Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Option Is Right for You?

February 13, 2019

When considering orthodontic treatment, traditional braces and Invisalign are two of the most
prominent options that come to mind.

While traditional metal braces have long been the standard of care, Invisalign offers people
who want to straighten their teeth with a subtle, removable form of treatment with reduced
orthodontist visits.

But which option is going to be right for you? Although both options work to correct your teeth,
only your professional orthodontist can tell you which would work for your specific case. The
following guidelines can help you evaluate your options in advance!

For Faster, More Effective Treatment: Braces

Braces are considered to be the fastest, most effective form of orthodontic treatment that can
solve virtually any issue you want to correct with your smile [1].

While Invisalign can tackle a wide variety of orthodontic concerns, braces can almost always get
the job done faster. If you’re not worried about appearance and want to get your treatment
out of the way, traditional braces might be the way to go.

For Invisible, Comfortable Treatment: Invisalign

For when you don’t want people to know you’re receiving orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is a
great choice.

Invisalign can fix most bite issues as well as gapped or crowded teeth. Although many people
think Invisalign is designed for issues that are easy to fix, this isn’t necessarily true. Invisalign
can fix many problems with your smile.

Many people report that Invisalign is more comfortable than metal braces, especially since it’s
able to be removed for eating and cleaning. Whereas braces limit the ability to eat some foods
(think biting into an apple), the same isn’t true for Invisalign, making it a popular alternative.

For Complex Cases: Braces

For people who need more intensive orthodontic work, Invisalign may not be an option. Braces
are your ideal pick for complex orthodontic cases.

In addition, Invisalign isn’t able to fix every issue, nor can it rotate teeth, fix gaps that are quite
large (think 6mm or larger), and it has limited force when moving the front and back teeth.

Extractions may also limit your candidacy for Invisalign, as patients who need to have a tooth
extracted before their orthodontic treatment or during won’t be able to qualify for this form of
orthodontics [2].

For People Who Can Commit: Invisalign

Since Invisalign is removable, it certainly requires commitment. The clear aligners need to be
worn for at least 22 hours every day.

If you can’t commit to this (or are worried your child or teen won’t be able to commit), non-
removable braces may be the better choice.

However, Invisalign’s removability has its benefits: it enables you to clean your teeth much
easier than with braces. Research shows that patients who received Invisalign treatment had
healthier gums than those who had fixed oral appliances such as braces [3].

Both Invisalign and traditional braces have their pros and cons. Only a board-certified
orthodontist can tell you which form of treatment will make the most sense for correcting your
teeth. Schedule a visit with your orthodontist today to talk about braces or Invisalign!