Doesn’t everyone want perfectly straight teeth? After all, our smiles are one of the first things people notice about us. For people hoping to improve their teeth, there are two main options available: Invisalign or braces.
Though many people will be familiar with braces, Invisalign is a less well-known alternative. Deciding which option to pick means balancing factors like cost, treatment speed, appearance, and comfort. And there are also a couple of different braces to choose from, including traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces.
Both Invisalign and braces effectively align and straighten your teeth. Where the two methods differ is in the treatment process, not the outcome. Understanding how each orthodontic treatment works will help you make an informed choice.
In this article, you’ll learn what Invisalign is, how it compares to braces, and which one you should pick to ensure the most effective results and longest-lasting smile.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the best-known clear aligner product on the market. Developed by Align Technology in 1998, it has since become the most popular brand available. Other brands are also now available, including Spark, ClearCorrect, and uLab.
This thin clear aligner is made from a flexible thermoplastic material known as SmartTrack. The material isn’t completely invisible. Still, the product will make your orthodontic work “less conspicuous” compared to braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
No wires. No brackets. Just a small, thin aligner to slot in.
What are the types of braces?
Traditionally, to straighten teeth, braces containing metal or ceramic brackets are attached and bonded to the teeth. Over time, the gentle pressure realigns the teeth, as the wires are tightened each month. The finished result is hopefully a perfectly straight line.
Unlike Invisalign, braces are an ancient technique – primitive braces have even been found on Egyptian mummies! Nevertheless, recent advances in materials have led to more comfortable, innovative types of braces.
These include:
Metal braces, also called traditional braces, are the commonest and cheapest method to correct orthodontic problems. There are two parts: a bracket on each tooth and a wire threaded through each bracket. The braces are made from stainless steel and are fitted for around 18 months or longer. Newer designs use body heat to realign the teeth more quickly with less pain.
Ceramic braces, like Invisalign, are designed to be less visible than their metal counterparts. These so-called clear braces use white brackets (color-matched to your teeth) to be less noticeable. In some cases, even the wire is color-matched, fully blending into your smile. The downside is that ceramics are more likely to chip or stain than metal alternatives.
Lingual braces are even less visible, being situated behind the teeth. Metal brackets are fitted on the backside of the teeth, meaning your smile is unaffected. But, due to their awkward positioning, cleaning is often difficult, and their presence can impact speech.
Self-ligating braces are optimized for patient comfort. Either metal or ceramic brackets are used. Instead, the rubber band is replaced by clips to hold onto the wire. This option is more often used for milder cases – to be decided by your orthodontist.
How does Invisalign compare to braces?
All orthodontic treatments work by applying steady pressure to the teeth. They can be used to straighten crowded teeth, close teeth gaps, or correct a crooked bite. Orthodontic care can even improve speech and prevent problems like teeth grinding. And, of course, your new smile will give you a confidence boost.
That’s where the similarities end, however.
Here’s a short overview of the pros and cons:
- The fundamental difference between Invisalign and braces is appearance and visibility. Ceramic braces and even lingual braces can reduce the appearance of orthodontic treatment. But they’re not suitable for all conditions. And in the case of ceramic braces, staining from tea or coffee can lead to the braces being just as visible as metal alternatives.
- Invisalign is completely transparent. Instead of being fitted on the teeth, the Invisalign aligner fits snugly over the teeth. Meaning the aligner is both removable and less invasive during fitting.
- Invisalign, like braces, should be worn almost continuously. However, holding a large clear plastic in the mouth for 20 to 22 hours a day is inconvenient and uncomfortable for many people. You also can’t eat or drink while wearing the aligner. So, you’ve got to take it out at mealtimes or whenever you have a snack or drink.
- Removing the aligner eases brushing and flossing your teeth. In fact, a 2017 study found improved periodontal health reduced oral bacterial numbers – potentially reducing the risk of infection.
- Because Invisalign is less invasive, it’s also unsuitable for extreme non-extraction alignments, like severe malocclusions. These cases must be treated with braces or even surgery. Nevertheless, simple to moderate non-extraction alignment totals around 90% of all cases. Therefore, it’s still worth asking your orthodontist if Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign or Braces: What are the costs?
According to Invisalign, the costs of Invisalign treatment are similar to the cost of traditional braces. That’s true. However, Invisalign tends to be at the higher end of the market, with some overlap.
The fitting and monitoring of braces costs between $1,700 and $3,500. The cost is determined by the severity of the condition and your location. In comparison, according to the Consumer Guide for Dentistry in the US, Invisalign production and monitoring ranges between $3,000 to $5,000. Although, other estimates state that the costs of Invisalign can reach $9,000.
After all, Invisalign aligners are custom-made. As the company says, “Everyone’s smile is different, which is why each of your aligners is individually fitted and trimmed. The result is a more comfortable and better fitting aligner.”
It all depends on the price you put on comfort and appearance. After all, you wear braces and aligners for long periods of time.
Invisalign or Braces: Which works faster?
Of course, most people just want their treatment to proceed as quickly as possible. Whether you’re wearing a brace or an aligner, it’s all uncomfortable and inconvenient. So, which works faster?
In a review of the research, clear aligners, like Invisalign, significantly reduce treatment duration compared to braces. Both were effective in treating malocclusion. But “clear aligners had an advantage in the segmented movement of teeth and shortened treatment duration.”
Invisalign treatment times range from 6 to 18 months, depending on your problem’s severity. However, patients will notice continual improvement over the course of the treatment, even in as little as two weeks. In contrast, the average amount of time for braces is between 1 and 3 years. Although, there are circumstances when it can take less time.
However, you’ll need to stay compliant to get the most accurate results. The less time you wear Invisalign, the slower the results will be.
Which one should you go for?
Aside from the 10% of cases involving complex tooth movement, Invisalign is almost always the better option. Indeed, in the research, Invisalign was as effective as braces in treating malocclusion. But, for controlling teeth torque and producing adequate occlusal contacts, braces have the advantage. It’s this precision that makes them better suited to more complex cases.
As one report stated:
“Although it is possible to treat complex malocclusions with plastic systems, the results are less accurate than those achieved with fixed appliances [like braces].”
Further research into Invisalign is complicated, as older models were less effective. In a 2015 review of 11 studies, for example, the effectiveness of Invisalign aligners had limited evidence. Meanwhile, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Orthodontics also noted the lack of efficacy.
As noted, however, newer models produced after 2010 seem to be more effective than other clear aligners.
But perhaps the most reliable recommendation is from the patients themselves. In a survey, RealSelf members give Invisalign a ‘Worth It Rating’ of 91%, higher than other clear braces.
The verdict
Invisalign vs braces – which one is better?
That depends. Selecting your treatment option will depend on cost and severity. Invisalign tends to be the more expensive option. However, that comes with improved visibility, comfort, and appearance. Even if the aligner must be worn throughout most of the day, even at night. However, aligners are not suitable for the most complex cases where fixed braces may be the only option.
Still, it is worth speaking to your dentist or orthodontist about your options. They’ll be able to assess if Invisalign or braces are right for your case.
