Orthodontic treatment using Invisalign or traditional braces aims to straighten teeth and improve oral health, but the two methods have several significant differences. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences and similarities:

Appearance
● Invisalign: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who prefer a discreet option.
● Braces: Brackets and wires are more visible. If braces are necessary for your teeth, Murray Orthodontics has the option of clear braces for the upper front teeth. Colored braces can add some creativity to your smile during treatment!

Comfort
● Invisalign: Patients generally find aligners more comfortable as there are no wires or brackets that can irritate the gums and cheeks. Aligners can cause mild soreness when switched out but are usually gentler. Invisalign requires attachments glued to your teeth which can also cause some mild irritation until you get used to them.
● Braces: Braces will cause soreness of your teeth, lips, and cheeks. This is most apparent in the first few days after having them placed and after routine adjustments. We will talk to you about how to best manage this as you get used to your braces.

Emergencies
● Invisalign: Patients wearing aligners generally have fewer emergencies as there are fewer things to break in your mouth. Occasionally attachments can come off, which can be repaired at your next appointment. Losing aligners can be a problem too, but we can help you deal with this.
● Braces: There are many things that can happen with braces: broken brackets, pokey wires, loose appliances, etc. Some of these may require an extra visit to the office. We will talk with you about how best to prevent mishaps with your braces.

Treatment Process
● Invisalign: The Invisalign system uses a series of custom-made, removable aligners that are changed every 1-2 weeks. Teeth move by adapting to the different shapes of the aligners over time. Aligners can be removed for eating and brushing, which makes oral hygiene easier.
● Braces: Braces are fixed in place and require regular visits for adjustments. The wires that attach to your braces are what move your teeth. We will change them at your regular appointments to keep your teeth moving the right direction. Patients must be cautious about what they eat and maintain a careful oral hygiene routine to prevent plaque buildup.

Effectiveness
● Invisalign: Aligners are effective for some cases, especially mild to moderate misalignments. However, there are several factors that can make Invisalign less effective than braces.
● Braces: Braces work well in nearly all situations. Braces work well for mild to moderately complex situations, and are definitely more appropriate for severe alignment issues, complex cases, or when significant movement is required.

Duration of Treatment
● Invisalign: Treatment time with aligners varies, but it often takes about 12-18 months, depending on the complexity of the tooth movements that are required.
● Braces: Treatment duration with braces also varies, generally lasting 18 months to 3 years. Braces can be on shorter periods of time depending on the treatment plan.

Cost
● Invisalign and Braces: Fees are similar. We customize fees based on the estimated treatment time and the complexity of the treatment plan.
Compliance
● Invisalign: Wearing aligners appropriately requires discipline, consistency, and commitment. Aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day for optimal results. Losing aligners can be a problem. Lack of aligner wear can extend treatment time or prompt a discussion of switching to braces.
● Braces: Braces require lifestyle adjustment to prevent breakage and keep the teeth and gums healthy. Braces are fixed in place, so there’s no concern about forgetting to wear them; however, patients must avoid certain foods and take other measures to prevent damage.

Follow-Up Care
● Invisalign: Invisalign requires fewer in-office visits (usually every 3-4 months), but patients need to ensure they’re following the aligner schedule at home.
● Braces: Braces require regular adjustments and check-ups every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and make necessary changes.

Oral Hygiene
● Invisalign: Aligners should be removed for eating and drinking anything aside from water. Aligners must be cleaned daily. Removing the aligners allows for standard flossing and brushing techniques. Dietary changes are minimal..
● Braces: Braces cannot be removed for eating, so they must be cleaned thoroughly after every meal. Flossing and brushing techniques should be adjusted to adequately clean around braces. Patients must expect to take extra time when brushing and flossing. Dietary changes are necessary to prevent damaging the braces.

Invisalign vs Metal Braces: Conclusion

Invisalign and braces have advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and the complexity of the orthodontic issues being addressed. At Murray Orthodontics we will talk with you about your options and help determine the best course of treatment for your situation.

Call Murray Orthodontics to schedule your free consultation today at 907-277-0502.