Braces vs Invisalign®: Which is the right option for you?

If you are looking to straighten your teeth and have not been able to make up your mind, we are here to help. In this blog from Cunning Dental Group, we will look at the core differences between braces and Invisalign that you need to know before making the right choice. Let’s get started.

Braces and Invisalign are the two most common teeth-straightening procedures. It also helps in improving your overall oral health. Choosing the best option comes down to a few crucial differences.

1. Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces. When it comes to appearance, Invisalign is visually undetectable, allowing you to align your teeth discreetly.
2. You can take the aligners out to eat and then put them back in when you are finished. There are no limitations on food choices as you don’t have to avoid chewy or hard foods.
3. It is easier to maintain oral hygiene and follow the dental care routine of brushing and flossing the teeth. You can take out the aligner and brush as per normal.
4. The comfort of Invisalign is incomparable to all the alternatives for teeth straightening procedures. The subtle nature of Invisalign applies less pressure to the teeth, making it less painful.
5. Invisalign requires fewer orthodontist visits than conventional braces.

1. Invisalign is not suited for complex and severe dental cases. If the tooth is crooked or bridgework is needed, mere Invisalign will not be enough to fix it. Invisalign works in less complicated cases where no extra orthodontist work is required.
2. The patient needs to have the self-discipline to wear the Invisalign for at least 22 hours a day. Less wearability may slow the progress. Since taking your aligners in and out is convenient, they can easily be lost, hence it is recommended for adults who are more responsible, rather than for kids who may not be.
3. There is an additional effort required to keep the Invisalign trays clean. It needs to be soaked regularly to remove any food stains and make sure it is squeaky clean before putting them back in. Invisalign requires frequent brushing to avoid food residue settling in the Invisalign tray.
4. Aligners need to be taken out before eating/drinking anything other than water.
5. Invisalign is more expensive, and there are no varieties to choose from. There is only one option for an aligner when choosing Invisalign, and the average cost comes to around $5,000.

1. Braces are suitable for all types of dental treatments, from simple tooth alignment to complex issues. It universally works for all cases, with a guaranteed result.
2. There are lots of options to choose from when it comes to braces, ranging from ceramic braces to lingual braces in different colours. This is more popular among kids and teenagers as they have free will to modify it according to their preferences.
3. Braces are cost-effective, with an average cost of $1,800-$5,500 to choose from.
4. They require less attention and discipline from patients as they are not removable. Due to this key factor, they are highly recommended for kids.
5. Braces don’t stain, so wearers can drink any beverage throughout the day without the hassle of removing an aligner multiple times a day.
6. Braces have faster treatment progress than aligners and are effective immediately.

1. Braces cause more pain and discomfort than Invisalign due to wires, brackets, and tooth movement. It can irritate the mouth, and adjusting to the initial few weeks may be hard.
2. The metal wiring and brackets are easily noticeable and less pleasing to the eye. While kids enjoy the variety and colours to choose from, some adults prefer the look of Invisalign.
3. There are some food restrictions with braces. Hard and chewy foods are strictly prohibited, and the wearer needs to check the brackets for any food lodged in them; otherwise, they can trap bacteria, leading to different oral problems.
4. Visits to the dentist are more frequent in the case of braces, as braces need to be adjusted every few weeks.

STILL UNCERTAIN WHICH IS THE BETTER OPTION? Book a consultation with us today to find out more. Cunning Dental Group offers a full-service dental office for all your dental needs. Call us at (855) 328-6646 or fill out our online contact form for more information or to schedule your appointment.