Research shows that nearly everyone has some type of malocclusion, or teeth misalignment. While many people choose to live with theirs, many others feel the need to resolve theirs due to aesthetic and functionality issues.
Rainier Ave Dental offers two options for treating malocclusions: traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between these two options to help you determine which is right for you.
Invisalign vs Braces
For many years, the primary treatment method for malocclusions was traditional metal braces. This required metal brackets being put on the affected teeth with an archwire running through them. Every few weeks, the patient must return to the office to have the archwire tightened, which is what pulls the teeth into their appropriate position.
In the late 1990s, Invisalign clear aligners were introduced to the market as an alternative for traditional metal braces. This is a system of transparent plastic aligners. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against the teeth, applying even pressure to the entire arch, which pushes teeth into their appropriate position.
Comparison of Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Below, we’ll compare these options in several areas to help you determine which one is right for you:
| Invisalign | Traditional Braces | |
| Treatment Length | Treatment takes an average of 12 to 18 months. However, very mild malocclusions often resolve within 6 months, while more complex ones may need up to 24 months. | Treatment takes an average of 12 to 24 months. Mild cases tend to take less time, while more complex cases may need up to 36 months. |
| Expedited Option | Invisalign offers an Express option, which can expedite treatment.
You may also expedite your treatment by making sure to wear your aligners as directed. |
The best way to expedite treatment with traditional metal braces is to keep teeth clean and visit the dentist every few weeks to have them adjusted. |
| Benefits | Removable
Virtually invisible No food restrictions Easy to clean teeth |
Ideal for more complex malocclusions
Dental insurance often covers a portion of treatment |
| Costs | $1,200 for very mild cases of malocclusion to $8,000 for more complex cases of malocclusion | $3,000 for mild cases of malocclusion to $7,000 for more complex cases. |
| Visits | Switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 3 weeks, visit the dentist to monitor progress every 4 to 6 weeks | Must visit the dentist every 2 to 3 weeks to have the archwire adjusted |
| Removable | Yes | No |
| Cleaning | Brush once daily while brushing/flossing teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. | Brush/floss teeth twice daily with an interdental brush and a water flosser to get around brackets and between teeth. |
| Comfort | Aligners are made of soft, smooth plastic and are made to fit snugly against teeth. | The pressure put on teeth by the tight archwire can be uncomfortable. Also, brackets rubbing against the inside of the cheeks and lips can cause sores. |
| Effectiveness/Speed of Straightening | 6 to 24 months, based on the type and severity of malocclusion | 12 to 36 months, based on the type and severity of malocclusion |
| Hygiene Requirements | Brush and floss teeth as usual, no special requirements | Interdental brush and water flosser |
| Mouth Irritation | None | Brackets rubbing on the tongue and inside of cheeks/lips may cause irritation |
| Ideal For | Mild to moderate | Mild to complex |
Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Below, we’ll compare these options in several areas to help you determine which one is right for you:
Treatment Length
Invisalign
Treatment takes an average of 12 to 18 months. However, very mild malocclusions often resolve within 6 months, while more complex ones may need up to 24 months.
Traditional Braces
Treatment takes an average of 12 to 24 months. Mild cases tend to take less time, while more complex cases may need up to 36 months.
Expedited Option
Invisalign
Invisalign offers an Express option, which can expedite treatment.
You may also expedite your treatment by making sure to wear your aligners as directed.
Traditional Braces
The best way to expedite treatment with traditional metal braces is to keep teeth clean and visit the dentist every few weeks to have them adjusted.
Benefits
Invisalign
Removable
Virtually invisible
No food restrictions
Easy to clean teeth
Traditional Braces
Ideal for more complex malocclusions
Dental insurance often covers a portion of treatment
Invisalign
$1,200 for very mild cases of malocclusion to $8,000 for more complex cases of malocclusion
Traditional Braces
$3,000 for mild cases of malocclusion to $7,000 for more complex cases.
Visits
Invisalign
Switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 3 weeks, visit the dentist to monitor progress every 4 to 6 weeks
Traditional Braces
Must visit the dentist every 2 to 3 weeks to have the archwire adjusted
Removable
Invisalign
Yes
Traditional Braces
No
Cleaning
Invisalign
Brush once daily while brushing/flossing teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Traditional Braces
Brush/floss teeth twice daily with an interdental brush and a water flosser to get around brackets and between teeth.
Comfort
Invisalign
Aligners are made of soft, smooth plastic and are made to fit snugly against teeth.
Traditional Braces
The pressure put on teeth by the tight archwire can be uncomfortable. Also, brackets rubbing against the inside of the cheeks and lips can cause sores.
Effectiveness/Speed of Straightening
Invisalign
6 to 24 months, based on the type and severity of malocclusion
Traditional Braces
12 to 36 months, based on the type and severity of malocclusion
Hygiene Requirements
Invisalign
Brush and floss teeth as usual, no special requirements
Traditional Braces
Interdental brush and water flosser
Mouth Irritation
Invisalign
None
Traditional Braces
Brackets rubbing on the tongue and inside of cheeks/lips may cause irritation
Ideal For
Invisalign
Mild to moderate
Traditional Braces
Mild to complex
Which is more effective: Invisalign or Braces?
Both traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners are effective methods for treating mild to moderate malocclusions. The best way to determine which one will be most effective for you is to schedule your consultation with the team at Rainier Ave Dental today.
We will perform a comprehensive exam, including x-rays, to determine which treatment would be most effective. However, most of our patients have been happy with their Invisalign results.
We are conveniently located on Rainier Ave South in Seattle. Our office hours are Monday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday by appointment only. We are closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We look forward to working with you to create a straighter smile that you can be proud of. Special offer avaialble.
Invisalign vs braces FAQs
At Rainier Ave Dental, we work with many patients to resolve their malocclusions with either traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners. We understand that you have questions and concerns, which we will be happy to discuss with you. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Invisalign vs. traditional braces:
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Foods and beverages can stain the clear aligners. Therefore, it is recommended that you remove them prior to eating and drinking.
Can you smoke with Invisalign?
No, you should not smoke while wearing your aligners, as it could cause them to become stained. If they are stained, they are no longer invisible.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
On average, Invisalign takes 12 to 18 months to resolve most mild to moderate malocclusions. A very mild malocclusion may be resolved within 6 months, while a more complex one may take up to 24 months.
Traditional braces, on the other hand, typically take 12 to 24 months for most mild to moderate malocclusions. A more complex malocclusion may need up to 36 months.
Can you drink coffee with Invisalign?
No, you should not drink coffee while wearing your aligners, as it could stain them. While they will still be effective, they will no longer be virtually invisible.
How to clean Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are easy to clean. When you first remove them, rinse them with cool water. Then, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, gently scrub them to remove bacteria and other build-up. Then, rinse them with cool water before placing them back in your mouth.
You should take the time to brush/floss your teeth while you have your aligners out to clean them.
Can Invisalign fix overbite?
Yes, research has proven Invisalign to be effective for resolving most mild to moderate overbites.
Can you chew gum with Invisalign?
No, you cannot chew gum while you are wearing your aligners. However, since you can remove your aligners for up to 4 hours a day, you may chew while you have them out.
Are braces faster than Invisalign?
Research shows that Invisalign can resolve most mild to moderate malocclusions within 12 to 18 months. Traditional braces typically take 12 to 24 months. Therefore, while the treatment may be comparable on the milder end of the scale, the more severe the malocclusion, the more treatment times differ.
