Invisalign vs Clear Braces

What is Invisalign?

Instead of having fixed braces, Invisalign is a system that uses clear plastic aligners. These fit tightly over your teeth and are custom-designed so each tooth comes under the right pressure to move it into the right place gradually. The system uses a series of clear plastic aligners, moving your teeth in tiny increments.

What Are Clear Braces?

Like traditional braces, clear braces have brackets and wires. However, these brackets are made from clear or tooth-colored ceramic material, which is far less noticeable. The wires can sometimes be tooth-colored and are extremely thin.

If elastics are used, these are clear, so they are less noticeable. Some clear braces, like clear Damon braces, do not need elastics as the brackets are self-ligating, so they tighten automatically.

Both clear braces and Invisalign can work extremely well. Both systems can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues and provide excellent results. However, each works very differently and has its pros and cons.

In this article, we look at the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign and clear braces. Comparing the two will enable you to understand which treatment might suit you best.

Appearance

Invisalign

• Clear aligners used in Invisalign treatment are virtually, although not completely, invisible.
• Treatment is discreet as the aligners are custom-fitted to fit tightly over your teeth.

Clear Braces

• Clear braces have clear or tooth-colored brackets.
• They are designed to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces but are still more visible than Invisalign.

Comfort

Invisalign

• The clear plastic aligners are smooth and designed so they don’t have any sharp or hard edges.
• The smooth edges of Invisalign aligners are unlikely to irritate your cheeks or lips or cause sore spots.
• Initially, your Invisalign aligners can feel uncomfortable, especially when you wear a new set until your teeth settle down and you become accustomed to the new tooth movements required.

Clear Braces

• Clear braces have the same potential discomfort as traditional metal braces. The brackets and wires can rub on your cheeks, lips, and gums.
• There is the possibility that your mouth could become sore or irritated.

Treatment Process

Invisalign

• Invisalign aligners are created using 3-D printing technology based on your digital treatment plan.
• You wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks before throwing them away and moving on to the next set.
• Your aligners are custom-created to cause specific tooth movements without requiring adjustments or tightening.
• Your dental checkups during treatment should be quick and easy. You will only need to come and see us every 6 to 8 weeks.

Clear Braces

• The clear brackets are bonded onto your teeth at the beginning of treatment. They remain in place for the duration of your treatment plan.
• The wires and elastics attached to your brackets must be adjusted regularly, increasing the tension so your teeth move correctly.
• You will need regular checkups with our orthodontist so we can adjust your braces as necessary. These checkups may take longer to complete than Invisalign.

Oral Hygiene

Invisalign

• Oral care is easy since the aligners are removable. You can take them out whenever you need to brush and floss your teeth.
• You don’t need to change your diet since you take your aligners out at mealtimes.

Clear Braces

• Like traditional braces, the brackets used for clear braces can be challenging to clean around thoroughly. You will need to use special tools when brushing and flossing your teeth.
• Some dietary restrictions are needed while wearing clear braces. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can damage the brackets and wires, become stuck around them, and are tricky to remove.

Treatment Duration

Invisalign

• The average treatment time for Invisalign is around a year.
• If you require more complex tooth movements, your treatment may take longer. More straightforward tooth movements that are cosmetically oriented will take less time to complete.

Clear Braces

• Treatment time is similar to traditional braces, around one year to eighteen months.
• If you only need minor tooth movements, you may finish treatment more quickly, sometimes in as little as six months.

Effectiveness

Invisalign

• Invisalign treats a wide range of orthodontic problems. It tends to be most effective for mild to moderate issues but can increasingly treat more complex orthodontic problems.
• Invisalign aligners are not always suitable for severe malocclusion issues.

Clear Braces

• Clear braces can treat mild, moderate, or more complicated orthodontic problems.
• They can be a more suitable option for complex problems that may be beyond the scope of Invisalign and can treat challenging cases.

Daily Maintenance and Follow-Up

Invisalign

• You must wear your Invisalign aligners before 22 hours daily and at least 20 hours each day. It’s best to only take them out for meals and regular oral care.
• Regular dental checkups are needed with our Invisalign provider. These allow us to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Clear Braces

• You will need to follow a meticulous oral care routine each day. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, you must clean around the brackets and wires after every meal.
• Regular dental checkups are needed so our orthodontist can adjust and tighten your braces.
• If a bracket becomes loose or falls off or you break a wire, you must schedule a repair quickly with our dental office to avoid delaying your treatment.

Cost

Invisalign

• The cost of Invisalign is similar to that of clear braces. The overall price will depend on the number of aligners you require.
• If you have dental insurance, part of the costs may be covered. However, this depends on treatment that provides clear oral health benefits rather than just cosmetically enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Clear Braces

• Clear braces can cost about the same as Invisalign. Again, the price is dependent on the time required for treatment.
• Like Invisalign, dental insurance will likely cover at least part of the treatment provided it isn’t merely cosmetically oriented and provides oral health benefits.

Suitability for Different Age Groups

Invisalign

• Invisalign is popular amongst adults and older teens.
• Invisalign Teen is designed for teenagers and can accommodate teeth that have yet to erupt.

Clear Braces

• Clear braces tend to be suitable for all age groups.

Lifestyle Impact

Invisalign

• Because Invisalign uses removable aligners, it is a flexible system that fits most lifestyles.
• Aligners can be removed for meals, special events, and when playing sports.

Clear Braces

• Clear braces remain on your teeth for the duration of treatment, so you must make some lifestyle modifications. These include dietary and oral hygiene modifications.
• If you play sports, you may need a special sports mouthguard to fit over the braces. You may need to get used to playing a musical instrument with fixed braces.

Both systems can provide good, predictable results relatively discreetly. Invisalign aligners can be less noticeable than clear brace brackets and wires. However, clear braces can provide better results in certain circumstances.

Invisalign has less of an impact on everyday life because you won’t need to change your oral care routine or your diet. In comparison, you will need to make dietary adjustments and be prepared to spend extra time cleaning your teeth with clear braces.

When you have a consultation with our orthodontist, we can examine your teeth. We will always recommend the solution we feel will provide the best results.