Straightening your teeth as a child, teen, or adult can help you enjoy better self-esteem, a brighter smile, and fewer speech problems. However, you have to start by choosing a treatment plan. Both Invisalign aligners and traditional wire-and-bracket braces remain popular options. Both Invisalign aligners and traditional wire-and-bracket braces remain popular options. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll explore so you can make the right decision.

Total Cost

The two options are surprisingly close in cost for most patients. You’ll spend anywhere from $2,000 to over $6,000 for traditional braces, while Invisalign tends to cost $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the length of treatment. Your insurance is more likely to cover part of the cost of traditional braces than Invisalign, although that can vary between companies. Keep in mind that some patients who start with Invisalign may have to switch to conventional braces if they don’t get the results they want, inflating the total cost of treatment. One upside of choosing Invisalign is paying part of the cost upfront and covering the rest of it as the new aligners are delivered. This can make it easier to afford than the high upfront costs of traditional braces.

Food Limitations

One of the most enduring facts that scares people off from choosing traditional braces is the need to limit certain foods. Crunchy, sticky, chewy, and tough foods can damage braces. Invisalign is easily removed when it’s time to eat or drink, allowing you to enjoy all your favorites with only the need to brush before you put the aligners back in. However, you can still stain the aligners and damage them if you sip coffee or other drinks without removing the aligner. It’s all a matter of personal choice. If you don’t mind avoiding candies and gum for a few months, this likely won’t become a deal breaker.

Difficulty Brushing

Since Invisalign aligners come out when needed, brushing your teeth as thoroughly as possible without having to work around any equipment is easy. The same is true for flossing. Braces don’t make it impossible to floss or brush, but they do require a change in technique. Children in particular often struggle to adapt to the new brushing and flossing habits, which leaves them at risk of cavities and gum disease while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Amount of Improvement

Traditional braces are still widely used because they simply can’t be replaced with gradual aligners for serious dental issues. Sub-lingual braces are less visible but provide jaw adjustments needed to improve underbite and overbite cases. If you only have minor problems needing light adjustment, Invisalign works well. It may also cost less since you’ll only need a few sets of aligners to complete the entire process. Of course, you don’t have to assess your oral health to make this decision. With a simple checkup, your dentist can determine which type of orthodontic equipment is the best choice for your specific case.

Total Treatment Time

Invisalign takes about half as long as braces to provide the necessary adjustments. That’s partially because it’s only used for minor to moderate adjustments. You may have to wear traditional braces for two years before removing the equipment. The length of Invisalign treatment varies greatly, but it can run anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Only some patients need a full two years of Invisalign treatment. In cases where your dentist warns you that you’ll have to use Invisalign for more than a year to get results, you may want traditional braces instead for faster results.

Commitment and Self-Discipline

One concern with choosing Invisalign and similar aligner systems is the need for self-discipline. You’ll have to remember to put them in and keep them in for most of each day. If you forget, the treatment will take longer and may cost more due to the need for new aligners. It’s also possible to damage or lose the Invisalign aligners. This is far less of a problem with traditional braces. You can’t lose or take them out when uncomfortable, ensuring you get constant treatment. It’s still possible to damage them, but this is much less likely than with Invisalign.

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