Invisalign Vs. Braces

Choosing between Invisalign vs braces is a big decision. There are many differences and similarities between the two treatments that patients should know about in order to make the best decision. That’s why Creekview & McKinney Orthodontics, with locations in Allen and McKinney in Collin County, felt the need to create a guide comparing Invisalign and braces.

Invisalign vs Braces Hardware

Invisalign is a popular series of clear aligner trays that are made of medical-grade plastic with rounded edges for maximum comfort. Patients fit the aligners over their teeth, which put pressure on the teeth to make them shift gradually into alignment.

Braces also shift teeth into alignment over a period of time. However, brackets are bonded to each tooth with an adhesive. The wire clips into each bracket and the orthodontist will tighten the wire every so often to maintain pressure on the teeth. Elastic bands add additional pressure. Braces are made out of metal, typically titanium alloys.

Invisalign vs Braces: Eating

One of the biggest differences between Invisalign and braces is how and what you will be able to eat during treatment. Because clear aligners are removable, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign. You can basically eat whatever you want as long as you clean your teeth and your aligners before reapplying them. That’s a great reason to consider Invisalign in Allen, Texas.

As for braces, they are not removable. And because food can get stuck in or damage your hardware, there are dietary restrictions patients must follow. For example, you should avoid chewy, sticky, and hard foods. Foods like popcorn and taffy get stuck in the braces and between teeth, putting patients at higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay that will cause setbacks in treatment.

Invisalign vs Braces: Length of Treatment

Treatment time for both Invisalign and braces generally lasts around the same amount of time, but Invisalign can be quicker depending on the severity of your misalignment. You wear Invisalign for 22 hours every day and switch to a new set every two weeks to start a new stage of shifting. Treatment usually lasts between 12-15 months.

Braces are not removable so you have the same hardware throughout treatment, which lasts between 15-18 months. Again, the length of treatment could be shorter or longer depending on the severity of the misalignment.

Invisalign vs Braces: Compliance

Invisalign is not for everyone. The best Invisalign patients have a commitment to their treatment and will consistently wear the aligners for 22 hours a day. Failure to do so will result in a longer treatment time. One solution to increase consistency among teens is in the blue dot feature on Invisalign Teen. The dot fades away the more your teen wears the aligners, allowing parents to check on progress and remind their teen to wear them more.

Braces, on the other hand, are not removable and therefore work 24 hours a day every day until completion of treatment. You never have to worry about forgetting to wear your braces. The good news for Invisalign patients is that making the switch to braces is easy if you are finding it difficult to keep up with your treatment.

Invisalign vs Braces: Cleaning

A good thing about Invisalign is that you can simply remove the aligners to brush your teeth. That also makes the aligners easy to clean as well. There’s a variety of methods to clean Invisalign, including professional products and common household methods.

Braces, however, can be a pain to clean. That’s a big reason why there are dietary restrictions to follow. Brushing and flossing with braces can prove frustrating. But there are products such as interdental toothbrushes, floss threaders, and oral irrigators that make cleaning your teeth and your braces much easier.

Invisalign vs Braces: Sports

You should remove Invisalign and store the aligners in their protective case prior to engaging in sports activities. Furthermore, Invisalign is not a substitute mouthguard. Please wear an actual mouthguard while playing sports. Sudden impacts could not only damage your teeth but damage your aligners as well.

Care must also be taken with braces. The hardware is vulnerable to impact, which can damage your teeth and mouth tissues. It’s also costly. Wearing a mouthguard is essential. If you do sustain a sudden impact that damages your braces, call our office right away.

Invisalign vs Braces: Follow-up Appointments

Another pro of Invisalign treatment is the need for fewer follow-up appointments. Because you are responsible for changing out your own aligners every two weeks for the new set, you only need to schedule a follow-up appointment every three months so the orthodontist can check your progress or make changes to your treatment plan.

If you get braces, it’s even more important to schedule follow-up appointments. In fact, you should schedule an appointment to see your orthodontist every month. Dr. Ghosh or Dr. Lofgren will check on your teeth and your hardware. They will also tighten the wire of your braces to maintain pressure on your teeth so they continue to shift into place.

Invisalign vs Braces: Grinding and Clenching

If you grind your teeth at night, it’s important that you wear a nightguard if you have braces so you don’t damage your teeth or your hardware. It will also prevent your hardware from damaging your mouth tissues. A nightguard is basically the equivalent of a mouthguard specifically for sleeping. Ask your McKinney and Allen, TX orthodontist for a recommendation so you can get the right nightguard.

Invisalign, which you have to wear at night anyway, actually can serve as a nightguard in this case. It’s a thinner nightguard but is effective. It also provides protection against the damages of daytime teeth clenching.

If you have bruxism, consult with your orthodontist to find out if the clear aligners will provide the protection you need. Unless you have severe bruxism, the aligners will likely provide ample protection.

Invisalign vs Braces: Cost

The cost of Invisalign and braces are similar. The average price of Invisalign treatment runs between $3,500 to $8,000 while braces run between $3,000 to $10,000. Dental insurance usually covers at least part of the cost. Of course, the cost depends on your location, type of treatment, and complexity of your misalignment, which include crookedness, overcrowing, spaces between teeth, overbite, open bite, and underbite, just to name a few.

For complex cases, the experience and skill of your orthodontist matter. Diamond Invisalign providers in McKinney, Texas, have treated hundreds of patients with Invisalign and have the expertise needed for your case.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

As Diamond Invisalign providers, Dr. Jay Ghosh and Dr. Trent Lofgren of Creekview and McKinney Orthodontics can treat complex and severe cases and have amassed hundreds of five-star reviews. Schedule a consultation by calling our Allen, TX, office at (214) 547-0001 or our McKinney, TX, office at (972) 548-8200.

Tags: Braces, Invisalign, McKinney Orthodontist, Orthodontist in Allen Texas