Invisalign vs Braces – We reveal the truth about how they compare

With the right help, advice and guidance, you can achieve that smile without spending an unnecessary amount of time or effort to do so! From traditional metal braces to Invisalign®, determining which teeth straightening solution is most suitable for you can be a seamless and easy process.

In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both metal braces and Invisalign® so you can make an informed and knowledgeable decision.

Let’s dive right in.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign^® has founded itself on ever-evolving and advanced technology with the help of leading engineers and scientists. Their clear aligners are virtually invisible and help you to achieve the smile that you’re looking for, with a focus on comfort, aesthetic and effectiveness. Having recreated approximately 7 million smiles worldwide, this technology is here to stay.

Invisalign Before & After

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

If you’re interested in an alternative to braces, Invisalign® is a very popular solution and one worth looking into.

Invisalign® are great thanks to the comfort they focus on. The invisible aligners can be easily removed and don’t require excessive amounts of time or effort to be spent on broken brackets or wires. 

If you’d like to know more about what the advantages of Invisalign® are in comparison to traditional braces, this comparison chart is a great way to do so. 

The information included within the chart may help you to determine whether Invisalign® is a suitable teeth-straightening solution for you. Plus, it clearly illustrates the difference between clear aligners and braces, exploring a variety of factors.

	Invisalign Clear Aligners	Other Clear Aligners	Traditional Braces
Lifestyle
Easily removable for eating and drinking
No emergency visits for broken brackets and wires
Appearance
Virtually invisible
Hygiene
Easily removable, so you can keep brushing and flossing as usual
Material
Made from SmartTrack® material, for more predictable, controlled tooth movements
Made from off-the-shelf plastic
Made from traditional metal brackets and wires
Comfort
Every aligner is trimmed based on each user’s gum line for better comfort and appearance
Tracking
Blue compliance indicator makes it easy to ensure teens wear aligners enough
Payment
Covered by many orthodontic insurance plans

Table source: Invisalign®

As Invisalign® explains, their clear aligners are “Made from SmartTrack® material. This is a patented multi layer copolymer that delivers more gentle constant force for predictable, controlled tooth movements.

Plus, “Every aligner is trimmed based on each user’s gum line for better comfort and appearance” to enhance the effectiveness of Invisalign®. Clear aligners are also virtually invisible, making them an aesthetically-appealing and subtle option. 

What are the disadvantages of Invisalign?

Whilst it’s clear that Invisalign® offers great advantages, there are times when Invisalign® may not be a suitable solution due to an individual’s needs and circumstances. 

Due to the fact that they are removable, compliance is key. Each aligner needs to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours each day for the treatment to proceed efficiently. If compliance would be an issue, we would suggest opting for traditional fixed braces. 

Invisalign® is offered by dentists as well as orthodontists that have undertaken specific training for Invisalign®. Following an initial consultation at The Dental Room, we can help guide you if Invisalign® is deemed the most effective teeth-straightening solution for you.

The traditional approach: braces

Coming as no surprise, the traditional approach to teeth straightening is indeed metal braces. With their metal brackets and wires, they work to align your teeth over time.

Whilst not necessarily the most aesthetically appealing, they are also an effective solution when it comes to achieving your ideal smile.

What are the advantages of braces?

Long before Invisalign came along, traditional braces have been an effective way to align an individual’s teeth and help them to achieve the end result that they are seeking. Considering metal braces popularity, it’s clear that there are many benefits when it comes to choosing this option.

When compared to Invisalign^®, braces are often used to help with non-compliance. As already mentioned, Invisalign^® aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day. In cases where compliance is an issue, braces would be the better alternative.

Finally, braces are suitable for all treatments so they’re the most inclusive option out there when it comes to aligning your teeth. This means that no matter what your individual needs and circumstances, braces can help. This isn’t always the case with Invisalign^® as there are times when this treatment option isn’t suitable.

Considering these advantages, it’s no surprise that braces have been a common choice when it comes to teeth alignment.

What are the disadvantages of braces?

Whilst the aforementioned advantages to braces are clear, it’s important to note that there are disadvantages associated with the traditional approach. Metal braces are less appealing due to their aesthetic. Traditional braces are also prone to having food particles stuck within metal brackets and wires, and it is possible for these metal pieces to break. This can cause inconvenience and discomfort. Plus, they can be harder to keep clean and certain foods can’t be consumed with braces.

Whether a certain piece of food is too strong or it’s simply due to inevitable wear and tear, traditional braces may require more regular check ups to ensure their effectiveness.

However, in recognising these disadvantages, metal braces are still a great option for many and continue to deliver equally great results.

The verdict