Invisalign vs Braces: Everything You Need to Know About Orthodontics

Irvine, CA – Orthodontic treatment has evolved and increased in recent years for patients of all ages. With new technology and treatment options, Invisalign has increased in popularity as well. Many wonder which is the better treatment option, and today Dr. Updike, an Irvine orthodontist, discusses the differences between Invisalign and braces.

Braces vs. Invisalign

The purpose of any orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign, is to straighten the teeth and improve oral health.

Braces use metal or ceramic brackets (depending on which type of braces the patient selects), and are connected with a wire secured by individual elastics. They are adhered to the teeth for the duration of the treatment.

Invisalign does not use any brackets or wires, and instead uses customized clear aligner trays. This is the most aesthetic treatment option, and is the least noticeable.

Which Is Best For You? Pros and Cons of Each Treatment Option

Every patient’s case is unique, and depending on the severity of the issues, there are pros and cons to both braces and Invisalign.

Treatment

Braces are usually the best treatment option for those who have crowding, or teeth that need to be rotated or shifted. Although traditional metal braces are most noticeable, there are other types of braces that are less noticeable and may be a great treatment option as well. Those with braces also have monthly visits to the orthodontist to have their wires and elastics changed.

Invisalign is an ideal treatment option if you do not have significant crowding and do not have a back tooth bite. If you are concerned about the visibility of orthodontic treatment, this is also a great option as well as it is very discrete. Please note that depending on the case, there may be a need for attachments, which are small clear bumps, placed on the teeth to create pressure to properly align the teeth. Visits to the orthodontist’s office are spaced between 4-6 weeks for updating trays.

Comfort

Although discomfort is inevitable with any treatment, braces can be more uncomfortable than Invisalign because of its use of wires and brackets. When visiting the orthodontist each month, a new and slightly thicker wire is used to continue tightening and shifting the teeth, which could cause the teeth to be sore the first few days after an adjustment. However, Invisalign does not create sores and irritation inside the mouth like braces sometimes do.

Maintenance

Braces can be more difficult to maintain, and require extra time to upkeep oral health. Because of the brackets and wires, food is more likely to be trapped in the tight spaces. Patients are also encouraged to avoid certain foods to prevent the brackets from coming off the teeth. There are many tools available to help maintain oral health such as small brushes that can be used in between each bracket to help remove food and plaque.

Invisalign on the other hand is easier to maintain. The patient removes the trays before eating, and is able to brush and floss the entire teeth without any difficulty after each meal. Because of the flexibility of removing the trays, one is still able to eat most foods as well. Rinsing with warm water or using the Invisalign cleaning system best cleans the alignment trays.

Depending on the type of braces and severity of the misalignment, the treatment cost can vary from about $2,000 to $5,000. For Invisalign, the average treatment cost is on the higher side of the range due to the lab costs of producing the trays.

Overall, it comes down to personal preference and the severity of the misalignment. Both are great treatment options for teens and adults, but we recommend scheduling an appointment for a free consultation at Updike Orthodontics to further discuss the best treatment option for you!