Invisalign versus Braces

Many people have questions when determining if they should use braces or Invisalign to straighten their teeth. People often want to know if one option is more effective or more affordable.

Braces vs. Invisalign: The Basics

Braces and Invisalign were both designed as methods for straightening teeth while simultaneously improving your smile and overall oral health. Patients started using Invisalign in 2000, making it a relatively new treatment option.

Braces consist of metal brackets which are glued to your teeth and connected together using thin wires and small rubber bands. Modern dentistry offers brackets which more closely match your teeth enamel color. Patients can also opt for color brackets if they are looking to make a statement.

Alternatively, Invisalign is nearly invisible. The process uses aligner trays which are made from smooth, comfortable, BPA-free clear plastic. The trays are placed over your teeth and gently adjust your teeth to the desired location. Your dentist or orthodontist uses X-rays, pictures and impressions to create a precise 3-D image of your teeth. This data is used to create customized aligner trays.

Braces vs. Invisalign: Determining Which Option is Better

While both braces and Invisalign exist to help straighten teeth, each method has its own pros and cons.

A chart is provided below to review the difference between the two options.

As described in the chart above, there are significant pros and cons to each option. Invisalign can be enticing for adults or teens who are self-conscious about the visibility. The aligner trays are also removable which allows you to eat, drink, brush and floss more naturally. Invisalign may not be the best solution for people who find the removal and replacement of the trays to be inconvenient.

It is difficult to determine the success rates for braces and Invisalign. In addition, Invisalign is relatively new so there is no long-term data available. The success of Invisalign treatment completely depends on the patient. In order for it to be successful, the aligner trays must be worn for most of the day. Because braces are permanent, there is no risk of taking them out for too long.

Finally, for patients with more severe issues such as moving the back teeth, rotating teeth or moving teeth vertically, Invisalign may not be a realistic option. Work with your dentist or orthodontist to determine which option is the most effective solution to achieve your perfect smile.