invisalign Treatment Compared to Braces?

Treatment length for Invisalign vs braces breaks down as:

• Invisalign: Typically 9 to 15 months
• Braces: Average of 12 to 24 months

However, treatment timelines depend on:

• Severity of alignment issues
• Experience level of your orthodontist
• How closely you follow treatment protocols
• Any missed appointments or broken brackets/aligners
• Jaw surgery or other procedures needed

For either method, your orthodontist will provide an estimated timeline specific to your case.

Do Invisalign or Braces Hurt?

Some minor discomfort is common when adjusting to either treatment method. Here is how they compare:

Invisalign Pain

• Aligners may cause irritation initially before you get used to them.
• Some pressure and tenderness occurs when switching to new aligners.
• Pain is usually mild and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Braces Pain

• Braces can cause soreness a few days after tightening wires and adding rubber bands.
• Mouth abrasions or ulcer pain may occur from brackets and wires.
• Eating and brushing may be uncomfortable at first.

Discuss pain management strategies with your treatment provider. Any severe, ongoing pain should be reported.

What About Maintenance and Time Commitment?

Aftercare and time commitment differ for these treatments in these main ways:

Invisalign Maintenance

• Remove aligners to eat, drink, brush and floss.
• Brush and clean aligners daily.
• Aligners worn 20-22 hours per day.
• Replacement aligners needed for any lost or broken.
• Attend appointments for aligner check-ins every 4-8 weeks.

Braces Maintenance

• Brush carefully around braces.
• Use fluoride rinse to prevent white spots on teeth.
• Avoid sticky, hard or crunchy foods.
• Visit orthodontist to tighten braces every 4-6 weeks.
• Time for appointments to replace broken brackets.

Caring for your teeth and aligners/braces properly is key for best results.

Invisalign vs Braces: What About Cost?

Invisalign averages $3,000-$8,000 while braces range from $3,000-$6,000. However, costs vary based on:

• Extent of alignment needed
• Your insurance coverage
• Type of braces chosen
• Orthodontists fees
• Length of treatment

Talk to your orthodontist about payment plans and financial options to make treatment affordable.

Which Is More Aesthetic: Invisalign or Braces?

When it comes to aesthetics, Invisalign is undoubtedly more discreet. Clear aligners are practically invisible so no one may notice them.

Braces are highly visible with metal brackets and wires. Ceramic braces blend in better but arent invisible.

If looks are a priority, Invisalign can give you confidence while straightening your teeth.

Can I Get Invisalign or Braces With Dental Insurance?

Many dental insurance plans provide some orthodontic coverage for teens and adults. Typically, braces and Invisalign are covered up to a lifetime limit such as $1,500-$3,000.

Talk to your insurance company about what percentage theyll cover for orthodontic treatment. Then have your dentist submit a pre-approval request before starting treatment.

How To Choose: Invisalign or Braces?

When deciding between Invisalign vs braces, consider factors like:

• Complexity of your orthodontic case
• Your budget and insurance coverage
• Length of treatment time desired
• Concerns about appearance and visibility
• Ability to commit to aligner wear if choosing Invisalign

Discuss your smile goals and preferences with an orthodontist. They can advise you on whether Invisalign or braces better fits your needs.

Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Right For You?

Both braces and Invisalign can give you straighter teeth, but picking the right option involves your specific case, lifestyle and preferences.

For mild to moderate issues where clear aligners are an option, Invisalign tends to appeal to teens and adults wanting discreet teeth straightening. Braces remain the gold standard for more complex cases needing intensive alignment adjustments.

Schedule a consult with a skilled orthodontist. They can evaluate your smile and advise whether Invisalign or traditional braces will get you the results you want.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.