When weighing up Invisalign vs braces, which is the better smile solution? We explain the pros and cons of each to help you decide how to choose the right one.

On a fundamental level, having straight teeth can be a total gamechanger.

When your teeth are straight, you can have easier flossing and brushing, healthier gums, less wear and tear from grinding your teeth, and a movie star smile to boot.

In order to straighten your teeth, your dentist may consider the possibility of using either Invisalign or braces.

If you're asking questions like, "Which one will straighten my teeth?" or "Is there one that's better than the other?", sit tight. We'll help you settle that inner Invisalign vs braces debate by telling you what you need to know about both.

Keep reading to find out more.

Braces and Invisalign: What Exactly Are They?

On the surface, braces and Invisalign trays have a lot in common. Both straighten teeth effectively and your dentist may consider both options, but they operate in slightly different ways:

Braces use a combination of metal brackets on the front of your teeth as well as wires and/or elastics that are used to pressure the teeth into the correct position. If you've seen any high school dramas or if you recall seeing a classmate or a friend get their teeth straightened as a kid, chances are that you've seen a dental brace before.

Invisalign is a series of clear plastic trays. Each tray in the series is built just a little bit differently than the one before in order to gradually move your teeth into the proper position as you change out your tray every few weeks. In order to get maximum results, these trays must be worn at least 22 hours a day.

Both are quite popular. It's been estimated that four million Americans have traditional braces in any given year. Meanwhile, Invisalign is the new kid on the orthodontic block with its memorable commercials and removable trays.

Now that we've talked a bit about what these straightening treatments are, we're going to tell you about what this means for your journey to straighter teeth.

What's So Special About Traditional Braces?

If you asked 10 people to describe what they picture when they hear the words "dental braces", most of them would probably visualize traditional braces. Here are some of the reasons why braces continue to be a common way to straighten teeth.

Braces Can Work on Just About Any Set of Teeth

From a dental point of view, the teeth of some patients may be more severely misaligned than others. If your teeth need to be rotated or tilted to a larger degree, an Invisalign tray can really only do so much. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are able to effectively straighten even the more extreme cases of misalignment, overbite, underbite, or overcrowding.

They'll Straighten Your Teeth at All Hours

Once the braces are put in, they'll stay in your mouth until it's time to take them out. This means that your brackets will be working to straighten your teeth to perfection 24/7. You don't run the risk of taking them out and forgetting them or going somewhere and losing them. They're no matter what. If you or your child are prone to forgetting things, braces can ensure that the treatment never stops.

They Can Be as Discreet or as Flashy as You Want

Braces are no longer the massive, impossible-to-miss pieces of headgear that they used to be. Patients have the option to choose a borderline invisible style where the braces are matched to the color of your teeth or they can opt to choose a bold and shiny look. Whether you're the type who wants to make a fashion statement or you prefer your dental work to be more low key, there's a traditional brace that matches your preferences.

Why Do People Love Invisalign?

Invisalign has changed the game when it comes to correcting teeth alignment. Here are some of the reasons why Invisalign trays have been becoming more popular with patients in recent years:

They're Practically Invisible

True to the name, part of Invisalign's attraction for people is that they are very nearly undetectable when you have them. This allows patients to give presentations at work or attend holiday get-togethers without any awkward comments or questions.

Removable

When you're straightening your teeth, there may be days when you want to give your teeth a break. Invisalign's removable trays make it possible to do just that. Even if it's only for a couple of hours a day, many people love the convenience of being able to take out their trays at will.

No Food Restrictions

Because Invisalign trays are removable, it's easier to floss and brush effectively after meals. As a result, you can eat all the crunchy and sticky foods you love during treatment without compromising the quality of your treatment as long as you're brushing after every meal.

Braces vs Invisalign: Which Is Faster?

Although we have a full article on Invisalign treatment timelines you can read, the short answer is that Invisalign treatments can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. For many people, however, visible results can be seen a lot sooner than that.

Braces, on the other hand, can take about 24 months from start to finish with some patients needing a bit more time to complete their treatments.

Why the difference?

Well, you have to remember that Invisalign is generally used to treat milder cases as compared to traditional braces. However, all things being equal, braces have also been known to produce quick visual results.

Invisalign vs Braces: Is One More Comfortable Than the Other?

Braces and Invisalign both work by applying pressure to guide your teeth into a straighter position.

Every time you change your tray or visit your orthodontic specialist to have your braces adjusted, you may experience some discomfort.

In both cases, the pain should go away as your teeth get used to their new placement.

Invisalign vs Braces: Cost

According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, Invisalign costs anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 on average while braces can cost roughly $3,000 to $7,000.

The exact pricing will depend on a number of factors such as the length of treatment, your location, and your dentist, and your insurance.

Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Better?

There are no easy answers to this question because the better course of treatment will ultimately depend on the specifics of your situation.

If your teeth are severely misaligned or overcrowded, braces may be your best option. Meanwhile, patients with milder cases may benefit from Invisalign. But even with those general rules of thumb, if you're the type of person who loses items at the drop of a hat, braces may still be a better choice.

Talk To Your Dentist About Straightening Your Teeth Today!

In a perfect world, everyone would be born with teeth that are straight enough to make a ruler jealous.

But fortunately, even if that's not the case, there are a number of ways that your dentist can help you attain that perfect smile. Take the next step towards straightening your teeth and put an end to the question of Invisalign vs braces. Contact us today to get started.

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