Invisalign vs Braces | Is Invisalign Better Than Braces

Did you know that approximately 90% of Americans have some degree of misaligned teeth? This leads to a lack of self-confidence, especially when smiling. In fact, 60% of people express a desire to have their teeth straightened, which reveals the importance of the issue. When it comes to treating your teeth for a beautiful smile, there are several options available, with braces and Invisalign being two popular choices. But deciding whether to choose braces or Invisalign is no easy feat. In this blog, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis of Invisalign vs braces, offering you the insights you need to choose the path that leads to a confident smile!

Understanding Braces and Invisalign

Braces are orthodontic devices consisting of metal or ceramic brackets attached to the teeth. These brackets are connected by wires and bands. They work by applying continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into the desired position. 

Invisalign, on the other hand, is the latest alternative to traditional braces. It involves a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners made from a smooth plastic material. These aligners are designed to fit over the teeth and apply controlled pressure to move them into proper alignment.

Every year, 4 million Americans choose to get braces, and 11 million go for Invisalign. These statistics give rise to an important question: is Invisalign better than braces? The answer will be much clearer once you understand the difference between Invisalign and braces. So, let’s check out the Invisalign vs Braces comparison and see which one wins the race for the best orthodontic solution.

Invisalign vs Braces

Invisalign and braces are both ideal treatment options for fixing your smile. But it all comes down to your preferences and lifestyle. For that, we should find out what suits you best by analyzing various factors in the Invisalign vs braces comparison.

Aesthetics

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, allowing you to go about your daily life without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment. On the other hand, braces use metal brackets and wires, which can be noticeable when you smile. You can opt for ceramic braces, but they are still clearly visible. This is why most people, especially teenagers, go for Invisalign treatment. 

Comfort

In the Invisalign vs braces comparison, you will find that Invisalign is much better in terms of comfort. Invisalign aligners are made from soft plastic and are customized to fit perfectly without causing any discomfort. With Invisalign, you won’t have to worry about any sharp edges causing harm to your mouth, 

Braces can be extremely painful, especially during the first few months of installation in your mouth. Braces will cause irritation due to the metal wires and brackets. Cuts on your lips, cheeks, and tongues will also become a common occurrence during your treatment.

Removability

The most important factor when comparing Invisalign vs braces is the removability ease. With Invisalign, you can easily remove the fitted aligners for eating, brushing, and special occasions. This offers a level of flexibility in your daily routine that traditional braces do not provide. 

Braces, once installed, cannot be removed until the treatment is complete, which usually lasts 6 months to several years, depending on your situation. It can get really frustrating, but your mouth will adjust to the metallic wires after some time. 

Cost

When it comes to the Invisalign vs braces cost discussion, you will find that braces are much more affordable than Invisalign. This is because the Invisalign aligners are custom-made and have become more popular due to the invisibility factor. Braces, on the other hand, are not too costly, especially metallic ones. 

Insurance companies do give affordable packages for both options, but even then, the Invisalign cost vs braces varies greatly. Depending on your case situation, you can get Invisalign discount offers from clinics, but that is something you should discuss with your orthodontist before choosing what treatment you will go for. 

Food Restrictions

When choosing between Invisalign and braces, what you can eat matters a lot. Invisalign offers a great advantage and wins the Invisalign vs braces race in this aspect. The aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and drink whatever you like. 

Braces come with a set of dietary limitations. Sticky and hard foods can pose a risk to the brackets and wires, so it’s better to steer clear of them during treatment. With braces, you will have to adjust your eating habits, which is a bit hard, especially for teens. 

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintaining oral health is very necessary during orthodontic treatment, no matter what option you choose. Keeping your teeth clean with Invisalign is straightforward. You can remove the aligners for regular brushing and flossing, ensuring thorough oral hygiene. 

With braces, it requires more effort to clean around the wires and brackets. For that, you can use interdental brushes and floss, which is pretty time-consuming and does not completely clear the bacteria. So, for this factor in the Invisalign vs braces comparison, Invisalign wins.

Appointment Schedules

For appointment visits, both Invisalign and braces have different settings depending on your case complexity. If you get Invisalign, you won’t have to go to your dentist a lot. Usually, you will have to go after every 6 to 8 weeks to get a new set of aligners. But with braces, you will have to check in with your dentist after almost every 3 weeks.

Effectiveness

If you have minor teeth problems, then Invisalign is the perfect choice, but for complex cases, it’s best to choose braces as they are more effective. Research reveals that it takes 4.8 months more time for Invisalign to treat a less complicated case as compared to braces. Although even Invisalign will be effective, it will take more time than with braces. So, if you don’t mind the extra time and prefer the advantages more than the time period, opting for Invisalign is best.

Hesed Dentistry

Now that you know the benefits of Invisalign, you must be thinking of searching for a clinic that will give you the best Invisalign in NJ. Hesed Dental is the perfect place to go for a comfortable, cost-effective treatment! With hundreds of patients leaving fully satisfied, we take pride in claiming that Dr. Han Lyu, our founder, handles every case precisely. 

Our team understands how terrifying dental visits can be and thus is fully prepared to give you the most soothing experience with its modern tech equipment and personalized treatment plans. With our in-house labs that customize Invisaligns according to your size, we confidently claim to be the best Invisalign dentist in NJ. So, what’s keeping you waiting from stepping towards the path of a beautiful smile? Book a consultation and enjoy a confident life!