Invisalign vs Lingual Braces: Which Straightens Teeth Better?

Invisalign vs Lingual Braces: Which is Better for Straighter Teeth?

Getting straighter teeth is an important goal for many people, both teens and adults. Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth not only affect your smile but can also lead to oral health problems. Today there are several options to straighten teeth, with two popular choices being Invisalign clear aligners and lingual braces.

But how do you decide between Invisalign and lingual braces? What are the key differences and which provides better results? Keep reading to learn more about comparing Invisalign vs lingual braces so you can make the best choice for your situation.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign) vs Braces Overview

First, let’s look at a quick overview comparing clear aligners like Invisalign to traditional fixed braces like lingual braces:

Invisalign Aligners

• Clear plastic trays that fit over teeth
• Trays are changed out every 1-2 weeks
• Each tray incrementally moves teeth to desired position
• Removable for eating, brushing, flossing
• No metal wires or brackets
• More discreet appearance

Lingual Braces

• Metal brackets and wires attached to back of teeth
• Brackets glued to teeth, wires tightened every 4-6 weeks
• Force from wires moves teeth into alignment
• Fixed braces that cannot be removed
• Less noticeable but still visible from certain angles

As you can see, clear aligners and braces take different approaches to straightening teeth over time. Now let’s look closer at how Invisalign and lingual braces compare.

Appearance and Lifestyle

One of the biggest factors when choosing between Invisalign vs braces is aesthetics and lifestyle considerations. Here is how the two options compare:

Invisalign Aligners

• Nearly invisible appearance
• Aligners are removeable for eating, drinking, brushing
• Nothing inside the mouth interferes with speech
• Typically no diet or food restrictions
• Aligners may be briefly removed for special occasions

Lingual Braces

• Brackets and wires attached to back of teeth
• More discreet than regular braces but still visible from some angles
• Cannot remove braces for eating or brushing
• May temporarily affect speech
• Some dietary restrictions; must avoid very hard or sticky foods
• Oral hygiene requires more attention

When it comes to aesthetics, Invisalign aligners win hands down. The clear plastic trays are virtually impossible to detect, allowing you to smile confidently during treatment. Invisalign also causes minimal impact on diet and lifestyle.

Lingual braces are harder to see than traditional metal braces but are not completely invisible. They also remain in the mouth full-time, requiring some adjustments to eating and oral hygiene habits.

Treatment Process

The treatment process also differs between Invisalign vs lingual braces:

Invisalign Treatment

• Aligners worn for 1-2 weeks before switching
• Average treatment is 9-15 months
• Aligners worn 20-22 hours per day
• Requires excellent compliance with aligner wear and hygiene
• Regular appointments every 4-6 weeks

Lingual Braces Treatment

• Braces adjusted every 4-6 weeks
• Treatment length averages 12-36 months
• Braces cannot be removed during treatment
• Excellent oral hygiene required
• Monthly appointments needed to tighten braces

Both options require a lengthy commitment of over a year on average. Invisalign features more freedom and flexibility during treatment. Lingual braces remain fixed in the mouth throughout the process.

Comfort

Treatment comfort is another consideration when comparing these two options:

Invisalign Comfort

• Smooth plastic aligners are comfortable for most people
• May cause temporary, mild soreness when switching aligners
• No brackets or wires to irritate cheeks and gums
• Aligners can be removed if ever uncomfortable

Lingual Braces Comfort

• Bracket and wire can irritate tongue and cheeks at first
• Periodic soreness when braces are adjusted
• Wires and brackets require acclimation
• Cannot remove braces if uncomfortable

Invisalign clear aligner trays generally provide more consistent comfort and less irritation. Lingual braces take more getting used to due to the fixed wires and brackets.

Effectiveness

The most important factor is how well each option works to actually move teeth. Here is how Invisalign and lingual braces compare in effectiveness:

Invisalign Effectiveness

• Can treat simple to complex cases
• Excellent for fixing crowding, spacing, and alignment issues
• Less effective for severe bite problems
• Relies on patient wearing aligners as directed

Lingual Braces Effectiveness

• Effective for mild to moderate alignment issues
• Can treat some bite issues better than Invisalign
• Full-time brace wear applies constant alignment pressure
• Less ideal for complex cases requiring extractions

Both options offer impressive teeth straightening capabilities. Invisalign can treat a wide range of moderate to difficult cases. Lingual braces have advantages in correcting certain bite issues.

Cost and Treatment Time Comparison

When making an Invisalign vs braces decision, cost and treatment duration are other variables to compare:

Invisalign Cost and Time

• Treatment costs range from $3,000 to $8,000
• Average treatment length is 9-15 months
• Requires a $250 to $500 downpayment
• Balance can be paid over 1-2 years with financing

Lingual Braces Cost and Time

• Average cost is $5,000 to $13,000
• Treatment times range from 12-36 months
• Downpayment is typically 20% of overall cost
• Can finance remaining balance over course of treatment

Invisalign tends to cost less than lingual braces on average, with shorter average treatment times. Both offer flexible financing options to help make treatment affordable.

Which Provides Better Results?

So when considering Invisalign vs lingual braces, which actually provides better results for straighter teeth?

For less complex cases like minor crowding or small spacing issues, Invisalign and lingual braces are similarly effective. Invisalign offers better aesthetics during treatment.

For more complex cases with severe crowding or bite issues, lingual braces may provide somewhat better results. However, treatment length is longer.

Those with very complex orthodontic issues are best served by a customized

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.