Invisalign vs. Braces
Choosing the right method to straighten your or your child’s teeth can feel overwhelming.
Since treatment is a significant investment and can last several months or even years, making the right choice is essential for a smooth experience.
One of the first decisions to make is whether to go with traditional metal braces or Invisalign trays.
Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to carefully evaluate each to determine the best fit for your needs.
What's the Difference Between Invisalign and Metal Braces?
Braces: Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that are bonded to your teeth using a special dental adhesive. These brackets are connected by a wire, which is held in place with rubber bands to help guide tooth movement.
Invisalign: Invisalign treatment involves a series of clear, BPA-free plastic aligner trays designed to gradually straighten your teeth. Using X-rays and digital impressions, your dentist creates a customized 3D treatment plan to guide your smile into proper alignment.
Pros and Cons of Metal Braces and Invisalign
Metal Braces
Pros
✔️ Less self-discipline is needed since they can't be removed. This is a big reason why metal braces are often preferred for treating children.
Cons
❌ While you have braces, it's important that you're careful about what you eat. Certain foods can damage your braces or get caught in them.
❌ It can be difficult to brush and floss around your braces, and unlike Invisalign trays, they cannot be removed.
❌ Your braces can present a hazard during certain activities, like if you play rough contact sports.
❌ Sometimes, the brackets, bands, or metal wires can rub against your sensitive gum tissue and cause some discomfort.
❌ Depending on your case, hardware braces can be more expensive, costing up to $5,500.
❌ Treatment times for braces tend to run longer than Invisalign. They take an average of 2 years.
❌ Patients need to visit the orthodontist every 3-6 weeks for adjustments.
Invisalign
Pros
✔️ The aligner trays are as close to invisible as possible.
✔️ The trays are removable, making it easy to brush your teeth.
✔️ There are no wires, brackets, or bands to cause discomfort.
✔️ Treatment can be shorter, typically running about 6-18 months.
✔️ After the beginning stages visits to the office are only required every 2-3 months.
✔️ Avoids or minimizes most traditional braces side effects.
✔️ At $3,476 for full Invisalign, it tends to be more affordable. However, if you don't go to The Teal Umbrella, you'll pay more like $5,500-$7,000.
Cons
❌ Invisalign is not ideal for children or patients who lack the discipline to keep trays in.
❌ If you don't wear it enough it doesn't work well but Dr. Samarrae is skilled at getting people through the treatment.
Does Invisalign Sound Like a Good Choice for You?
These pros and cons can help you determine which treatment may be right for you, but only a dental professional can provide a definitive answer. If you're considering Invisalign, schedule a consultation with Dr. Samarrae at our office.
Dr. Samarrae will evaluate your smile, discuss your treatment options, and use his expertise to determine if Invisalign is the best choice for you.
To Schedule, contact our office online, or call 613-225-9201
An All-Inclusive Deal With No Hidden Fees
- Initial consult
- All visits
- All Invisalign treatment
- X-rays
- Photos
- Scanning/impressions
- Any necessary corrections
- Free set of retainers