Braces vs. Invisalign for Orthodontic Treatment
Braces vs. Invisalign for Orthodontic Treatment
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign uses clear, almost invisible aligners, customized to fit your teeth and gradually control tooth movement to shift teeth into the correct alignment. The plastic aligners are worn for 20-22 hours per day and can help you achieve straighter teeth with an average treatment time of just 12-18 months.
Invisalign is an excellent alternative to braces for addressing a variety of dental issues, including mild to moderate cases of overcrowding, crooked teeth or misaligned teeth, gaps between teeth, and some cases of tooth rotation and shifting.
What Can Traditional Metal Braces Treat?
Traditional braces, which consist of metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands, are a time-tested solution for more complex orthodontic issues. Similarly to Invisalign, they apply pressure to teeth over time to give you a straighter smile.
This type of treatment can correct severe cases of overcrowding, malocclusion, complex tooth alignment, various bite issues, and can even help correct jaw alignment problems.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Key Differences
| Key Feature | Invisalign | Braces |
| Effectiveness | Best for mild misalignments or moderate cases | Best for more severe cases |
| Material | Smooth plastic material | Metal material |
| Aesthetics | Transparent aligners are a discreet treatment option | Metal wires and brackets are highly visible |
| Oral Hygiene Routine | Can be removed for cleaning and eating | Cannot be removed |
| Cleaning Methods | Can be soaked in a cleaning solution | Must be careful to brush and floss around braces to remove food particles |
| Eating | Can eat a variety of foods with no restrictions | Must avoid hard and sticky foods |
| Treatment Plan | Faster treatment times (12-18 months) with fewer orthodontic visits | May take 24 months of treatment or more and includes more frequent visits |
| Cost of Treatment | Slightly lower than braces | Slightly higher than Invisalign |
| Dental Insurance | Treatment may be partially covered | Treatment may be partially covered |
| Office Visits | Less frequent | More frequent |
| Ideal Patient | Ideal for responsible teens and adults | More ideal for children |
Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign could be an excellent choice if you have mild to moderate dental misalignment issues and you’re looking for a discreet alternative to metal braces that is convenient and comfortable. It’s especially popular among adults and teens who wish to avoid the aesthetic impact of traditional braces. Patient compliance is an important part of successful aligner treatment, so you must be responsible enough to wear them often and keep them in a safe place when eating or drinking.
However, the best way to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign is to have a professional assessment. At Mooney Dental, our experienced team will thoroughly evaluate your unique needs and discuss the best treatment options for you.
Take the First Step Towards a Beautiful Smile Today
Your dental health is important to us, and we believe that everyone deserves a confident, healthy smile. Our experienced dentists at Mooney Dental in Woburn, MA are ready to guide you through your orthodontic journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and develop a custom treatment plan for a healthy, straight smile.
