Orthodontic treatments have revolutionized the way we smile by providing effective dental solutions that were once only imaginable. It has transformed how the world approaches teeth misalignments and bite issues for both functional and aesthetic needs.
Orthodontics is a field in dentistry that has experienced significant technological advancements. Today, it offers many versatile options to target unique and specific dental misalignment issues.
One of the common questions many have when opting for orthodontic treatments is the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown comparing invisalign vs braces based on key factors like what they are, how they work, pros and cons, eligibility, types, results, duration, cost, recovery, and what to expect along the way.
What is Invisalign
Invisalign, also commonly known as clear aligners, is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear, plastic aligners to address teeth misalignments and straighten them to give the perfect bite and smile.
Their main characteristic is that they are virtually invisible, meaning nobody will know you are wearing braces. They can be removed when eating, drinking, and practicing oral hygiene.
Invisalign aligners were mainly designed to overcome the many limitations of traditional braces, but they are not suitable for all types of dental misalignment or bite issues.
How Do Invisible Aligners Work?
Invisalign works by using a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift the teeth to corrected positions. Generally, each set of aligners is worn for 1 to 2 weeks. It will apply gentle and controlled pressure to the teeth or gum area that needs to be adjusted.
With time, this constant pressure will move the teeth into the right alignment. The movements will not be visible on a daily basis. You need to follow regular check-ups to let the orthodontist monitor the progress, provide new aligners, or change treatment plans as needed.
What Are Braces
Braces are orthodontic appliances used to correct teeth alignments and bite issues. While they were primarily used to correct functional issues with teeth alignments for a healthy bite, nowadays, they are also used for aesthetic purposes. Braces, just like Invisalign, help shift teeth to the correct positions, giving a proper bite and a confident smile.
How Do Braces Work?
There are many types of braces, each with its own mechanism for correcting dental misalignments. In general, traditional braces use a system of brackets, wires, and elastic bands to move the teeth into their corrected positions gradually.
Brackets are attached to each tooth and connected by an archwire, which applies constant yet gentle pressure to move the teeth into their right positions. Elastic bands, ligatures, or ties may also be used to adjust tension and correct bite alignments.
Just like Invisalign, traditional braces need regular check-ups to monitor progress and adjust plans if necessary. However, unlike Invislaigns, only your orthodontist can adjust the braces in your teeth and ensure steady progress throughout the treatment.
Invisalign vs Braces: A Comparison Based on Key Features
Here is a breakdown of 12 key features that will help you differentiate between Invisalign vs braces.
Eligibility
Both Invisalign and braces are suitable for all ages. However, Invisalign is recommended for teens and adults seeking a more discreet orthodontic solution. It may not be suitable for younger children as their teeth and jaw are still growing, and they will not be able to follow the daily compliance that comes with Invisalign, i.e., wearing it for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
Invisalign aligners are ideal only for mild to moderate dental issues, such as minor misalignment, small gaps, or mild bite corrections. Severe or complex cases may require alternative traditional braces.
Braces are suitable for all ages and can treat all types of dental misalignments, including complex cases and bite problems.
Targeted Conditions
When comparing Invisalign vs braces, it is important to remember that both are used to target orthodontic issues relating to dental misalignments affecting the bite. However, Invisalign is more suitable for addressing mild to moderate crowding, gaps between teeth, minor bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite), and relapse cases (post-braces).
On the other hand, braces can target severe crowding or complex misalignment issues, including severe overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, jaw pain, and rotated or angled teeth.
Results
Invisalign aligners work by using gradual yet predictable tooth movement. It requires high patient compliance for optimal results. This means it needs to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours daily, and the results may take longer than expected for complex cases. The procedure is discreet and has minimum to no distractions to the daily routine.
In contrast, braces precisely control tooth and jaw movement and deliver faster results for severe misalignment or bite issues. Traditional braces use visible hardware, often made from metal or ceramic. They require dietary restrictions, and with proper retention, you can expect long-lasting outcomes.
Types
A key feature that differentiates invisalign vs braces is their type. Invisalign is a form of clear aligner made from a standard proprietary medical-grade thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. There are only different variations based on the treatment duration or the age group they are used for, which are as follows:
Invisalign Full: Comprehensive treatment for a wide range of dental issues.
Invisalign Lite: For mild to moderate cases with shorter treatment duration.
Invisalign Express: Targets minor alignment issues and is ideal for quick corrections.
Invisalign Teen: Designed for teenagers, with features like eruption tabs for growing teeth and wear indicators.
Teeth braces, on the other hand, have varieties based on the type of material they are made from. This makes each type of dental brace use its own mechanism to correct dental misalignments or jaw problems like TMJ. Some of the most common types of braces include:
Metal Braces: Traditional, highly effective for all orthodontic cases.
Ceramic Braces: Tooth-colored, less visible alternative to metal braces.
Lingual Braces: Placed on the inner side of teeth, hidden from outer view or the exterior of the teeth.
Self-Ligating Braces: Uses a built-in clip instead of elastic bands for reduced friction and faster treatment duration.
Appearance, Style, And Comfort
Invisalign aligners look invisible and offer discreet orthodontic solutions. They are also more comfortable to wear, as they are removable when eating, brushing, or flossing. The invisible appearance makes people wear them confidently and not have to worry about them showing.
In contrast, traditional braces may look cumbersome compared to Invisalign. They are slightly chunky in aesthetics and generally visible, except for lingual braces worn on the inner surface of the teeth. These braces, regardless of the type, also cannot be removed when eating or practicing oral hygiene.
Some find these outer visual appearances uncomfortable and reduce their ability to be confident in social gatherings. While some style their metallic braces with colors, they still may look obvious and feel a mouthful when compared to clear aligners.
Traditional braces also tend to create a lot of discomfort for the wearers by irritating and chaffing inside the mouth. In some cases, they may also cause allergies, cuts, and soreness until your mouth adapts to them.
Removability
Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating, brushing, or flossing. However, they have to be worn for the recommended 20 to 22 hours to get the best results. On the other hand, traditional dental braces cannot be removed regardless of their type.
Invisalign aligners can be adjusted remotely to some extent, especially in mild cases. However, traditional braces can only be adjusted in person by your orthodontist as they are permanently fixed into the teeth.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of Invisalign vs braces depends on the type of dental misalignment, bite, or jaw issue you are trying to resolve. Only your orthodontists will be able to say which option will be effective to target or address your unique dental issue.
In general, Invisalign aligners are one of the most effective options for mild to moderate cases. They are ideal for minor crowding, spacing issues, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and relapse cases. Traditional braces can be used for all types of dental misalignments or jaw issues and are ideal for complex cases like rotated or impacted teeth and jaw problems.
Treatment Duration
The duration of treatment for Invisalign vs. braces depends on the individual dental issue. Here is a simple breakdown of the average time taken for Invisalign and braces to work on specific conditions.
Invisalign
Mild Cases: 6 to 12 months.
Moderate Cases: 12 to 18 months.
Complex Cases: Up to 24 months or more, depending on compliance.
However, remember that the duration of the treatment plan depends heavily on your discipline in wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours daily.
Braces
Mild Cases: 12 to 18 months.
Moderate Cases: 18 to 24 months.
Complex Cases: 24 to 36 months or longer.
For braces, the treatment duration can vary from these averages based on the complexity, progress, and effectiveness of orthodontist adjustments and expertise in designing an accurate treatment plan.
Oral Hygiene
For both Invisalign and dental braces, oral hygiene is a must. This includes brushing and flossing. For Invisalign, you can remove them when practicing an oral hygiene routine, whereas for traditional braces, you will have to work through them as they are fixed into your teeth.
Failing to comply with basic oral hygiene can result in bad breath, cavities, gum diseases, plaque buildup, and even gum infections.
Improper cleaning can stain Invisalign, and can create white spots (decalcification) around the brackets of braces when removed.
Diet Restrictions
One of the key benefits of invisalign is that they are removable. This means that you do not have to comply with dietary restrictions. You can enjoy your favourite food and beverages.
Braces cannot be removed, creating certain restrictions on what you can and cannot eat with it.
Here is a simple list of foods and beverages to avoid with traditional dental braces:
Hard foods like nuts, hard candies, ice, raw vegetables, and hardened bread can increase the risk of damaging the wires or breaking them.
Sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel, and toffee can stick to the braces.
Crunchy foods like chips, popcorn, and tacos can damage the braces or get stuck in between.
Sugary snacks like candies, cookies, and sodas can increase the risk of cavities. Acidic drinks, on the other hand, can weaken the enamel.
Chewy foods like licorice, gummy candies, and bagels can put stress on braces.
With braces, it is advised to include soft foods and cut harder items into smaller pieces to avoid damaging your braces.
Maintenance
Both Invisalign and braces require regular maintenance, such as brushing, flossing, and following up regular dental appointments. The only difference is that Invisalign should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily.
Clear aligners are easier to clean as they can be removed, whereas braces may require more thorough cleaning when brushing.
As for follow-ups, they are crucial for monitoring progress, adjusting plans if necessary, and completing the treatment in an estimated time duration. In general, dental braces may require more follow-ups than Invisalign.
Cost
The cost of both Invisalign and braces depends on many factors. Some of them include:
Type
Treatment complexity
Duration of treatment
Location of the clinic
Orthodontist’s experience
Insurance coverage
Age of the patient
Additional procedures if required
Retainers post-treatment
Some clinics may also charge for initial consultation. At the Invisalign Center, all our orthodontic services, including braces and Invisalign, come with free consultation. You will only have to pay for the treatment and follow-ups.
In general, Invisalign is slightly more expensive than traditional braces because of the advanced technology used for invisible appearance, less hassle with maintenance, and the ability to remove them when eating and practicing oral hygiene.
Pros of Invisalign
Virtually invisible
Invisalign is virtually invisible, giving a more discreet orthodontic solution, especially for people conscious of wires and brackets with traditional braces.
Removable
They can be removed when eating, brushing, or flossing.
Smooth and comfortable
Invisalign doesn't involve brackets or wires, which makes it feel smooth and comfortable when wearing it.
No dietary restrictions
As they are removable, there are no restrictions when it comes to what you can or cannot eat and drink.
Easier to maintain oral hygiene
You can remove clear aligners when brushing your teeth or flossing, making it easier to practice oral hygiene.
Fewer orthodontist visits
Invisalign uses custom-made aligner sets requiring fewer visits to adjust. Each set of aligners is worn for a specific period, usually 1-2 weeks, so frequent monitoring will not be necessary. In fact, aligners can also be custom-made and delivered to your home, allowing you to change them remotely.
Reliable backups
Invisalign uses advanced 3D scanning and treatment mapping. This technology allows your orthodontists to have backups in case your aligner is lost or damaged and you want to reorder without interrupting treatment, ensuring continuity and peace of mind.
Cons of Invisalign
Not suitable for severe orthodontic issues
Invisalign aligners may fail to offer effective or sustainable results for complex cases like rotated teeth, impacted teeth, or jaw issues.
Requires discipline
While Invisalign offers more comfort and convenience by being able to remove, they have to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve the best results. Many tend to struggle with this discipline.
Clear aligners can be lost or damaged
Again, because they are removable, it is easy to misplace Invisalign aligners or damage them with improper care.
May be more expensive than braces
The visually invisible aesthetics Invisalign offers and its ability to be custom-designed for each individual case make it slightly more expensive than traditional braces.
Needs strict cleaning and maintenance
In addition to wearing clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, you must clean them regularly, avoid eating or drinking except water while wearing them, and switch to the next set as directed by your dentist. These are crucial to ensuring an effective treatment.
Pros of Traditional Braces
No strict compliance
As traditional braces are fixed to the teeth, they don’t have any strict compliance.
No risk of losing or misplacing
Having traditional braces fixed to the teeth reduces the risk of losing or misplacing them.
No need to remember to wear them
You won’t have to remember or constantly worry about wearing them to practice discipline. Once your orthodontist fixes them, they will be in place until your next follow-up.
Fun and creative
Nowadays, there are many colors of braces, which allow you to be fun and creative with your choices. This is especially beneficial for those who are conscious of metal wires being visible on the outside.
Many options
Traditional braces are available in many types, depending on the material they are made from. These include metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and self-ligating braces.
More effective for complex issues
One of the key benefits of traditional teeth braces is they are suitable for all ages and types of cases, from mild to complex. In fact, they are more effective for complicated teeth misalignment or bite issues.
Less expensive
Traditional braces are less expensive than Invisalign or any other type of clear aligner. This makes it a reliable and easily accessible choice for anyone requiring orthodontic treatment to correct their bite.
Cons of Traditional Braces
Visible appearance
Traditional braces are visible, which is one of the main reasons why many people switch to Invisalign. Having visible braces can reduce self-confidence and increase insecurities at social gatherings.
Uncomfortable
Most traditional braces are made using brackets and wires, so they may feel uncomfortable, especially during the first few weeks after being fixed.
Food can get easily stuck
What you eat and drink can easily get stuck in between the wires and brackets, making it troublesome and hard to clean.
Dietary restrictions
Traditional braces require dietary restrictions, as food can get easily stuck between the wires, increasing the risk of breakage or damage.
Easy plaque and bacteria buildup
Braces make it hard to clean through the wires and brackets thoroughly. This easily allows plaque and bacteria buildup, creating room for other oral or gum issues.
Easily sensitive to breakage and damages
When wearing braces, you will need to be very careful about what you eat and how you practice oral hygiene, as they are sensitive to breakage and damage.
Frequent visits
Only your orthodontist can evaluate and adjust the braces. Frequent dental visits may be inconvenient.
Invisalign Vs. Braces - Which is Better?
Both Invisalign and traditional teeth braces have pros and cons. The best option for you depends on your condition, budget, and expectations of the results.
While Invisalign may not be suitable for complex cases, it offers a distinctive advantage in terms of aesthetics due to its invisible appearance. In contrast, traditional braces are more suitable for a wide range of dental concerns, but they come with the downside of being visible, uncomfortable, and requiring frequent adjustments.
Only your orthodontist can evaluate your unique condition properly and suggest which is better.
In general, both Invisalign and braces are effective for treating dental misalignment and bite issues. There are also conditions where you may need traditional braces before proceeding to Invisalign, depending on the condition of your teeth and any other diagnosis.
Making the Right Decision
At The Invisalign Center, one of the pioneers in providing reliable and high-quality dental care in Dubai, our orthodontic services are designed exclusively to cater to the most unique requirements.
We have a carefully hand-picked team of orthodontists who specialize in various treatments, including Invisalign aligners, traditional dental braces, and other advanced solutions.
Our orthodontic treatments address a wide range of dental concerns, from minor alignment issues to complex bite corrections. With versatile solutions like virtually invisible aligners and traditional alternatives, we help you effortlessly achieve a straighter, more confident smile.
With advanced technology, personalized treatment plans, and a commitment to excellence, we ensure your journey to a perfect smile is easily accessible, cost-effective, and hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to get braces or Invisalign?
It depends on your condition, budget, and expectations. Invisalign may be a better choice if you have mild teeth misalignments, want your braces to look invisible, don’t want to deal with the discomfort of traditional dental braces, and can afford the slightly higher cost it comes with.
On the other hand, traditional braces may be the right option if you have complex cases and prefer to opt for a more affordable option.
Is Invisalign more painful than braces?
No, they are not. When you first wear Invisalign, it may feel slightly uncomfortable till you get used to it. However, it is almost always pain-free.
Why is Invisalign so much faster than braces?
Invisalign is generally considered ideal for mild to moderate cases. So, the treatment duration may be short. However, this may not always be the case–it all comes down to individual dental concerns and the expected results.
Do more people get braces or Invisalign?
Today, many people prefer using Invisalign due to its discreet, almost invisible solution, which increases self-confidence. It also eliminates the dietary restrictions, discomfort, and hassle that come with traditional braces made from metal.
Do dentists prefer Invisalign or braces?
While Invisalign and braces are both effective at treating minor to moderate cases of tooth malocclusion, braces are generally considered more effective at treating severe cases.
Do braces or Invisalign last longer?
This depends on many factors, including your teeth condition, the additional procedures required, and the experience of the orthodontist. On average, as Invisalign targets mild cases, it can last about 12 months, whereas braces can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months as they also focus on complex bite or jaw issues.
Are braces or Invisalign better for gaps?
While both Invisalign and braces can effectively close gaps, Invisalign may be a better choice if you are looking for a discreet, hassle-free solution that will cause minimal discomfort or disruptions to your lifestyle.
Is wearing Invisalign 20 hours a day enough?
The recommended amount of time to wear Invisalign is 20 to 22 hours a day, which means you can only remove it when eating or practicing oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, or cleaning the aligners.
Is Invisalign more expensive than braces?
Yes, on average, Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces. However, it offsets the short treatment duration, convenience in wearing, easy maintenance, and, most importantly, the invisible appearance.
Does Invisalign keep teeth straight forever?
Yes, they do. However, you must wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist.
