Invisalign vs. Braces: How Are They Different?

posted byMuse Dental GroupJanuary 26, 2021

Invisalign and braces are both great options to straighten your smile.

Whether you are looking to perfect your smile or fix a severe dental problem, Invisalign and braces will help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.

Although Invisalign and braces have similar functions, they differ on a number of factors, which are important to understand before choosing a treatment plan.

To help you better understand the differences between braces and Invisalign and help you choose the right treatment plan for your case, in this article, we are going to talk about:

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are custom-made retainers that are transparent, and therefore not easily noticeable.

Unlike braces that are bonded to the teeth until the treatment is over, which is often for multiple years, Invisalign can be taken on and off daily.

The process for getting Invisalign is very simple.

First, you make a consultation with your orthodontist so that they can scan your teeth to create a custom plan for you.

Next, you will get your aligners, the orthodontist will make sure they fit, and every 6-8 weeks you will have a check-up with your orthodontist to get your next set.

The most important step: make sure you wear them!

Invisalign works by providing you with a set of custom made trays that shift your teeth very slightly when you wear them.

Once your teeth adjust, you get a new tray that adjusts your teeth again. You get a new tray about every two weeks until your teeth have shifted into your ideal smile.

The Benefits of Invisalign

One of the main reasons people opt for Invisalign over traditional braces is because they are much less noticeable. Many patients do not want to wear traditional braces because of how they look, so Invisalign is the perfect alternative.

Additionally, you can eat any type of food with Invisalign because it must be removed before you eat. With traditional braces, there are several foods you cannot eat because they can get stuck in the braces, cause a bracket to pop off, or damage the braces.

Finally, Invisalign tends to be more comfortable than regular braces. Although any form of tooth alignment will cause soreness, Invisalign exerts less pressure on the teeth and is, therefore, less painful.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not cut into your gums of the tissue inside your mouth because the surface of the liners is smooth. With braces, the braces are rough against the skin, meaning the patient must form calluses before the braces are comfortable.

The Benefits of Braces

One of the benefits of getting braces is that the patient has no choice but to comply. There is no way to take braces off at home, so you will always be wearing them. This ensures that there is no user-error on the part of the patient.

On the other hand, since Invisalign is taken out before eating and can be taken off easily, patients may be less likely to comply or may forget to wear it all together.

Additionally, braces exert pressure on the actual root of the tooth, moving the tooth and its root entirely, which may be necessary for some dental cases.

Finally, traditional braces work better for more severe cases that need a significant alignment.

Which is Better for Your Dental Case? Invisalign or Braces?

Depending on the case, an orthodontist will suggest one treatment over the other.

For severe cases, traditional braces are better because they adjust the tooth from the root. Since they cannot be removed, they are constantly working to correct the teeth and are often faster than getting Invisalign.

Additionally, traditional braces can be used to fix other severe dental issues such as bite misalignment. Therefore, if a patient needs to fix both their bite and their teeth, traditional braces are a better option.

Invisalign can be just as effective if worn correctly. However, it tends to be more common for aesthetic cases that only require some small adjustments.

How much do Invisalign and braces cost?

Getting orthodontic treatment is known for being rather expensive. However, braces cost less than Invisalign.

Braces can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 , while Invisalign can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000 .

The good news is that both Invisalign and braces are covered by most dental insurance plans, so you will not have to worry about paying a lot out of pocket.

Therefore, depending on your insurance plan, the cost of either treatment may not be of concern to you, allowing you to choose the treatment option that is best for your case.

Overall, costs can vary greatly. Therefore, it is important to consult with your orthodontist and explore the options available.

Conclusion

If you are looking to straighten your smile, make an appointment with your orthodontist today!

The dentists at Muse Dental will evaluate your case and create a custom Invisalign or braces treatment plan that will restore both your teeth and your confidence.

Here at Muse Dental , we want to help you achieve your cosmetic dentistry goals and provide you with the best care possible. If you are ready for a consultation, schedule an appointment with us today!

We’d love to have you for a checkup at Muse Dental Group with Dr. G. Bardakjian. He will evaluate your case and will ensure your treatment is done with the utmost care.

Your smile is in great hands at Muse Dental Group!

Recent Posts