Invisalign Vs Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have metal brackets that are fixed onto teeth for the duration of treatment. Thin metal wires power these, and often additional tension is added with brightly colored elastics. These braces are still widely used, but people are increasingly choosing Invisalign.

Treatment Times

Traditional braces can take between one and three years to straighten teeth, depending on the issues requiring correction.

Invisalign may take as little as six months to straighten teeth, especially when treatment is more cosmetically oriented. Typically, treatment is completed in a year or two at the most.

Cleaning

Metal braces require diligent cleaning as food and plaque can easily become trapped around the brackets and wires. You will need special tools and be prepared to spend longer on your oral care routine.

Invisalign aligners are easy to clean using an ordinary soft toothbrush and Invisalign’s cleaning solutions. You can brush and floss your teeth normally, using your favorite toothbrush and dental floss.

Dentist Visits

Traditional braces require regular orthodontic appointments as your dentist will need to check the brackets and wires and make adjustments, tightening them to continue moving your teeth.

Invisalign also requires regular appointments, but these visits are quick as there are no brackets and wires to adjust. It’s simply a matter of making sure your treatment progresses properly and providing more sets of aligners as needed.

Costs

Traditional braces are a more cost-effective solution than Invisalign, so they are the perfect choice for anyone on a tight budget. However, it’s worth remembering that a good dental plan may cover at least part of the cost of Invisalign treatment, so it may be more than affordable than you think.

Cosmetically oriented Invisalign treatment can be completed in just a few months. The shorter treatment time is reflected in the cost. Traditional metal braces do not generally offer an expedited treatment option.

Benefits of Invisalign

Benefits include:

• Discreet treatment with nearly invisible aligners
• Removable aligners are easy to look after
• There are no food restrictions
• Invisalign aligners are comfortable to wear

Potential Limitations of Invisalign Treatment

Some potential limitations include:

• Treatment is more expensive compared with traditional braces
• Patient compliance is important as the aligners must be worn at least 22 hours every day
• Aligners can become stained and discolored, especially if you try to eat and drink with them in
• Removable braces are easier to lose
• Invisalign may be less suitable for correcting complicated bite problems

Benefits of Traditional Braces

Benefits include:

• Treatment can be more effective for complex orthodontic cases
• Traditional braces are less expensive
• Fixed braces are permanently working to move teeth
• There are several types of traditional braces
• Some people embrace traditional braces using colorful rubber bands to express their individuality

Potential Limitations of Traditional Braces

Potential limitations include:

• Metal braces are highly visible
• Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods or any foods that could break the braces must be avoided during treatment
• The brackets, wires, and elastics can easily trap plaque bacteria and food
• Traditional braces are more difficult to keep clean
• The brackets and wires can poke painfully into gums and cheeks

Who Is Best Suited for Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment is ideal for adults and older teens committed to wearing the aligners as required. It is perfect for busy professional people who may need to see clients or customers and prefer their orthodontic treatment to be discreet.

Who Is Best Suited for Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are still good for children and teenagers, especially those requiring more complex tooth movements. They are also a good choice for anybody who is more budget-conscious and who doesn’t mind wearing more visible braces and spending more time looking after them.

Having orthodontic treatment can initially seem like a big decision, and we realize there is much to consider. When you come to see us for your initial consultation, we can discuss Invisalign treatment in more detail, helping you weigh up the pros and cons of treatment and make an informed choice.

Dr. Adam Shoukry, DDS, is a cosmetic dentist who strives to provide each of his patients with personalized care and educate them on the state of their dental health so that they can make informed decisions. Dr. Shoukry really enjoys his work and is committed to continued education, having attended several accredited courses in every aspect of dentistry.

Dr. Shoukry graduated from NYU College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and then completed his general practice residency at Nassau University Medical Center. Being a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Shoukry strives to provide comprehensive dental examinations, a full range of cosmetic treatments, and the best restorative oral health care available.

More about Dr. Shoukry