Once you decide to straighten your teeth, you are most likely thinking should I get braces or Invisalign? There are numerous considerations you may or may not be aware of such as how long does Invisalign take compared to braces, are braces better than Invisalign, does Invisalign work faster than braces and which is more expensive braces or Invisalign. You may also be wondering what is the best treatment to align teeth, Invisalign vs braces cost and about Invisalign vs braces reviews. At Voss Dental in Houston Texas, we are here to ensure you receive the answers you need.
Table of Contents
Braces vs. Invisalign: The Breakdown
Treatment Length
- Braces: One to three years, varies for each individual
- Invisalign: Six months to two years, varies for each individual
Removable
- Braces: No
- Invisalign: Yes
Cleaning
- Braces: Regular flossing and brushing including special floss spreader, routine dental appointments
- Invisalign: Regular flossing and brushing, soaking aligners, routine dental appointments
Maintenance
- Braces: Regular orthodontic visits and cleaning, avoiding specific foods
- Invisalign: Worn 22 hours per day, thorough cleaning before replacing in mouth, soaking aligners regularly
Orthodondic Visits
- Braces: Every 30 days-every 60 days
- Invisalign: Every 90 days, new aligners every 14 days
Cost
- Braces: $1,700 to $6,000
- Invisalign: $2,400 to $9,000
See our guide to Invisalign Cost and Braces Cost in Houston.
Faster Option
- Braces: No
- Invisalign: Yes
Braces Treatment Benefits
- Lower cost
- Numerous braces types
- Permanent bonding for consistent progress
- Effective for complex and severe cases
- Proven reliable over time
- Rubber bands are colorful
Invisalign Treatment Benefits
- Almost invisible appearance, discreet
- Easy to wear, comfortable
- No food restrictions
- Teeth are whitened during treatment
- Aligners are removable, easy care
- Professional appearance for adults
Braces Treatment Cons
- Food restrictions
- Can result in mouth irritation or be uncomfortable
- Metal appliance is noticeable
- Can be hard to clean
- Bacteria can become trapped
Invisalign Treatment Cons
- Must be removed prior to drinking or eating anything but water
- More easily lost, damaged or broken
- Aligners must be worn 24 hours per day
- Aligners can become discolored or stain
- Higher cost
- Supplemental braces may be necessary for complex cases
Ideal Candidates
- Braces: Budget consumers, teenagers, children
- Invisalign: Working professionals, responsible teenagers, adults
Are Braces Better Than Invisalign?
You may be interested in knowing braces are the first type of orthodontic treatment and have existed for centuries. When you consider traditional braces vs Invisalign, you should know braces have advanced and are now comfortable, effective and reliable. Braces effectively and safely shift your teeth using brackets connected by metal wires and bonded to every tooth. The brackets move all of your teeth into the right position. Your orthodontist will recommend the best type of braces for your needs such as metal, lingual and ceramic. You may choose braces for many reasons including:
Effective for Severe Dental Issues
Due to the effective and sturdy construction of braces, they offer you long-lasting and beautiful results even if your dental misalignment is severe. In some cases, the answer to the question Invisalign or braces is braces since they are more effective for specific conditions you may have. This includes severe crowding and impacted teeth. If your teeth have grown in the wrong place, Invisalign may be unable to draw them out.
Braces provide you with enough tension to effectively move your teeth. Braces have a maximum grip capable of re-aligning your severely misaligned teeth. In this instance, if you choose Invisalign vs. braces, you may need supplemental braces intervention to ensure effectiveness.
Braces are Bonded
Since your braces are bonded permanently to your teeth, your teeth are always being moved. You can remove Invisalign but must wear them a minimum of 22 hours per day to ensure they are effective. You need to remember to sleep with them and replace them after you eat. You may find braces the best teeth aligners because there are no aligners to keep track of.
Less Expensive
If you are considering Invisalign or braces for a younger child, your insurance may cover the cost of braces. The lower cost of braces is a benefit. Depending on the severity of your condition, the cost of braces is $1,700 to $3,500. Invisalign will cost you $2,400 to $9,000. Your insurance may cover Invisalign and braces or only braces. You can decrease the cost of both treatments with family discounts, seasonal promotions and monthly payment plans. If you are concerned about cost, braces may be the better option.
See also: How top Pay for Invisalign
Brightly Colored Rubber Bands
Your modern braces make a fashion statement and have become trendy due to celebrities. You can customize your braces with brightly colored rubber bands in almost every color. You and your kids will have fun matching the colors to outfits, sports teams and seasonal colors.
Research and Development
When you think about invisible aligners vs braces, consider the research and development behind braces. A lot of experience and resources ensure your braces have been perfected. Voss Dental in Houston Texas offers experienced and licensed orthodontists for straightening your teeth. Your braces are constructed using new technology and medical-grade materials for effective, safe and long-lasting results.
Metal Braces
Metal braces provide you with metal brackets and wires for a reliable, effective, comfortable and convenient treatment. This is your most cost-effective option and if you qualify, your insurance may cover the complete cost.
Ceramic Braces
The technology for ceramic braces is similar to your metal braces. The difference is your brackets are made of tooth-colored or clear resin as opposed to metal so they blend seamlessly. As one of the best teeth aligners, ceramic braces are effective and less noticeable. This may not be an ideal choice for your younger children since the brackets stain easier from dark-colored drinks and foods.
Incognito or Lingual Braces
This type of braces offers you a similar technology to ceramic and metal. The difference is your braces sit inside of your teeth as opposed to being bonded on the outside. Not only will your teeth move into the correct positions, but your braces are less visible. Due to the placement, lingual braces are not recommended for specific conditions and severe cases. Since your braces require more expertise and are less common, they are more expensive than metal braces.
Cons of Braces
Despite the effectiveness, braces may not be the right choice for your needs. Since your braces are permanent, bacteria can become trapped resulting in plaque build-up potentially causing gum or dental decay and discoloration. Wearing braces means you must maintain good oral hygiene including flossing and brushing daily and having regular check-ups and cleanings. You need to avoid specific foods including anything sticky or hard that can become stuck under your wires or break your braces including:
- Chewable sweets
- Hard candy
- Hard nuts
- Stiky gum
You must clean your braces correctly or the effectiveness of your treatment can be compromised. Your tooth enamel can also be damaged resulting in white spots causing lesions and decay. When you compare Invisalign or braces, there is another disadvantage to braces, discomfort. Your mouth can become irritated or be poked by your bracket wires. Your Invisalign results do not require as many visits to the office as braces because you will require additional adjustments.
Although the best treatment to align teeth depends on your specific needs, metal braces are more noticeable. Ceramic braces are more discreet but your braces will not be invisible. You may prefer clear aligners not requiring you to have any permanent fixtures.
Is Invisalign More Effective Than Braces?
If you are interested in a subtle treatment with an almost invisible appearance, then the answer to is Invisalign better than braces is yes. When you compare Invisalign vs. braces, keep in mind Invisalign was introduced 20 years ago and revolutionized orthodontics. The patented technology offers you a beautiful smile, healthy bite and straight teeth. Your aligners are almost invisible, fit comfortably and move your teeth gradually into the proper positions without wires or metal. You may prefer Invisalign over braces due to the following benefits.
Easy Clean Aligners
When you compare invisible aligners vs braces, remember you need to wear Invisalign 22 hours every day for them to be effective but you can remove them. You can eat anything you desire since you can take out your aligners. You simply rinse your aligners, brush your teeth and put them back in when you are done eating. Cleaning your aligners is easy, just gently clean them with a toothbrush or soak them in a cleaning solution.
Once removed, you can brush your teeth thoroughly and use mouthwash. Your risk of dental decay and gum infection is reduced resulting in better overall and oral health. If you are wondering is Invisalign as good as braces, the answer is yes.
Invisalign or Braces for Comfort?
If your concern is does Invisalign work and are the aligners comfortable, the answer is once again yes. Your aligners are constructed of patented SmartTrack material designed specifically to align your teeth. You can use them effectively, safely and comfortably. Your orthodontist custom designs your aligners for a snug fit. Braces can push, pinch or poke your gums and lips. Your Invisalign aligners will not cause discomfort or catch.
Discreet and Professional
When you decide whether you prefer traditional braces vs Invisalign, consider Invisalign enables you to maintain a professional appearance at work. Regardless of your chosen career, Invisalign offers you a nearly invisible, subtle and clear appearance without interfering with your smile. When asking yourself is Invisalign worth it, remember it is a great option for anyone not interested in the appearance of braces including your teenagers. There is a special design available specifically for growing mouths offering a similar design and the same effective results.
Powerful Tool with Proven Invisalign Results
Millions have been spent on development and years on research to provide you with Invisalign technology. The exclusive and patented technology is clinically proven to move your teeth faster and more predictably than with other aligner brands. Yes, your Invisalign vs braces cost is higher, but the comprehensive pressure of your aligners can be more effective than wearing braces. This means the answer to your question is Invisalign more effective than braces is often yes. If you have an open bite, Invisalign is the better option.
Does Invisalign Actually Work?
Not only does Invisalign work, but you will require fewer office visits. You receive a series of customized aligners and wear each set for two weeks. You generally receive a few sets in advance so you can maintain your treatment. You only need to schedule appointments every three months. Your orthodontist will then check your progress and give you the next series of aligners. With braces, you need to come in every month or two for adjustments for your treatment to progress.
Bleaching Your Teeth
One of the benefits of Invisalign is your aligners can work as whitening trays. A special whitening gel can be applied inside your aligners. You then wear them at night for a simple whitening treatment.
Cons of Invisalign
Invisalign may not be appropriate for your specific needs. If you have a complex condition, the answer to does Invisalign work better than braces may be no. In certain instances, you may need a combination of Invisalign and braces to correct your teeth. If you have impacted teeth or high canines in need of alignment, Invisalign alone may not be enough. You may need supplemental braces treatment as well. When you see your orthodontist you will receive a thorough examination and exact diagnosis. You will be advised whether or not Invisalign is a good option for your needs.
Dedicated and Careful Compliance
You need to wear your Invisalign aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day and only take them out when consuming anything besides water or cleaning your aligners or teeth. Since you remove your aligners, there is a possibility of damage or loss. When you are not wearing them you need to store them correctly in their case. Your Invisalign aligners are generally more expensive than braces. If you have insurance and visit a licensed orthodontist, a significant portion of your cost may be covered.
Cost of Invisalign vs. Braces
Your cost is partially dependent on the quality of care and the treatment you receive. There are also other factors affecting your final treatment cost including:
- Orthodontist you select for treatment
- Insurance coverage
- Severity of your dental condition
- Financing and monthly payment plans
- Experience of your orthodontist
- Promotions including seasonal and family discounts
You will be able to determine your actual costs once you have been examined by your orthodontist.
Cost of Braces
If you choose traditional braces, your cost is usually between $1,700 and $6,000. Your cost for specialized braces is closer to $13,000. Your price will vary according to the severity of your treatment, specific factors and your insurance coverage. If you have insurance through your state and choose traditional braces, the full cost of your treatment may be covered.
See also Braces Cost in Houston.
Cost of Invisalign
The cost of your Invisalign treatment is $2,400 to $9,000. Your actual cost is dependent on factors including your orthodontist and the severity of your treatment. Your orthodontist may offer an expedited treatment if your condition is milder resulting in a lower cost of $2,400 to $3,200. If your case is moderate to severe, your cost is higher because you receive unlimited aligners to ensure long-lasting and effective results. Your orthodontist will let you know if you need Invisalign or braces for your treatment.
Your orthodontist’s experience is extremely important. Skill is necessary to use Invisalign tools to correct your teeth and achieve a terrific smile. You can find a more effective treatment and lower cost through a dedicated orthodontist as opposed to a general dentist. Your orthodontist has more experience with the instruments and methods required to correctly align your teeth. Your cost is also lower because they have a larger volume of patients.
Ask your orthodontist if they offer a free initial consultation. You will receive a treatment quote including your cost for both Invisalign and braces. You can then ask the staff about any payment options. Always inquire about seasonal promotions, special offers, savings, payment plans and if 0 percent financing is available. You can save money while achieving a happy, healthy and long-lasting smile in addition to a proper bite.
See also Invisalign Cost in Houston, TX.
Is Invisalign or Braces Faster?
When considering Invisalign vs. braces, the length of your treatment is important. In most cases, Invisalign is quicker for the majority of orthodontic diagnoses. Your Invisalign aligners provide overall force for your teeth as opposed to moving each tooth individually with braces. All-around force often results in faster movement and quicker treatment. Your Invisalign treatment can be completed in just 12 to 18 months, If your case is milder, you may only need treatment for six months.
Everyone is unique, but your orthodontist will determine how long you require treatment with Invisalign and braces. No matter which treatment you choose, remaining compliant is important. You need to floss and brush daily and consume proper drinks and foods. If you select Invisalign, you must wear your aligners for 22 hours per day for an effective treatment.
Non-Invisalign Clear Aligners
The first company introducing clear aligners was Invisalign and they still lead the industry in clinically proven results and technical innovation. You may have seen numerous brands recently appearing on the market offering non-Invisalign clear aligners. If you purchase DIY aligners for at-home use, keep in mind the technology uses generic plastics. You will see this treatment specified as teledentistry. This means you never see an orthodontist. Despite the lower price, ordering your aligners through the mail means you miss out on critical aspects of your treatment including:
- Personalized service and an experienced orthodontist
- Unlimited aligners providing an effective treatment
- Retainers
- X-rays required for correct diagnosis
- Consulting with your orthodontist in-office
- Attachments necessary for aligner grip
- Follow-up visits
When you include your out-of-pocket costs by purchasing retainers through the mail and the charge for x-rays at your orthodontist, you may be paying thousands of dollars more. Your results will be less predictable when you use mail-order aligners as opposed to Invisalign. The orthodontic therapy of your Invisalign aligners is patented due to a partnership with licensed orthodontists in-office. Your Invisalign aligners are created using clinically proven, precision-engineered and medical-grade materials to ensure your teeth move more predictably and faster.
You should be aware thousands of complaints have been filed by unhappy consumers against DIY aligner brands. The last thing you want is an ineffective treatment resulting in permanent damage to your mouth, gums and teeth. There are numerous concerns regarding the risk of tele-dentistry and mail-order aligners you see advertised. If you check with the American Association of Orthodontists you will discover a consumer advisory warning regarding using these unreliable and often unsafe devices.
The comparisons you read in this article between clear aligners and braces are based on Invalilign as opposed to mail-order brands. Your orthodontist most likely cautions against using a mail-order treatment at home because you do not the licensed supervision and are at risk of permanent damage. Invisalign is reliable and effective due to the supervision of your licensed orthodontist.
Choosing Braces or Invisalign
No matter which choice you make, the result is a happy and healthy smile. Both options have advantages you will enjoy including moving your teeth reliably and precisely and improving your confidence, smile and bite. Regardless of your choice, both options require an experienced orthodontist for safe and effective results. Your orthodontist will work hard to provide you with a beautiful smile and optimal results. You will talk to your orthodontist during your consultation to determine which option is best for your specific needs.
In case you are still wondering is Invisalign worth it, the answer is yes. Call Voss Dental in Houston Texas today to schedule your personal consultation.