A beautiful smile can make you feel more confident, youthful, and even happier. Smiling can help you connect with others and boost your mood. Studies show that people who smile more may even live longer! But if you're dealing with crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, or other dental concerns, you might feel less than thrilled about your smile. The good news is that treatments like traditional braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign® can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
But how do you know which option is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between traditional braces versus Invisalign, covering everything from treatment time and cost to the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you choose the best option for your perfect smile.
Why People Choose Braces over Invisalign
Traditional braces have been used for decades and are still one of the most reliable options for orthodontic treatment. They consist of metal or ceramic brackets attached to the teeth and connected by wires. The wires are adjusted periodically to move teeth into their correct position.
One of the main advantages of braces is their ability to treat severe dental issues. Braces are effective for treating misalignment, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and large gaps, which are conditions that may not be treatable with Invisalign. Braces are also a go-to solution for patients with more complex or severe orthodontic needs. Some additional benefits of choosing braces include:
- Constant pressure for better control: Once braces are applied, the brackets and wires provide consistent pressure on your teeth, gradually shifting them into place. Because of this, braces often require fewer adjustments and are considered low-maintenance.
- Fixed in place: Braces are securely attached to your teeth, so you don’t need to worry about losing or forgetting to wear them. This is particularly helpful for individuals who might find it difficult to follow the more flexible schedule required for removable aligners like Invisalign.
- No need to worry about removing while eating: Unlike Invisalign, braces don’t need to be removed when eating. While some foods should be avoided (like sticky candies or hard foods), you can enjoy your meals without the added step of taking your aligners in and out.
- More cost-effective for simple cases: Braces are typically more affordable than Invisalign for patients with straightforward orthodontic needs. They might also be the more economical choice if you only need minor adjustments.
That said, there are some challenges to consider with braces:
- More noticeable than Invisalign: Traditional metal braces can be visible, which may cause self-consciousness, especially among teens or adults. However, ceramic braces, which are clear or tooth-colored, can provide a less noticeable option.
- Food restrictions: Because braces are fixed in place, certain foods—like sticky caramel, popcorn, or hard candy—should be avoided to prevent damage to the brackets and wires.
- More difficult oral hygiene: Braces can make brushing and flossing more challenging. Food particles can get stuck in the brackets, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
- Potential discomfort: After adjustments, many patients experience soreness or irritation in their mouth, especially in the first few days following an appointment.
- Frequent visits to the orthodontist: Braces require regular appointments for adjustments, which can be time-consuming for people with busy schedules.
Why Some People Choose Invisalign Over Braces
Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional braces. It uses clear, removable aligners that gradually shift teeth into their proper positions without the need for brackets or wires. The aligners are custom-made based on digital scans of your mouth, ensuring a precise fit.
One of the main reasons patients choose Invisalign over braces is that the aligners are nearly invisible. This makes Invisalign a popular choice for self-conscious teens and adults who prefer a more discreet option. Here are some of the additional benefits:
- More flexibility: Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out when you eat, drink, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine and enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your braces.
- Comfort: Because Invisalign aligners are smooth and custom-fitted to your mouth, they tend to cause less irritation to the gums and cheeks than traditional braces, which have brackets and wires that can dig into your mouth.
- Convenience with fewer appointments: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners don’t require regular adjustments. Instead, you will switch to a new set of aligners every one or two weeks, depending on your treatment plan. This often means fewer visits to the orthodontist for check-ups.
However, Invisalign isn't without its challenges:
- Discipline is key: To achieve the best results, Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. If you forget to wear them or don’t follow the treatment plan closely, your treatment could be delayed.
- Not suitable for severe orthodontic issues: While Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate misalignments, it may not be appropriate for severe issues like major bite problems, excessively crooked teeth, or large gaps. In these cases, traditional braces might be the better option.
- Care and maintenance: Invisalign aligners must be cleaned regularly to prevent staining and odor. This can be a little more work than caring for traditional braces, especially if you’re on the go.
Treatment Time: Invisalign vs. Braces
The length of treatment for both Invisalign and braces mainly depends on the severity of the dental issues being addressed. After an initial consultation, an orthodontist will evaluate your needs and design a customized treatment plan.
For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign typically offers faster results compared to traditional braces. Treatment time usually ranges from 7 to 18 months. However, patients with significant misalignment will need a longer treatment time, which is why the timeframe for Invisalign varies more than that for braces. And if Invisalign trays are not worn consistently, treatment can take longer, even for less complex cases.
On the other hand, the average length of time for traditional braces is between 12 to 36 months. Some with a mild overbite may only need to wear braces for 12 months, while others with a severe overbite or crossbite may require a longer treatment time. Children often see faster results than adults.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Is There a Cost Difference?
The cost of braces and Invisalign varies depending on a variety of factors, including the complexity of your case, insurance coverage, and the length of your treatment. In general, traditional braces tend to be more affordable than Invisalign. However, the overall cost can still vary based on your specific needs.
Whether you’re looking for traditional braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign, docbraces offers a variety of payment options to make your orthodontic treatment affordable, with flexible and interest-free payment plans and a minimum down payment.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Whether you’re dealing with minor crowding or more complex alignment issues, docbraces is here to guide you every step of the way to make your orthodontic experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Learn more about our braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign treatments. Or, schedule a consultation at one of our docbraces locations across Canada to start your journey toward the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
