Invisalign Vs. Traditional Braces: The Ultimate Smile Showdown

Deciding to straighten your teeth is a big decision but it’s only the start. Choosing whether to opt for Invisalign or traditional braces can be even more of a dilemma. Both options can help you achieve a straight, confident smile but the routes they take to get you there are entirely different.

This article explores the Invisalign vs traditional braces debate and breaks down the pros and cons of each treatment to help you make an informed decision. By the time you’ve finished reading, you should hopefully have a clearer idea of what best suits your needs in terms of comfort, lifestyle, and long-term goals. So, let’s jump in and get started with a quick reminder of each treatment.

What are traditional braces?

This term refers to the metal bracket and wire-style appliances that have been the go-to solution for teeth straightening for decades. They apply gentle pressure to the teeth to guide them into their rightful positions and are fixed in place throughout the treatment. Typically, patients have to attend frequent dental appointments to have the wires tightened,

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand name that refers to a series of removable clear aligners that like traditional braces, also apply gentle pressure to gradually align the teeth. Aligners fit snugly over the teeth and are swapped out for a new set every one to two weeks. Aligners have gained popularity with both teens and adults because they offer a more comfortable and discreet orthodontic solution. To date, Invisalign has treated more than 18 million patients.

So, now everyone knows what we’re talking about, let’s dive into the notable difference between the two.

Invisalign Vs Traditional Braces – A Head-to-Head Comparison

This comparison compares Invisalign and traditional braces across several key factors to see how they stack up.

#1 Appearance

Traditional braces: One of the major downsides of traditional braces is they’re highly visible. According to a 2009 survey of 12-17 year olds, 54% of teens felt metal braces would make them feel self-conscious and 50% said they would smile less.

Invisalign: Invisalign’s aligners are made from medical-grade plastic, which is almost invisible, making them a great option for those concerned with people noticing they are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Winner: Invisalign

#2 Comfort

Traditional braces: Conventional metal braces are fixed to the teeth so only the dentist can remove them. They can feel extremely tight, especially after an adjustment and may irritate or chafe the inside of the lips or cheeks and even cause painful sores in the mouth.

Invisalign: Invisalign tends to feel more comfortable because the aligners are made from smooth plastic with no wires or brackets. Because they are custom-made just for you, they will have a snug fit but shouldn’t cause soreness. They can feel tight when you switch to a new set of aligners but most people get around this by switching at bedtime, popping a painkiller, and sleeping through the night.

Winner: Invisalign

#3 Effectiveness

Traditional braces: Traditional braces can deal with minor to complex issues ranging from simple gaps to severe misalignments including crowded or rotated teeth. For patients with complex issues, traditional braces may be the best option.

Invisalign: Invisalign works well for minor to moderate issues including gaps, crowding and misalignments. That said, for more severe cases with extensive tooth movement, traditional braces provide more control over alignment.

Winner: Traditional braces for complex cases;   Invisalign for mild to moderate cases

#4 Treatment time

Traditional braces: While treatment time depends on the severity of the case, the average time a patient wears conventional braces is 18-24 months. Severe cases can take longer with regular check-ups necessary every few weeks.

Invisalign: Invisalign treatment is speedy for minor cases, with some treatments completed in less than 6 months. For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign is often shorter with an average wear time of 12-18 months. More complex cases can take as long as traditional braces and involve check-ups around every 4 to 6 weeks.

Winner: Invisalign for mild cases;  Traditional braces for complex cases

#5 Convenience

Traditional braces – Because traditional braces are fixed permanently in the mouth, there’s no need to worry about taking them out and remembering to put them back in your mouth. Unfortunately, there are food restrictions with braces as hard, sticky foods can damage the wires or brackets, and brushing and flossing can be more of a challenge.

Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are removed for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth, which means there are no dietary restrictions. However, aligners must be worn for 22 hours of the day for optimal results and you need to be disciplined to put them back into your mouth every time.

Winner: Invisalign for flexibility; Traditional braces for low-maintenance wear

#6 Cost

Traditional braces – Conventional braces cost on average $3000 to $7,500 depending on the duration and complexity of your case, making them slightly cheaper than Invisalign.

Invisalign – Invisalign comes in at between $3,500 to $8,000 depending on each specific case and the length of treatment. Many dental insurances now cover Invisalign to the same extent as traditional braces so the cost may not be that different for some patients.

Winner: Traditional braces (although insurance may close the gap)

Which option is right for you?

Ultimately it’s your personal choice but to sum up, traditional braces may be best if you have complex dental issues. If you simply want to move a single crooked tooth, then Invisalign wins hands down.

Your journey to a straighter smile starts here

Whether you’re swaying towards Invisalign or traditional braces, the best way to decide what’s right for you, based on your unique needs, is to schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Chesterfield Dentistry. Call us today at 314-936-3621 or use our online booking system and take the first step to a new, confident smile.