Lingual Braces vs Invisalign: Comparison of Cost, Treatment Time & Results

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

Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth not only affect your smile but can also lead to oral health issues. Orthodontic treatments like lingual braces and Invisalign are effective options to straighten teeth.

But which is better - lingual braces or Invisalign? Here is an in-depth comparison on how these treatments work, pros and cons, cost, treatment time, results, and lifestyle factors to help you decide.

What are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that attach to the inner (lingual) side of your teeth. They use brackets and wires to shift your teeth into proper alignment over time. Custom-fit brackets are bonded to the backs of your teeth.

Archwires connect the brackets and apply light, controlled forces to move your teeth. Your orthodontist adjusts the wires during treatment. Lingual braces are less visible but work similarly to traditional metal braces on front teeth.

How Do Lingual Braces Work?

Getting lingual braces involves these steps:

1. Impressions and photos taken of your teeth
2. Custom brackets designed and fabricated
3. Brackets bonded to the backs of your teeth
4. Archwires connected through the brackets
5. Wires gradually tightened at orthodontic visits
6. Treatment complete when teeth are properly aligned

Lingual braces slowly shift your teeth into better position over 12-36 months. You'll need monthly adjustments and orthodontic visits during treatment.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign consists of clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth. New custom-made aligners are worn every 1-2 weeks to gradually shift your teeth. Most Invisalign cases involve 20-30 aligner trays worn over 6-24 months.

Aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for tasks like eating and brushing. Invisalign uses computer imaging technology to map out step-by-step movements to straighten your smile.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign treatment involves:

1. Consultation and scans/impressions of your teeth
2. Custom treatment plan and aligner trays fabricated
3. Wearing a new set of aligners for 1-2 weeks at a time
4. Switching to a new tray approximately every 2 weeks
5. Treatment finished when all aligners have been worn
6. Retainers provided to maintain results

As you change aligners, your teeth are moved incrementally until the desired position is reached. You'll need periodic check-ins with your dentist or orthodontist during Invisalign treatment.

Comparing Lingual Braces vs. Invisalign

When choosing between lingual braces and Invisalign, there are a number of factors to compare:

Treatment Time

Lingual braces generally take 12-36 months to complete treatment. Invisalign ranges from 6-24 months. Less extensive teeth straightening cases may be faster with either option.

Treatment times are very individualized based on the severity of alignment issues. More complex cases or additional procedures can lengthen time for both lingual braces and Invisalign.

Effectiveness

Both lingual braces and Invisalign can effectively straighten teeth and improve smiles. Success rates are similarly high when each treatment is done properly.

Lingual braces can correct more severe misalignment issues. Invisalign is better suited for minor to moderate crowding and spacing.

Talk to your orthodontist about which treatment is right for your situation. Some dental movements may be easier with braces or aligners.

Comfort

Lingual braces take some adjustment at first and can impact speech temporarily. The tongue eventually adapts.

Invisalign aligners are removable and generally more comfortable. But some patients experience temporary soreness adjusting to each new tray.

Ensure proper oral hygiene with either option to avoid irritation. Your orthodontist will provide wax and other aids to maximize comfort.

Convenience

Invisalign offers advantages in terms of convenience since aligners are removable. You can take them out for eating and cleaning. But aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day to be effective.

Lingual braces do not come off for meals or brushing. You'll need to take extra care cleaning around the brackets. Wax can minimize irritation from the wires.

Both options require frequent orthodontist visits for adjustments and monitoring progress.

Appearance

The main advantage of lingual braces is that they are nearly invisible, attached to the backs of your teeth.

Invisalign aligners are also very discreet. But some users feel slight visibility may be detectable up close.

For those concerned about appearances during treatment, lingual braces or Invisalign offer more aesthetic options vs. regular metal braces.

Lifestyle Impact

With Invisalign's removable design, aligners can be taken out for important events and photos. You'll need to remove them for contact sports.

Lingual braces don't affect sports and social activities as much since they are fixed to teeth. But wires can sometimes break and require repair.

Talk to your orthodontist about lifestyle factors to determine the best fit.

Oral Hygiene

Proper brushing and flossing are critical with either orthodontic treatment. Invisalign aligners should be cleaned before reinsertion.

Flossing and brushing around lingual braces demands extra care and takes practice. Interdental brushes and a water flosser can help.

Impacts to teeth and gums are minimized with good oral hygiene. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for keeping teeth and appliances clean.

Cost and Financing

On average, lingual braces tend to be more expensive, costing $8,000 to $10,000 or more. Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 on average.

Exact costs for either treatment depend on your individual case complexity and insurance coverage. Many orthodontists offer flexible payment plans to help finance treatment.

Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces vs. Invisalign

Here is a quick overview of the main advantages and disadvantages of each option:

Lingual Braces

Pros:

• Very discreet appearance
• Can correct more complex issues
• Fixed braces apply constant pressure
• May have lower cost for some cases

Cons:

• Can impact speech temporarily
• Monthly orthodontist visits for adjustments
• Oral hygiene requires more effort
• Higher average cost

Invisalign Aligners

Pros:

• Removable for meals and brushing
• Nearly invisible appearance
• Fewer dietary restrictions
• Lower average cost for mild-moderate cases

Cons:

• Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day
• Can be noticeable up very close
• Not ideal for complex alignments
• Frequent orthodontist check-ins

Review the benefits and drawbacks with your orthodontist to pick the best straightening method for your smile goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Do Lingual Braces or Invisalign Have Better Results?

Both lingual braces and Invisalign are highly effective at straightening smiles when done properly. Successful outcomes mainly depend on:

• Following your orthodontist’s instructions
• Keeping all appointments for adjustments and monitoring
• Wearing aligners or braces consistently
• Practicing excellent oral hygiene
• Being an active, engaged patient in treatment

Results can vary based on the complexity of your case and which option your orthodontist recommends.

Talk to an orthodontic specialist to determine if lingual braces or Invisalign are better suited for your particular alignment issues and goals.

Additional Treatments

Depending on your specific orthodontic needs, supplemental treatments may be recommended to complement lingual braces or Invisalign, such as:

• Tooth extraction
• Gum contouring
• Temporary anchorage devices
• Interproximal reduction
• Rubber bands/elastics

Integrating additional teeth straightening procedures can help maximize results. Combination treatments are often possible with both lingual braces and Invisalign under an orthodontist’s care.

Caring for Lingual Braces and Invisalign

Proper cleaning and oral hygiene are crucial during orthodontic treatment to prevent complications:

Lingual Braces Care

• Brush carefully after meals and floss daily
• Use interdental brushes to clean around brackets
• Rinse thoroughly to avoid food debris
• Avoid very hard, sticky, or crunchy foods
• See your dentist if brackets loosen or break

Invisalign Care

• Remove aligners before eating and brushing
• Clean aligners daily with soap and water
• Avoid hot water with aligners
• Rinse mouth after eating with aligners out
• Store aligners safely in provided case

Follow all of your orthodontist's instructions for keeping braces or aligners clean and avoiding damage. Proper care and dental hygiene will support better treatment results.

Life with Lingual Braces vs. Invisalign: What to Expect

Adjusting to orthodontic treatment takes patience, but many patients find they quickly adapt to life with lingual braces or Invisalign. Here's an overview of what to expect:

Diet

Avoid very hard or sticky foods that could damage braces. Invisalign allows for more food freedom since aligners are removable.

Speech

Lingual braces may temporarily impact speech and tongue comfort. This improves within a few weeks. Invisalign does not affect speech.

Pain

Slight soreness is common when adjusting to new aligners or braces. Over-the-counter pain medication can help.

Appearance

Both options are far more discreet than metal braces. Lingual braces are nearly invisible. Invisalign aligners are hard to detect.

Hygiene

Extra brushing and flossing is required with both treatments. Follow your orthodontist’s home care guidelines closely.

Sports

Lingual braces usually do not require special precautions for sports. Invisalign aligners need to be removed for contact sports.

Being prepared for adjustments while staying diligent with oral hygiene will help you adapt successfully to life with braces or Invisalign.

Finding an Orthodontist for Lingual Braces or Invisalign

Choosing the right orthodontist is key to achieving the best lingual braces or Invisalign results. Look for an experienced specialist with:

• Extensive training and education in orthodontics
• Years of experience with lingual braces and/or Invisalign
• A genuine interest in understanding your goals
• A customized treatment plan for your situation
• Modern orthodontic technology and techniques
• A caring team and comfortable office environment

Schedule consultations with qualified orthodontists in your area to discuss your candidacy for lingual braces vs. Invisalign. Select a provider you trust to deliver the smile you want.

Are Lingual Braces or Invisalign Right for You?

While both lingual braces and Invisalign straighten smiles successfully, choosing the best option involves numerous considerations:

• Extent of alignment needed
• Treatment duration
• Impact on lifestyle
• Comfort
• Appearance priorities
• Oral hygiene commitment
• Complexity of case
• Budget and financing options

Thoroughly discuss your situation with an orthodontist experienced in both lingual braces and Invisalign. Together, you can determine the ideal treatment path for healthier, properly aligned teeth.

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.