You can straighten teeth with braces. Some people’s dental health prevents them from wearing braces, or they choose not to. Instead of using conventional metal braces, they can use Invisalign aligners. Braces and Invisalign both make teeth look better.

The Main Differences Between Braces and Invisalign

Both braces and Invisalign are procedures for straightening teeth. They both function in a very similar way. However, there are essential distinctions between braces and Invisalign that can assist you in choosing the best solution for your orthodontic requirements. The following section goes into more detail about a few of these distinctions.

1. Price

The price of braces can range from $2,500 to $8,500. The cost is affected by the type of braces you choose, how long it takes to straighten your teeth (two years), and how many appointments you require (typically 5–6 per year).

If you are wondering, “how much does it cost?” On average, Invisalign costs between $6,000 and $9,000. This varies depending on how many trays are needed for the entire treatment. Patients who use Invisalign must wear their aligners for at least 20 hours daily.

2. What It Feels Like

Braces are metal wire-attached tooth brackets. As the orthodontist tightens the metal wires, it might hurt. Invisalign, however, makes use of clear plastic trays. The trays need to be changed out every two weeks. Only the aligners on your tray’s sides may hurt or cause discomfort.

3. Indicators and Symptoms

When your family dentist starts orthodontic treatment, earaches and tooth pain are frequent side effects. While braces are attached to the front of the teeth, Invisalign is attached to the back. Earaches and tenderness are common side effects of orthodontic patients. By fastening brackets to a wire that runs behind each tooth, braces are fastened to your teeth. Because the wire pulls directly on the tooth roots when turned on, it hurts the ear canal. 

The Invisalign wires prevent the tooth roots from being directly forced by sticking to the back of your teeth. Gum pain is a frequent side effect of orthodontic treatment. Braces are different from Invisalign. Braces hurt because the wires attached to the metal brackets pull on the tooth roots. When orthodontic treatment first begins, toothaches are common. On the other hand, the plastic material used by Invisalign is more comfortable and less likely to result in toothaches.

4. Treatment Length

Orthodontic treatment typically lasts 22 to 26 months. You must take off your braces every few weeks, which takes about 20 minutes. Invisalign treatments usually last nine to fifteen months, but this can change depending on your unique situation. The aligners are arranged in a series of removable aligners and changed out every few weeks rather than being cemented to the teeth.

5. Appearance

The appearance of Invisalign and braces is another distinction. Unlike Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners, traditional braces are made of metal wires attached to your teeth and are visible when you smile or speak. Unless someone looks very closely at your teeth, they cannot tell you are wearing Invisalign, even when you smile or speak. Invisalign might be your best choice if you want a treatment that is as discrete as possible.

6. Consumption Convenience

Eating is much simpler with Invisalign than braces because it uses a series of removable trays. You can take your tray out, eat something, and then put it back in to keep chewing. Meals are more enjoyable because the removable trays do not get in the way of your food or drink. Visit a bioclear dentist if you do not want braces or Invisalign instead for straightening your teeth.

7. Speech Impairment

Sometimes, patients with braces may have trouble speaking clearly. Due to wires in speech, some consonants, such as P, B, T, D, and K, are challenging to pronounce. Invisalign does not have this problem because the aligners are removable and do not impair speech clarity.

8. Disposal

Lastly, when using Invisalign, you use trays either in front of or behind the tray you currently use to eat from. To enjoy your meal in peace, replace the tray while you are still eating. Placing braces is time-consuming because your dentist must remove the entire attachment from your teeth. This is done if your teeth already have the desired appearance or if you request to take your braces off.