Invisalign vs Braces

Invisalign Vs. Braces: Pros & Cons

If you are deliberating between Invisalign aligners or braces to correct your teeth, you likely have lots of questions.

Common questions

Which is more effective?

Traditional braces are more effective at moving teeth.

Which is more affordable?

Ultimately, you want to choose the treatment that will do the job, even if it is slightly more expensive. In the long run, you don’t want to have to fix your teeth again!

So, which one is a better choice for you- Invisalign or metal braces?

Here at Whites Dental, we believe patient education should play a major role in the treatment process. With that in mind, we design treatment plans that are unique for each patient we see – one that keeps you informed and works for you and your lifestyle.

The good thing about orthodontic treatments that use braces or Invisalign is that they are both designed to straighten teeth while improving your smile and overall oral health. Let’s start by going back to basics and explain the difference between traditional metal braces and Invisalign treatment, so you can be one step closer to that smile you’ve always dreamed of having!

Invisalign vs braces: Advantages and disadvantages

Invisalign has become a well established method to straighten teeth with one of the main pros being that they are removable, clear and less chunky than traditional braces. But what exactly are the pros and cons of Invisalign vs braces?

Both Invisalign braces in London and traditional braces have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s run through what exactly are the differences between the two and identify which option is better.

Invisalign Pros Vs Cons

Invisalign is a clear teeth straightening aligner that comes in a variety of different treatment options. This popular method of teeth straightening has become one of the leading alternatives to traditional braces.

Pro’s

Let’s take a look at the pros of Invisalign.

Aesthetically pleasing – One of the biggest selling points for Invisalign is the fact that they’re clear, making them a lot less visible when someone is wearing them in comparison to traditional braces. Many celebrities have chosen Invisalign over traditional braces as is meant that they didn’t have to give up their smile.

Removable – Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is completely removable. This comes with a range of benefits within itself.

Eating – Another big selling point for Invisalign is that that because they’re removable, you can eat a lot more than you normally would with traditional braces. There are still some restrictions, so it’s best to avoid hard or tough foods.

Ease of cleaning – As you can remove the Invisalign, it makes cleaning your Invisalign and your teeth much easier. It’s important to keep both your braces and Invisalign clean when you’re using Invisalign. Read our guide on how to care for your braces.

Less chance of breaking – Invisalign rarely has any breakage problems, meaning there is less chance of damage in your mouth. It’s still recommended that you take great care of your aligners as any problems will slow down your treatment process.

Faster than traditional braces – As your aligns are customised frequently throughout your treatment, you will find that your teeth align much quicker. Regular check-ups will ensure that you’re on the right track, ensuring that you are only with your braces for as long as you need them.

Con’s

Now let’s head into the cons of Invisalign.

Maintenance – Invisalign does require a certain level of maintenance from the user perspective. Every time the braces are taken out, they must be stored safely and hygienically in a case. This case must be kept clean at all time to avoid any bacterial infections in the gums.

Soreness – Although you can remove your Invisalign and eat a lot more than you could with traditional braces, you may feel a fair amount of soreness. It’s best to avoid hard or tough foods when going through the Invisalign process.

Aren’t for everyone – Sadly, more severe cases of dental un-alignment cannot be treated with Invisalign. It’s recommended that you find out your suitability before you start investigating Invisalign further.

Braces Pros Vs Cons

Traditional braces have been around for decades. The iconic wiring of the traditional brace has become a staple in society and heavily associated with your teen years. But could Invisalign be the future for dental alignment?

Pros

Lets look at the pros of traditional braces.

Possibly more affordable – In some cases, traditional braces are a little bit cheaper than the alternative Invisalign treatment. It’s important to compare the price of both before you make your decision.

If you’re looking for the costs of Invisalign, check out our page on how much Invisalign costs.

Less check-ups required – Traditional braces require less check-up appointments than Invisalign. With this in mind, this can make the straightening process longer as you’re not getting as much frequent attention as you would if you has Invisalign.

Cons

Now let’s look at the cons of traditional braces.

Soreness after tightening – When you go for your check up, your braces will be tightened to pull your teeth in the right direction. This process can leave your teeth feeling sore over the next few days until your mouth adjusts to the tension.

Difficulty when brushing – Unlike Invisalign, you can’t take your traditional braces which makes it hard to keep your teeth clean. On top of this, keeping your brace clean is significantly more difficult as food can get caught in your wiring.

Breakage – It’s is very common for the wire in your braces to snap. This can be painful as the wiring could pierce your cheek or lip.

Food limitations – Although you’re not completely free to eat whatever you want with Invisalign, you’re much more free to eat what want compared to traditional braces. When eating with traditional braces, you must avoid anything hard, chewy or even sticky like chewing gum as this can get caught in your wiring.

Affects your smile – Traditional braces are incredibly obvious when you’re wearing them. Although there have been advancements in technology for traditional braces, the metallic wiring,  brackets, bands and power chains are still incredibly obvious when in the mouth.

Whether you are opting for braces or Invisalign’s this is a significant investment—especially if you are paying out of your own pocket. Before making any decision, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each treatment to make the best choice overall.

What Processes Are Involved With Invisalign And Traditional Braces?

Invisalign  uses a series of rigid-yet-flexible clear plastic trays that fit over the entire dental arch. They are made from 3D imaging of a patient’s teeth. Trays are usually changed every two weeks, and they gradually shift the teeth into alignment. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate misalignment and crowding. More serious misalignment might be repaired with Invisalign Full, but it may take a lot longer than traditional braces.

Braces on the other hand, use metal or clear brackets attached to the teeth and tightened through a number of wires and, often, rubber bands. This gives braces a lot of power to move teeth. Monthly visits are usually needed to adjust and tighten the braces to move misaligned teeth into alignment. Braces can fix even the most severely misaligned teeth.

Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?

Whether Invisalign is better than braces depends on your specific orthodontic needs and preferences. Both Invisalign and braces can effectively straighten teeth and improve oral health, but they differ in some ways that may make one option more appealing than the other. Here are some factors to consider when comparing Invisalign to braces:

Appearance: Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible, while braces are made of metal or ceramic brackets and wires that are more noticeable. If you are concerned about the appearance of your orthodontic treatment, Invisalign may be a better option.

Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic and do not have any wires or brackets that can cause discomfort or irritation. Braces may require adjustments and can cause soreness or discomfort for the first few days after each appointment.

Treatment time: To properly understand the treatment time of any orthodontic treatment, the full and unique circumstances of the individual need to be understood, and in an evaluation of the strengths of different orthodontic treatments we compare the needs of the individual to determine if Invisalign can be faster than braces. Invisalign treatment can take less time than traditional braces, especially for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. However, severe or complex cases may require longer treatment with Invisalign.

Lifestyle: Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can eat and drink what you want and brush and floss your teeth normally. Braces require dietary and oral hygiene restrictions, as well as regular adjustments from your orthodontist.

Cost: Invisalign cost and braces cost can vary depending on your location and specific treatment needs. In general, Invisalign may be more expensive than traditional braces.

During your initial consultation, your Invisalign dentist will determine the estimated length of treatment required to achieve your desired results with Invisalign.  There are particular advantages of using Invisalign and one of the best methods is Invisalign to close gaps in teeth and can do so remarkably quickly. Invisalign is not only suited to this type of alignment issue however, and many factors will be considered upon consultation to assess the treatment options and whether Invisalign vs Braces is the fastest treatment and most effective for your particular case.

It’s clear that both Invisalign and traditional braces have their place in the modern world of dentistry with both of them having unique pros and cons. With Invisalign only getting better every year, could we potentially see Invisalign becoming the #1 dental alignment option. Invisalign may be a better option for those who prioritise appearance, comfort, and lifestyle flexibility, while braces may be a better option for those with more complex orthodontic issues or who prefer a lower cost option. It is important to discuss your treatment options with an orthodontist to determine which option is best for you.

Why Choose Invisalign Over Braces?

Even though Invisalign sounds more appealing because of its clear and removable aligners, it is even more important to get the treatment that will work best to fix your individual problem.

The complexity of your teeth misalignment will determine the treatment your dentist/ orthodontist will recommend. Invisalign is best for mild to moderate crookedness, crowding, or gaps. Braces are better suited for more severe cases of all of these, as well as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. There are a variety of considerations, whether you want straighter teeth for purely aesthetic reasons or because you want to improve your dental health. Getting problems fixed quickly is often a primary concern of a patient. However, the condition of a patient’s teeth will ultimately determine how fast either braces or Invisalign’s is able to correct the issues. Finding the right dentist near me or orthodontist to help guide you through these decisions is also very important. The first consultation will tell you everything you need to know, as well as answer any additional questions you may have regarding treatment.