Invisalign vs. Braces: What’s the Difference?

Invisalign or braces? That is one of the frequently asked questions among those who are looking for the best option to straighten their teeth or their children’s teeth. Many people want the option that best fits their individual situation to ensure their money will help deliver the best results. So, which is better? Braces or Invisalign? Let’s learn more about the differences!

Braces vs Invisalign: What You Need to Know

So, the overall goal for both braces and Invisalign is the same. They are designed to help straighten teeth, improve one’s smile, and better your overall oral health. Invisalign just happens to be a newer, less conspicuous way of achieving this goal.

How Do Braces Work?

Metal braces normally include metal brackets that are glued to your teeth and are connected by rubber bands and metal wires. These then help guide your teeth into a better position over time.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Unlike braces, Invisalign uses trays made with BPA-free clear plastic that are designed to be worn overtop your teeth throughout the day and at night. Since these trays use plastic, they are nearly invisible when wearing them — hence the name, Invisalign! These trays gently move one’s teeth into the desired position. As your teeth move, you switch trays to continue that movement.

Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Better?

Now that you know how these two options generally work, you should make a few comparisons to see which of these best fits your situation. A few examples would be the Invisalign vs braces effectiveness, the cost, the speed of the option, or even wondering if Invisalign is faster than braces. Below we will get into more specific benefits of each.

Benefits of Braces

There are a number of benefits to braces that will depend on one’s personality. For instance, braces are unable to be removed so there are no temptations to leave them out so less self-discipline is needed. Braces can also tackle more complex oral issues, but they do take more time to achieve the desired results.

Benefits of Invisalign

With Invisalign, one major benefit is that they are removable and are clear. This makes it so patients are not embarrassed wearing these out in public and can easily remove them when they want to have a meal. There are no issues with getting food caught in the Invisalign trays since there are no wires. Also, with no wires, there is no discomfort from wires or brackets rubbing against the inside of your mouth. Lastly, Invisalign tends to reach results 2~3 times faster than traditional metal braces!

Which Should You Choose?

In the end, it will really depend on your specific situation. If you value ease, speed, and having the freedom to remove your trays, then Invisalign is for you. If hygiene is also important to you, then you may want to reconsider braces as they are harder to clean than Invisalign trays. Since every patient’s situation is different, it is always best to consult your oral health specialist when making a decision such as this.

If you live in the Fredericksburg, VA area and are wondering, “Is there Invisalign near me?”, then reach out to us Fredericksburg Smile Center to set an appointment for a consultation.

Published: February 2, 2020