Invisalign vs Braces: A Comparative Guide

People with straight teeth give off a better impression than people with crooked ones. But more importantly, people have a higher opinion of themselves if they have straight teeth. 
Want to improve your appearance and self-esteem with a straighter smile?
The first step is choosing the right type of treatment: Invisalign vs braces. Both options have their pros and cons, so we've put together this guide to help you learn more about each one and choose the right fit for your needs. 

Let's get started! 

Invisalign vs Braces: What's the Difference?

Invisalign and braces are both orthodontic treatments designed to straighten your teeth, but they do it very differently. 

Patients who get braces have a metal bracket glued to each, individual tooth. A wire runs through these brackets, and once tightened, it will slowly guide the teeth into the correct positions. Your orthodontist may also have you attach small rubber bands to certain brackets to ensure the wire is putting pressure in the right places. 

To personalize the metal in your mouth, you can also change the color of the chain (which covers the wire). This gives you the ability to turn your braces into more of an accessory than a corrective device.
 
Invisalign, on the other hand, consists of two clear trays, or aligners—one for the top set of teeth and one for the bottom. Patients can slide these aligners on and off, and since they're transparent, other people won't be able to tell you have anything on your teeth at all. No metal required. 

A Closer Look at the Pros and Cons 

You might immediately think Invisalign is a better treatment. After all, if they look almost the same as your normal teeth, why would you ever choose traditional braces? 

Each treatment option has its pros and cons. Invisalign isn't the right option for everyone. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of these treatment types below.

Invisalign 

Invisalign is more popular than braces. Most people prefer to get this type of treatment if they can because it's much easier and more comfortable. Here's what we mean. 

Pros:
One of the biggest benefits is you can take the aligners out from time to time. This makes it easier to brush and floss your teeth, and if your teeth are clean, they'll be healthier over time.

Since you can take the aligners out when you eat, you don't have to avoid any foods or drinks. You can stick to your normal diet without fear of popping any metal brackets off your teeth. 

Invisalign is also a good choice for working adults who don't want to show up to important meetings with a mouth full of metal. The clear trays can give you the confidence to get through your workday without feeling embarrassed. 

Cons:
While Invisalign is an effective treatment option, it may not work as well (or as fast) as traditional braces for some people. Because of this, if you have a lot of severely crooked teeth, or severely misaligned bites, you may not be able to get Invisalign at all. People who do get Invisalign may have to wear the aligners longer than they would with braces. 

Invisalign is also more expensive than normal braces. If you're on a tight budget, you may have to stick with metal brackets and wires even if you could benefit from Invisalign. 

Braces 

Many people don't like how braces look on their teeth, but they can straighten any teeth, no matter how crooked or how many are missing. Braces can move teeth to further positions in the jaw, which isn't something you can do with Invisalign. Here are a few more benefits of this treatment. 
Pros:
In most cases, braces can help you save some money. There are also many different types of braces, such as clear braces or lingual braces (which are attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front). Depending on what type you choose, they can be much more esthetic than braces and maybe as hidden as Invisalign. 

Cons:
The biggest problem with braces is they are often more uncomfortable than Invisalign. Apart from the normal soreness you'll feel every time you get your wire tightened (you'll feel this soreness with Invisalign, too), the wires themselves might stab the backs of your cheeks as they straighten your smile. You may also get small cuts on the insides of your cheeks where they rub against the brackets. 
You'll also have to cut a lot of foods and drinks out of your diet, including: 

• Nuts 
• Popcorn
• Sticky candy 
• Hard candy 
• Gum 
• Soda 
• Hard fruits and vegetables 
• Chips 
• etc. 

These foods can damage your braces and get caught in hard-to-clean areas. Because of this, braces are also much harder to maintain. Brushing and flossing take a lot longer, and you have to be more careful. If you don't clean your teeth right while wearing braces, you could end up with tooth decay or bracket stains (white spots) on your teeth later. 

What Is the Better Choice for Your Teeth?

If you're having trouble choosing between Invisalign vs braces, you should set up an appointment with an orthodontist. They'll be able to examine your teeth and walk you through the best treatment plan for you. 

Not sure who to visit?

We can help! Don't hesitate to get in touch with our Upland Dental team today to schedule your initial consultation!