Braces vs Invisalign - Compare Cost, Treatment Time & Effectiveness

Braces vs Invisalign: Which is the Best Option for Straighter Teeth?

Getting straighter teeth is an important investment in your health and self-confidence. But deciding between traditional metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign can be difficult. Both options effectively straighten teeth, but have pros and cons to weigh.

Keep reading to learn all about how braces and Invisalign work, their effectiveness, cost, treatment time, and lifestyle impacts. Understanding these key differences will help you determine the best choice for your smile.

How Do Braces Work?

Braces use brackets and wires to apply consistent pressure to misaligned teeth. Brackets are affixed to each tooth with dental cement. The orthodontist then threads a wire through the brackets and attaches it. The wires interact with the brackets to shift teeth into better position over time.

Adjustments are needed every 4-6 weeks on average. At these visits, the orthodontist will switch to tighter wires and can make other modifications. This gradual process moves the teeth based on the original treatment plan until ideal alignment is achieved.

How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-fit to your teeth. Each aligner applies light forces to certain teeth, slowly moving them over time. You switch to a new aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks.

The aligners are virtually invisible on the teeth. Unlike braces, there is nothing permanent cemented to your teeth. Many people opt for Invisalign because the aligners are removable.

Effectiveness of Braces vs. Invisalign

Both braces and Invisalign have been proven to effectively straighten teeth and improve bites. But traditional braces tend to perform better at correcting more severe cases such as:

• Closing large gaps between teeth
• Rotating teeth that are very twisted
• Leveling the bite for moderate to severe overbites or underbites

Experienced orthodontists can achieve great results using either method. However, braces are better suited for complex realignment cases. Invisalign works best for minor to moderate alignment issues.

Braces Treatment Time vs. Invisalign Time

On average, braces take around 24 months to complete treatment. However, treatment time varies based on the severity of the alignment issues being corrected. Less complex cases could be resolved in just 12-18 months.

Invisalign treatment is typically shorter, averaging 12-18 months. Some choose Invisalign because the clear aligners allow for faster results. Again, total treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic needs.

Braces vs. Invisalign Cost Comparison

Braces cost ranges from $3,000-$7,500 on average. Invisalign pricing averages $3,000-$8,000. Both options involve an initial down payment and monthly payment plans making treatment more affordable.

To get a more exact cost estimate, have a consultation with your orthodontist. They will create a personalized treatment plan with all expected fees outlined upfront.

Lifestyle Impact of Braces vs. Invisalign

When choosing between braces and Invisalign, many patients consider the lifestyle factors of each. Braces have more of an impact on daily life while they are on your teeth.

Foods that could damage braces like hard, sticky, or chewy foods must be avoided. Brushing and flossing take longer. Some feel self-conscious about their smile with braces.

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out for eating and cleaning. No food restrictions are necessary. The clear plastic is less noticeable than braces. However, Invisalign does require removing aligners up to 2 times per day.

Key Benefits of Traditional Braces

While less discreet, braces offer advantages over Invisalign in certain cases. Here are some top benefits of metal braces:

1. Correct Severe Issues

For severe overbites, underbites, crookedness, and gaps, traditional braces are better equipped to fully realign the teeth. Braces use wires to create precise forces that can dramatically move teeth into place.

2. Treat Complex Situations

In more involved cases when teeth need rotating or bite alignment, braces are the gold standard. Issues like crossbites or severely crowded teeth benefit from the comprehensive anchoring and adjustments that braces enable.

3. Youth-Friendly Option

Braces tend to work better than Invisalign for younger patients with developing teeth. Metal braces withstand the forces of chewing and growth. They also don’t require the diligence of aligner upkeep.

4. Quicker Overall Treatment Time

While Invisalign achieves faster incremental movement, braces often align teeth fully in less total time. Moving multiple teeth simultaneously allows for quicker completion of treatment to reach the desired result.

5. Covered by Dental Insurance

Many dental insurance plans cover a larger portion of braces costs compared to Invisalign. After deductibles, braces may be 50-60% covered. Invisalign coverage tends to be lower at around 20-40% on average.

Key Advantages of Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign boasts its own set of perks that make it the right choice for many adults and teens. Here are the top benefits of Invisalign:

1. Increased Comfort

Invisalign aligners are smooth plastic that doesn’t cause irritation inside the mouth. Braces often result in soreness from the brackets and wires. This allows for a more comfortable treatment experience.

2. Removable for Eating and Brushing

Invisalign makes maintaining oral hygiene easier because aligners are removable. You can properly brush and floss your teeth. No food restrictions are placed on what you can eat.

3. More Discreet Appearance

The clear aligners are nearly invisible on the teeth, allowing for a more natural smile during treatment. Many teens and adults prefer this discreet straightening method.

4. Shorter In-Office Time

Patients visit the orthodontist less often with Invisalign, typically every 4-6 weeks. The aligners allow for adjustment flexibility between visits. Braces require tighter adjustment each month.

5. Potentially Less Pain

Some braces patients experience soreness from adjustment appointments as pressure increases. With Invisalign, the forces are gentler. Aligners can be taken out if any discomfort occurs.

Is Invisalign or Braces Best for Teens?

As early teens receive their adult teeth, orthodontic treatment can begin. Both braces and Invisalign work for teens, but there are factors that impact whether one is preferable:

• If they play sports like football or hockey where mouthguards are needed, braces can make wearing mouthguards more difficult.
• Teens who play musical instruments involving the mouth may favor Invisalign for easier removability.
• Invisalign aligners require responsibility to care for and wear as prescribed. Braces compliance is lower.
• Clear aligners may be lost or broken more easily by younger kids.
• Consult your teen’s orthodontist to decide if braces or Invisalign better suit their needs and lifestyle.

Caring for Braces and Invisalign

Proper cleaning and care is vital when undergoing orthodontic treatment. With braces, excellent oral hygiene prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and white spots on teeth.

Brush carefully after each meal with a soft bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily with a floss threader removes food particles. See your dentist every 6 months.

For Invisalign, remove aligners before eating and drinking anything but water. Rinse aligners after

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.