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Invisalign vs Braces

Invisalign vs Braces: What’s Right For You?

Invisalign vs Braces. It’s something everyone wonders when they want to straighten their teeth. While straightening your smile is a great choice, you’re probably stuck wondering whether you should get braces or Invisalign.
Luckily, your Rosenberg dentist is here to help! In this post, we’ll gather answers to some of the most common questions about these two types of orthodontic treatment. Let’s compare them, side by side, so that you can make a more informed choice and get the smile you deserve.
Remember, regardless of the treatment you decide to use, the most important part of the process is your smile transformation. When you work with Rosenberg Dental Group, an experienced doctor carefully supervises your treatment throughout the process to ensure you get a long-lasting smile.
With that said, let’s dive in! From cost and comfort to effectiveness, we want to cover it all. Read through to find the right fit for you!

Invisalign vs. Braces: Broken Down

Braces Invisalign
Length of Treatment
1-3 years, varies by case
6 mos - 2 years, varies by case
Is It Removable?
No
Yes
Cleaning Process
Regular brushing, flossing with special tool, routine dental visits
Regular brushing and flossing, cleaning aligners, regular dental visits
Maintenance
Cleaning and orthodontics visits, avoid some foods
Wear 22 hours a day, remove to eat, clean thoroughly before putting back in, soak regularly
Visits to Orthodontist
Monthly
Every 3 months, new set of aligners every 2 weeks
Cost
$1700 - 6000
$2400 - 9000
Can it be expedited?
No
Yes
Advantages
  • Effective for severe cases
  • Less expensive
  • Permanent bonding for consistent progress
  • Colorful options
  • Tested reliability
  • Discreet look
  • Easy to care for
  • No food restrictions
  • Professional look
  • Comfortable and easy
  • Can whiten teeth during treatment
Disadvantages
  • Noticeable metal
  • Food restrictions
  • Can trap bacteria in brackets
  • Can be uncomfortable
  • May cause irritation
  • Can be difficult to clean
  • Must remember to wear for 22 hours a day
  • More expensive
  • Remove before eating/drinking
  • Can stain or become discolored
  • More easily broken or damaged than braces
  • May require supplemental braces for severe cases
Ideal for who?
  • Kids
  • Teenagers
  • Budget-conscious consumers
  • Adults
  • Responsible teens
  • Working professionals

Braces: Tried and True Orthodontic Treatment

Traditional braces are the absolute original when it comes to orthodontic care. The basic design has been in use for centuries. Primitive versions of braces have even been found on Egyptian mummies!
Luckily, the braces your Rosenberg orthodontist uses today are vastly different from back then. Over time, research has made braces more comfortable, more reliable, and more effective as an orthodontic treatment. Many people have used them to gain straight teeth, a beautiful smile, and a healthy bite.

How Do Braces Work?

When you use braces, they shift your teeth safely and effectively. We bond brackets to each tooth, and these brackets are connected by a metal wire. Together, they slowly move your teeth into the proper position. Of course, your orthodontist monitors this process closely to ensure everything goes smoothly.
There are a few different types of braces: metal, lingual, and ceramic. All of the straighten teeth through slightly different methods. However, they all work to help you gain a great smile and a healthy bite.

Invisalign vs Braces: Why Do People Choose Braces?

Are braces right for you? There are many reasons for people to prefer braces over Invisalign. At times, it comes down to necessity or budget. For others, they simply trust the process more.

More Effective for Severe Cases

Because braces are sturdy and effective, they help people with even the most severe cases attain long-lasting, beautiful results. While Invisalign is less effective for some conditions, braces utilize special methods to bring problem teeth into alignment.
When teeth grow into the wrong position, Invisalign trays don’t always have the grip necessary to draw them out. With braces, the tension on the brackets is very effective for moving those teeth. Braces provide the maximal grip necessary to align even severely misaligned teeth.
This makes them a clear choice for those with serious cases, where Invisalign may still require supplemental braces to be completely effective.

Consistent Movement

The biggest benefit for traditional braces is that they are constantly working because they are bonded to your teeth. This means there is constant movement. While Invisalign is worn a minimum of 22 hours a day, it can be easy for patients to forget.
With this in mind, some people prefer braces because they don’t have to keep track of trays and aligners. Compliance and maintenance are still important, so brushing and flossing regularly along with visits to Rosenberg Dental Group are essential. However, you never have to worry about losing them.

Invisalign vs Braces: Discreet and Easy with Invisalign

When it comes to Invisalign vs Braces, many people want a more subtle treatment. If appearance is important to you, Invisalign’s clear aligners are a an ideal solution. Since they were introduced to the market 2 decades ago, these clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic care.
With its patented technology, Invisalign uses state-of-the-art methods to straighten out teeth and help people achieve healthy bites and stunning smiles. One of the biggest appeals of Invisalign is their near-invisibility. The clear aligners fit comfortably over the teeth and slowly move them into the correct positions. With no metal or wire, people find this option much easier to deal with.
The aligners are subtle and even barely noticeable at times. However, they still provide a great treatment with predictable, lasting results. In fact, Invisalign has been more effective than braces for some people because it applies force from every side.

Why Do People Choose Invisalign?

Removable and Easy to Clean

In order for them to be effective, Invisalign must be word 22 hours out of the day. Still, being able to remove them temporarily is a huge benefit for many people. This is because there are no food restrictions when you remove them during meals. From candy and gum to coffee, you can enjoy your favorite foods without consequence so long as you brush your teeth and rinse your aligners before you put them back in.
Removing the aligners also means they’re easy to clean. You can soak them in a solution or scrub them gently. While they’re out of your mouth, you can also brush and floss to your heart’s content. This helps them stay clean throughout your treatment. Just be sure you remember to put them back in!

Comfort is Key

With Invisalign, you get aligners made out of a plastic resin specifically designed to align teeth. This material is safe, effective, and comfortable. Your aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth. Each set is carefully crafted to ensure progress throughout your treatment, all while remaining comfortable.
While braces can poke, pinch, and push the inside of your mouth, Invisalign fits seamlessly against the teeth to reduce discomfort. For many patients, this comfort is the deciding factor when it comes to Invisalign vs braces. Oftentimes, they even miss the feeling of the aligners at the end of their treatment.

Invisalign vs Brace: You Can’t Go Wrong at Rosenberg Dental Group

As we explore Invisalign vs braces, it’s important to remember that they are both excellent options. No matter your choice, you’re on your way to healthy and happy smile. While both offer specific advantages, they also provide reliable and precise movement that improves your bit, smile, and confidence!
Whichever treatment you choose, keep in mind that they are only tools used by your Rosenberg dentist. With an experienced orthodontist on your side, you have someone to help guide you through the process. Schedule a consultation today, and we can discuss your diagnosis.
Let us help you find the right treatment option for you. Together, we can get you on the path to a more confident smile!