Invisalign vs Braces for Teens: Compare Cost, Treatment, Effectiveness

Invisalign vs Braces for Teens: An Overview

Getting braces as a teenager can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. With options like metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign, choosing the best fit can be overwhelming. Two of the most popular teeth straightening treatments for teens are Invisalign and traditional metal braces.

Both options can give you the smile you've always wanted, but they work quite differently. Metal braces rely on brackets and wires to move teeth into place over time. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are switched out every 1-2 weeks. When comparing Invisalign vs braces, teens and parents should weigh the pros and cons of each to find the better match.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of BPA-free plastic aligners. Each set of aligners is worn for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next in the series, moving teeth incrementally with each set.

Invisalign aligners are custom-made for your teeth after an initial consultation. During this appointment, the orthodontist will take X-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth to formulate your custom treatment plan. This plan maps out how your teeth will move from start to finish.

Once your aligners arrive, you'll begin the treatment plan by wearing the first set for the prescribed length of time. You'll switch to the next set in the series until achieving the final desired position. Aligners are worn for most of the day and night, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

Average Invisalign treatment times range from 6-18 months. How long they take depends on the complexity of your case. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a better estimate specific to your needs.

How Braces Work

Traditional braces use a system of metal brackets and wires to move teeth. Brackets are bonded to each tooth, and the archwire threads through each bracket, applying gentle pressure on the teeth. Over time, this constant pressure causes the teeth to shift into proper alignment.

At the start of treatment, you'll have the metal brackets affixed to your teeth. Your orthodontist will then thread in the archwire and can include rubber bands, coils, or other appliances to better facilitate tooth movement. You'll come in at regular intervals so the wires can be tightened and changed as needed.

The brackets and archwires work together to accomplish different movements. The wires provide the guiding force while the brackets give them the proper anchor points on the teeth. By changing up the shape and size of wires and repositioning brackets, the orthodontist can control how and where the teeth move.

Braces are typically worn for 1-3 years based on your specific orthodontic needs. Following your braces treatment, most patients will need to wear a retainer to hold teeth in their new positions.

Main Differences Between Invisalign and Braces

Appearance

One of the top reasons teens and parents consider Invisalign is aesthetics. Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, making them nearly invisible when worn. This transparency offers a discreteness that's appealing to many.

Traditional metal braces have a highly visible metallic appearance. While ceramic braces can help reduce visibility, they are still noticeable. The brackets, wires, and elastics of any brace can be seen. For teens concerned about maintaining their appearance throughout treatment, Invisalign may be preferred.

Comfort

In terms of comfort, most teens report Invisalign as the more comfortable option. Since aligners are smooth and custom-fitted to your teeth, there are no parts that can irritate your lips, cheeks or gums.

Some teens do experience temporary soreness when first starting Invisalign as their teeth begin moving. This adjustment period usually resolves within a few days.

Braces can require more of an adjustment period as your mouth gets used to the sensation of brackets and wires. The metal pieces may irritate the cheeks and gums, especially when eating certain foods. Dental wax can minimize discomfort from braces.

Restrictions

Invisalign aligner trays can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. You'll be required to wear them 20-22 hours per day, only taking them out for the activities above.

Braces do not come out. You'll need to avoid certain sticky and hard foods that could damage the brackets. You'll also spend more time carefully brushing and flossing around the braces.

Treatment Process

Invisalign offers more flexibility since aligners can be removed at will. You'll switch to a new set every 1-2 weeks, allowing your teeth to move gradually per the treatment plan.

With braces, you are required to come in for adjustments around once per month. The orthodontist will modify the wires and tighten them so the teeth continue moving properly until the next visit.

For teens who want to take a more independent role in their treatment, Invisalign empowers patients to be consistent with aligner wear and monitor their own progress.

Lifestyle Impact

Invisalign aligners have minimal impact on your lifestyle other than remembering to wear them for 20-22 hours per day. Aligners are removed for contact sports to avoid damaging them.

Braces can have slightly more lifestyle impact since you cannot remove them. You'll need to be careful during sports and other activities to avoid breaking brackets. Some teens may feel braces draw more attention to them socially.

Either option takes an adjustment period. Invisalign requires diligently wearing aligners and removing them to eat or clean your teeth. Braces need extra care to avoid damage.

Invisalign vs Braces: Effectiveness

Both Invisalign and braces are highly effective at straightening teeth. With either option, an experienced orthodontist will be able to craft a custom treatment plan to move your teeth into proper alignment.

Certain levels of bite issues like overbites and underbites may be better suited for braces. Invisalign works well for minor to moderate malocclusions. More severe cases may require the added precision of braces.

For crowding, Invisalign can work to make more room by expanding the arch. Braces are better for closing gaps, turning teeth, and bite correction. In complex cases requiring multi-dimensional control, braces may be the most effective choice.

Teens who are diligent about wearing their Invisalign aligners as prescribed should see excellent results. But if you're unable to keep the aligners in for sufficient time each day, braces may ensure your teeth are moving as planned.

Talk to your orthodontist about your specific orthodontic needs to determine which option will give you the best results.

Treatment of Jaw Misalignment

If your overbite, underbite or other jaw issues are due to skeletal causes, orthodontic treatment alone may not fully correct it. In these cases, Invisalign or braces can be used along with other procedures to achieve proper alignment and function.

Cleft lip and palate often require braces along with corrective jaw surgery once growth is complete. This comprehensive approach provides the needed dental and facial harmony.

For teens with skeletal based malocclusion, a combination of Invisalign and oral surgery can treat both jaw position and tooth alignment. Surgery realigns the jaw, while Invisalign moves the teeth into their ideal positions within the new jawline.

Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will work together to map out a tailored treatment plan for your situation.

Invisalign for Teens

Just like metal braces, Invisalign can successfully straighten teenage teeth. As long as your child's permanent teeth have erupted, Invisalign can be a great choice.

Invisalign treatment involves close coordination with the orthodontist throughout the process. The doctor maps out the tooth movements needed from start to finish. Teens switch to the next set of aligners around every 12 weeks.

Being removable makes Invisalign a convenient option for teens. Aligners are out only while eating, brushing teeth, flossing and at times when braces could pose an injury risk like contact sports.

Teens do need to be responsible for wearing their aligners consistently to stay on track. But Invisalign empowers them to take charge of their own treatment.

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen offers features tailored for teenage patients, including:

• No down payment, interest-free payment plans
• Replacement aligners for any lost or damaged
• Reward points and free bonus aligners to motivate wear time
• Access to the Invisalign Teen app to track progress

Talk to your orthodontist to find out if Invisalign Teen could be a good fit for your child's orthodontic treatment.

Braces for Teens

Braces remain a tried-and-true method to align teenage teeth effectively and predictably. Orthodontists are highly trained in using braces to correct all types of malocclusion.

The brackets affixed to each tooth allow the orthodontist to control movement in three dimensions. Wires are changed and tightened at each appointment, moving the teeth further with each visit.

Teens can get braces on both upper and lower teeth or just one arch depending on need. Braces straighten the teeth within the existing jaw structure and can help achieve an ideal bite.

Clear ceramic braces provide a more discreet look while still using the same system of brackets and wires as metal braces. Lingual braces attach to the backs of teeth so they are hidden from view.

Braces Options for Teens

Today's braces for teens offer more possibilities in both function and aesthetics:

• Clear braces - Clear ceramic or plastic brackets are less noticeable than metal.
• Lingual braces - Braces attached to the back of teeth are hidden from view.
• Colored braces - Teens can customize braces with colorful elastics, ties, and heat-activated archwires.
• Temporary anchorage devices - TADs are small implanted anchors to precisely move select teeth.

The right braces can keep your teen's treatment on track while making braces fun and personalized.

Invisalign vs Braces Cost

Both options for straightening teeth come with an investment of time and money. Exact costs vary based on your treatment complexity, length, and orthodontist fees.

On average, braces cost $3,000 - $7,500 while Invisalign ranges from $3,500 - $8,000. Dental insurance can offset either treatment, typically covering a portion of the total fees.

Here's an overview of the costs for each:

Invisalign Pricing

• Impressions and Records - $0 to $500
• Aligners - $3,500 to $8,000
• Retainers - $0 to $500
• Total - $3,500 to $8,000

Pricing depends on how many aligners are needed for your case. Additional factors like impressions, retainers, adjustments, and office visits can impact total costs.

Braces Pricing

• Records - $0 to $1,000
• Braces - $3,000 to $6,000
• Retainers - $0 to $500
• Total - $3,000 to $7,500

The cost for braces varies based on type of braces chosen and length of treatment. Records, monthly adjustments, retainers, and additional needs also affect overall pricing.

Payment Options

Orthodontic offices offer flexible payment plans to make treatment more affordable. Options include:

• Payment in Full - Pay upfront for a discount
• Payment Plan - Spread out payments over a few months to a couple years
• Dental Insurance - Use insurance dollars to offset some costs
• Financing - Finance remaining balance after insurance through third-parties like CareCredit
• Credit Cards - Use cards with low-interest promotions or rewards

Discuss payment options with your orthodontist to find the right financial fit for braces or Invisalign.

FAQs About Invisalign vs Braces for Teens

Do braces or Invisalign work better for teens?

Both options are highly effective for straightening teenage teeth. Invisalign offers an appealing clear look, while braces provide full three-dimensional control. For complex cases, braces may provide added precision over Invisalign.

Does Invisalign hurt for teens?

Invisalign aligners typically do not cause pain for teens. Some may experience temporary discomfort from the pressure of aligners the first few days of each new set. Teens report Invisalign as more comfortable overall than braces.

Are clear aligners cheaper than braces?

No, clear aligners like Invisalign generally cost more than traditional braces. On average, Invisalign ranges from $3,500 to $8,000 while braces are $3,000 to $7,500. Price for either depends on individual treatment factors.

Can I get braces again if already had Invisalign?

Yes, you can get braces after completing Invisalign treatment if desired results were not achieved. An orthodontist can place braces to refine alignment and bite issues that Invisalign did not fully correct.

Can Invisalign fix bite issues?

Invisalign works well for minor to moderate bite problems like overbites, underbites, crossbites or open bites. More severe bite issues may require the capabilities of braces, headgear or oral surgery along with Invisalign for comprehensive treatment.

Choosing Between Invisalign and Braces for Your Teen

Both Invisalign and traditional braces are great options for straightening your teen's teeth. While budget, treatment goals, and preferences will play a role, an orthodontist can help you decide what's right for your teen's smile.

Invisalign offers an appealing clear alternative to braces for teens who prioritize aesthetics and comfort. Braces give orthodontists the greatest three-dimensional control for complex bite situations. Weighing the pros and cons of each will lead you to the best choice.

No matter which treatment you choose, being consistent with aligner wear or adjustment visits is key to achieving an amazing smile. Both braces and Invisalign can build confidence in teenagers through improving the look of their teeth and bite.

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.