What Are the Differences Between Invisalign and Braces?

The use of braces aligns teeth. Some individuals cannot or choose not to wear braces due to their dental health. They can use Invisalign aligners instead of traditional metal braces. Invisalign and braces both improve the appearance of teeth.

The Principal Distinctions Between Invisalign and Braces

Invisalign and braces are both methods for straightening teeth. They operate in a very similar manner. However, there are significant differences between braces and Invisalign that can help you determine which option is best for your orthodontic needs. Several of these distinctions are described in greater detail below.

1. Price

Braces can cost anywhere between $2,500 and $8,500. The price varies based on the set of braces you get, the length of time it takes to straighten your teeth (two years), and the number of appointments you need (typically 5–6 per year).

Invisalign costs between $6,000 and $9,000 on average. This varies based on the number of trays required for the entire treatment. Patients using Invisalign must wear their aligners for a minimum of 20 hours daily. You can call your dentist or visit now to learn more about the costs

2. How It Feels

Braces are tooth brackets with attached metal wires. It may be painful as the orthodontist tightens the metal wires. However, Invisalign utilizes transparent plastic trays. Every two weeks, the trays should be replaced. Only the aligners on the sides of your tray may cause discomfort or pain.

3. Symptoms and Indicators

It is common to experience earaches and tooth pain when beginning orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is attached to the back of the teeth, while braces are attached to the front of the teeth. Patients beginning orthodontic treatment frequently experience earaches and tenderness. Braces are attached to your teeth by brackets to a wire running behind each tooth. Turning on the wire causes pain in the ear canal because it pulls directly on the tooth roots. 

Adhering to the back of your teeth prevents the Invisalign wires from exerting direct force on the tooth roots. The common side effect of orthodontic treatment is gum pain. Invisalign is different from braces. Because wires attached to metal brackets pull on the roots of the teeth, braces are painful. Beginning orthodontic treatment is frequently accompanied by toothaches. Conversely, Invisalign uses a plastic material that is more comfortable and less likely to cause toothaches.

4. Treatment Duration

The average duration of orthodontic treatment is 22 to 26 months. You must remove your braces every few weeks, which takes approximately 20 minutes. The average duration of an Invisalign treatment is nine to fifteen months, but this may vary based on your specific circumstances. Instead of being bonded to the teeth, the aligners are placed in a series of removable aligners and are replaced every few weeks. If you think this is too long for you, ask your dentist if bioclear invasive solution is right for you.

5. Appearance

Another difference between Invisalign and braces is their appearance. Traditional braces are made of metal wires that are attached to your teeth and are visible when you smile or speak, whereas Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners are completely undetectable when worn. Even when you smile or speak, no one can tell you are wearing Invisalign unless they examine your teeth very closely. If you desire a treatment that is as discreet as possible, Invisalign may be your best option.

6. Convenience of Consumption

Since Invisalign consists of a series of removable trays, eating is significantly easier than when wearing braces. Because you can remove your tray, consume something, and then replace it to continue chewing. Because the removable trays do not interfere with your food or drink, meals are more enjoyable.

7. Speech Disorder

Patients with braces may occasionally have difficulty speaking clearly. Some consonants, such as P, B, T, D, and K, are difficult to articulate because wires complicate speech. Because the aligners are removable and do not affect speech clarity, Invisalign does not experience this issue. You can visit websites like kenmoredental.com for more information.

8. Disposal

Lastly, while wearing Invisalign, you eat from trays either in front of or behind the tray you are using. Replace the tray while eating so you can savor your meal in peace. Because your dentist must remove the entire attachment from your teeth, installing braces is lengthy. This is done if your teeth have already achieved the desired appearance or if you specifically request that your braces be removed.