Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Is Better?

Do you need help deciding between Invisalign and braces? Call (718) 518-8100 to discuss.

Put yourself on the right path towards straighter teeth and a gorgeous smile by comparing Invisalign vs. braces! Once Invisalign emerged on the orthodontics scene, everyone who needed braces wanted Invisalign trays. However, each patient presents unique dental issues that may call for one orthodontic solution over the others. 

Ultimately, your orthodontist will suggest the best treatment plan. Discover the differences between Invisalign and braces below. 

Types of Dental Braces

When most patients think about dental braces, they imagine traditional, metal braces. However, in many cases, a patient can choose between several different types of braces. If you want to compare Invisalign vs. braces, you need to know all of the available options. Discover some of the various kinds of braces below.

Metal Braces

As the most common form of braces, metal braces remain tried and true. The days of large metal brackets have long since passed. Modern metal braces utilize much smaller brackets to minimize their aesthetic impact. However, many patients opt for ceramic braces because they appear less noticeable.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces exploded in popularity during the 1990s. Once they became affordable, patients chose ceramic braces because of the brackets’ transparency. However, every decision represents a trade-off, and the main downside of ceramic braces involved yellow discoloration of the brackets over time.

Lingual Braces

Many patients have never heard of lingual braces. As the name suggests, lingual braces affix to the inside of a patient’s teeth. Invisible to most observers, lingual braces require special expertise on the part of the orthodontist. Also, lingual braces have a limited application because they can not treat more severe orthodontic issues.

Damon Braces

Almost no one outside of the orthodontic world knows how Damon braces differ from traditional braces. However, plenty of patients do wear them. The difference between Damon braces and standard braces lies in how the brackets connect to the archwire. With traditional braces, the orthodontist ties the archwire to the brackets with rubber bands. Damon brackets slide along the archwire, decreasing friction and discomfort during tooth movements.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign clear aligners burst onto the orthodontic scene and never looked back. The appeal of nearly invisible, removable trays over the highly noticeable brackets and wires of traditional braces only boosted Invisalign’s popularity. Unfortunately, not all patients qualify for Invisalign, especially those with severe orthodontic issues.

How Much Do Braces and Invisalign Cost?

Within a specific geographic region of the United States, Invisalign costs several hundred dollars more than traditional braces. In New York, Invisalign typically costs between $4,000 and $9,000. However, in some mild cases, the price may drop lower than $4,000. Traditional braces range between $2,500 and $6,500. 

The Pros and Cons of Braces

Traditional braces remain the gold standard in orthodontics. They prove more versatile than Invisalign because they can fix a wider range of orthodontic issues, including severe cases. Discover some of the pros and cons of braces below.

Pros

• History of success
• More affordable than other options
• Predictable results
• Shorter treatment time than Invisalign for similar cases
• Can correct most severe cases of misalignment

Cons

• Very noticeable archwires and brackets
• More uncomfortable than Invisalign
• Frequent orthodontic visits required
• May cause sores or cuts on the lips, especially during contact sports
• Patients restricted from eating certain foods

The Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Most Invisalign users have nothing but good things to say about their clear plastic aligners. They prove more comfortable than traditional braces and appear almost invisible to the naked eye. However, Invisalign trays can only move the teeth into the correct position in mild to moderate orthodontic cases. Their limited application means standard braces will always enjoy a significant role in orthodontics.

Pros

• Removable clear aligners
• Virtually invisible
• Easier to brush and floss
• More comfortable than braces
• Receive fresh aligner trays every seven to 10 days

Cons

• Can not treat complicated orthodontic problems
• Slower than traditional braces
• More expensive than traditional braces
• Easy to lose your aligners
• Can not eat with the aligners in place

Why Local Patients Choose Throgs Neck Dental

Patients choose Throgs Neck Dental to resolve their orthodontic issues because of our deep experience and compassionate approach. Our orthodontists will suggest the best available orthodontic treatment for your specific case and work closely with you to help you achieve your desired result.

Do you find yourself contrasting Invisalign vs. braces? Call Throgs Neck Dental at (718) 518-8100 to schedule a consultation in the Bronx.