Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Better for You?
If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, one of the first questions you may have is whether Invisalign or traditional braces would be better for you.
Both can straighten teeth and correct a range of orthodontic problems, but they work in different ways. Invisalign uses a series of removable clear aligners, while traditional braces use brackets and wires fixed to your teeth throughout treatment.
For many people, the decision comes down to more than appearance. Cost, comfort, convenience, the amount of correction required and how well each option fits into everyday life can all play a part.
So, is Invisalign better than braces? How much does each treatment cost? And how do you know which one you need?
This guide compares the two options to help you understand the differences before discussing the most appropriate treatment for your teeth with your dentist.
Invisalign vs Braces at a Glance
| Invisalign | Traditional Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear and discreet | More visible |
| Removable | Yes | No |
| Eating | Aligners are removed for eating | Some foods may need to be avoided |
| Brushing and flossing | Aligners can be removed | Cleaning around brackets and wires requires extra care |
| Treatment | Series of custom-made clear aligners | Fixed brackets and wires gradually move the teeth |
| Patient involvement | Must be worn as instructed each day | Fixed to the teeth throughout treatment |
| Suitability | Can treat a range of orthodontic problems | Can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems |
| Cost | Depends on your individual treatment plan | Depends on the type and complexity of treatment |
| Best option for you | Depends on your teeth, bite and preferences | Depends on your teeth, bite and preferences |
Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?
Not necessarily. Invisalign and braces are different ways of achieving a similar goal: moving your teeth into a healthier or more desirable position.
For some people, Invisalign may be particularly appealing because the aligners are clear, removable and have relatively little impact on eating, brushing and everyday appearance.
For others, fixed braces may be more appropriate.
The important point is that choosing between Invisalign and braces shouldn’t simply be based on which treatment you prefer the look of. Your teeth and bite need to be assessed to determine which treatments are suitable for the movement required.
If both options are clinically appropriate, your lifestyle and personal preferences can then help you decide.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a sequence of custom-made clear aligners to gradually move your teeth.
Rather than brackets and wires being attached to the teeth, the aligners fit closely over them. As treatment progresses, you move through a planned series of aligners, with each one designed to make small changes to the position of your teeth.
The aligners are removable, although they need to be worn consistently and for the amount of time recommended by your dentist for treatment to progress as planned.
Because Invisalign aligners are clear, they can be much less noticeable than conventional metal braces. This is one of the reasons Invisalign is particularly popular with adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
It is discreet
You remove the aligners to eat
There are no brackets or wires to navigate while eating. You remove your aligners for meals and put them back in after eating and cleaning your teeth.
You can brush and floss normally
Because the aligners are removable, you can continue brushing and flossing your teeth without having to clean around fixed brackets and wires.
It can fit more easily around everyday life
For many patients, being able to remove their aligners briefly when necessary and eat normally makes clear aligner treatment easier to incorporate into their routine.
What are the disadvantages of Invisalign?
The biggest advantage of Invisalign can also be one of its disadvantages: the aligners are removable.
You need to wear them consistently and follow the instructions provided as part of your treatment. If the aligners spend too much time out of your mouth, treatment may not progress as intended.
Invisalign also isn’t automatically the right treatment for every orthodontic problem. Your dentist needs to assess your teeth and bite before recommending it.
What Are Traditional Braces?
Traditional fixed braces straighten teeth using brackets attached to the teeth and wires that apply controlled forces to gradually change their position.
Unlike Invisalign, you cannot remove fixed braces yourself. They remain attached to your teeth throughout the active stage of treatment and are adjusted as your treatment progresses.
Fixed braces have been used to treat orthodontic problems for many years and remain an important treatment option.
What are the advantages of braces?
Because braces remain fixed to your teeth, you don’t need to remember to put them back in or achieve a certain number of hours of wear each day.
They can also be appropriate for a wide range of orthodontic problems, including cases where particular types of tooth movement are required.
What are the disadvantages of braces?
Fixed braces are more noticeable than clear aligners, particularly traditional metal braces.
You’ll also need to take additional care when brushing and cleaning around the brackets and wires. Certain hard, sticky or chewy foods may need to be avoided because they can damage the brace.
Some people also experience temporary irritation from brackets and wires, particularly when braces are first fitted or adjusted.
How Do You Know If You Need Braces or Invisalign?
You don’t need to work this out yourself.
There are several reasons someone might consider orthodontic treatment, including teeth that are crowded, crooked, overlapping or spaced apart, or concerns about how the upper and lower teeth meet.
You may benefit from an orthodontic assessment if you are concerned about:
Crowded or overlapping teeth
When there isn’t enough room for teeth to sit comfortably alongside one another, they may overlap, twist or erupt out of alignment.
Gaps between your teeth
Spaces can occur naturally or develop for a number of reasons. Orthodontic treatment can sometimes be used to close or redistribute these spaces.
Your bite
The way your upper and lower teeth meet is known as your bite. Some people seek treatment because their teeth don’t meet in the way they expect or because they have been advised that their bite could benefit from correction.
Teeth that have moved after previous orthodontic treatment
Teeth can move after previous treatment, particularly when retainers haven’t been worn as advised. Depending on the amount of movement, further orthodontic treatment may be possible.
Feeling self-conscious about the position of your teeth
You don’t necessarily need to have a significant orthodontic problem to ask about straightening your teeth. If there is something about the position of your teeth that you would like to change, an assessment can establish what is realistically achievable.
Looking in the mirror can’t tell you whether you need Invisalign or braces, however.
A dental professional needs to examine your teeth, gums and bite before advising which treatment options are suitable for you.
Invisalign vs Braces: Which Looks Better?
This is subjective, but Invisalign is generally the more discreet option.
Traditional metal braces are clearly visible because brackets and wires are attached to the front of the teeth.
Invisalign aligners are made from clear material and fit closely over your teeth. They can still be seen, particularly at close range, but they’re considerably less noticeable than conventional metal braces.
For adults who would prefer colleagues, clients, friends or other people not to immediately notice that they’re having orthodontic treatment, this can be an important consideration.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost Compared With Braces?
The cost of Invisalign and braces varies because orthodontic treatment isn’t identical for every patient.
The final price can depend on factors including how much tooth movement is required, the complexity of your case and the treatment needed to achieve the planned result.
Invisalign cost at Taunton Lane Dental
| Invisalign Clear Aligner System | from £2,500 |
Spread the cost of your dental payments with up to 12 monthly interest-free payments.
We will explain the cost of your treatment before you decide whether to proceed, so you know what is involved and what you will pay.
How much do braces cost?
Comparing headline prices online can be misleading because seemingly similar treatments may include different things.
When comparing costs, check exactly what the quoted price includes and whether additional appointments, scans, retainers or other elements of treatment are charged separately.
Which Is Faster: Invisalign or Braces?
There isn’t a single treatment time that applies to everyone.
How long it takes to straighten your teeth depends on where your teeth are starting from, what needs to change and the complexity of the movement required.
With Invisalign, following your treatment instructions and wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time is also important. Because the aligners are removable, how consistently you wear them can affect progress.
Rather than choosing a treatment because it appears to promise the quickest result, ask how long your particular treatment is expected to take.
Following an assessment, your dentist can give you a much more meaningful indication of treatment time.
Does Invisalign Hurt More Than Braces?
Both Invisalign and braces work by applying controlled forces to move teeth, so some temporary tenderness or discomfort can occur during orthodontic treatment.
With Invisalign, you may notice pressure or tenderness when you begin wearing a new aligner.
With fixed braces, your teeth may feel tender after fitting or adjustments, and brackets or wires can sometimes irritate the inside of the cheeks or lips.
Experiences vary considerably from person to person, so pain alone shouldn’t determine which treatment you choose.
If you experience significant or persistent discomfort during any orthodontic treatment, contact your dental team for advice.
Can You Eat Normally With Invisalign?
One of the practical advantages of Invisalign is that you remove your aligners to eat. This means you aren’t generally faced with the same food restrictions associated with fixed braces.
You’ll need to look after both your teeth and your aligners carefully, however. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist about eating, drinking, cleaning your teeth and caring for your aligners.
With traditional fixed braces, greater care is needed around certain foods because hard or sticky foods can damage brackets and wires. For someone who doesn’t want orthodontic treatment to significantly change what they eat, this can make Invisalign attractive.
Is Invisalign Easier to Keep Clean Than Braces?
Many people find oral hygiene more straightforward with Invisalign because the aligners can be removed.
You can brush and floss your teeth without having to work around brackets and wires. Your aligners also need to be cleaned according to the instructions you’re given.
Fixed braces require more attention when cleaning because food and plaque can collect around brackets and underneath wires. Good oral hygiene is important whichever treatment you choose.
Is Invisalign Better Than Braces for Adults?
There isn’t a treatment that is automatically best for every adult, but Invisalign has some features that can make it particularly attractive to adult patients.
The discreet appearance is an obvious one. Adults who work with clients, colleagues or the public may prefer an orthodontic treatment that is less noticeable.
Being able to remove the aligners for eating and clean your teeth normally can also make treatment easier to accommodate around work and social life. However, suitability still comes first.
If Invisalign isn’t the appropriate way to achieve the tooth movement you need, its convenience won’t make it the better treatment.
The best option is the one that is clinically suitable, capable of achieving the intended outcome and realistic for you to follow.
Can Invisalign Fix Crooked or Crowded Teeth?
Invisalign can be used to treat many cases involving crowded, crooked or spaced teeth, as well as certain bite problems. However, the term “crooked teeth” covers an enormous range of situations.
A small amount of crowding is very different from a complex bite or significant tooth movement. This is why photographs, online quizzes and comparisons with other people’s results can’t tell you precisely what treatment you need.
An assessment allows your dentist to look at your individual situation and explain what Invisalign could realistically achieve.
Can Invisalign Treat More Complex Cases?
Invisalign technology has developed considerably and clear aligners can now be used for a broad range of orthodontic cases. That doesn’t mean Invisalign is suitable for everyone.
The complexity isn’t always obvious to the patient either. Teeth that appear only slightly out of position may involve bite considerations or movements that require careful planning.
This is another reason we recommend starting with an assessment rather than deciding in advance which treatment you want.
Do You Have to Wear Invisalign All Day?
Invisalign only works while the aligners are being worn. Although you remove them to eat, drink in certain circumstances, brush and floss, they normally need to be worn for most of the day and night according to your dentist’s instructions.
If you know you are likely to frequently remove your aligners and forget to put them back in, that’s worth discussing honestly during your consultation.
Fixed braces don’t have the same issue because they cannot be removed by the patient.
What Happens After Invisalign or Braces?
Straightening your teeth isn’t quite the end of orthodontic treatment.
After teeth have moved into their new positions, retainers are normally required to help maintain the result.
Your dentist will explain what type of retention is appropriate for you, how your retainers should be worn and how to look after them.
This is worth asking about when comparing treatment costs because aftercare and retention form an important part of maintaining your new smile.
Invisalign or Braces: How Do I Decide?
If you’re still undecided, consider four questions.
What treatment is suitable for my teeth?
This comes first. An assessment should establish which options can predictably address what you want to change.
How important is appearance during treatment?
If discreet treatment is particularly important to you, Invisalign may have an obvious advantage over traditional metal braces.
Will I wear removable aligners consistently?
Invisalign requires your participation. Being able to remove the aligners is convenient, but they need to be worn as instructed.
What will the complete treatment cost?
Compare the full treatment plan rather than simply the advertised starting price. Ask what is included and whether there are likely to be additional costs.
Invisalign vs Braces: The Verdict
So, is Invisalign better than braces? For the right patient, Invisalign can provide a discreet and convenient way to straighten teeth without fixed brackets and wires. You can remove the aligners to eat and clean your teeth, and many adults particularly value their less noticeable appearance. But that doesn’t make Invisalign universally better.
The right treatment depends on your teeth, your bite, what you would like to achieve and what is clinically appropriate. And importantly, you don’t need to make that decision before speaking to us. That’s what your consultation is for.
We can assess your teeth, discuss what you would like to change and explain the treatment options that may be suitable for you. You can then consider the likely treatment time, cost and practical differences before deciding whether you want to go ahead.
Thinking About Invisalign at Taunton Lane Dental Practice in Coulsdon?
If you’re considering straightening your teeth and want to know whether Invisalign could be suitable, book a consultation with us.
We’ll assess your teeth, listen to what you would like to change and explain your options clearly.
If you need more information on Invisalign, you can view our Invisalign page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign and Braces
Is Invisalign better than braces?
How do I know if I need braces?
Crowded, overlapping, crooked or spaced teeth and concerns about your bite are all reasons you might consider orthodontic treatment. You cannot reliably determine which treatment you need yourself, however. A dental assessment is required to understand the position of your teeth and which treatment options may be appropriate.
Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?
Not necessarily. The cost of both Invisalign and fixed braces depends on the type and complexity of treatment required. When comparing prices, look at the complete treatment cost and what is included rather than comparing advertised starting prices alone.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
It can be in some circumstances, but treatment time varies significantly between patients. The amount and complexity of tooth movement required are more important than a general comparison between Invisalign and braces.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
Clear aligners can be used in the treatment of certain bite problems, but suitability depends on the individual case. An assessment is needed to establish the nature of your bite and the treatment options available.
Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth?
Invisalign can treat many cases of dental crowding, although the appropriate treatment depends on the extent and nature of the crowding and other factors affecting your teeth and bite.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are normally removed for meals, allowing you to eat without fixed brackets and wires on your teeth. You should follow your dentist’s instructions about eating and drinking while undergoing treatment.
How noticeable is Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are clear and designed to fit closely over the teeth, making them considerably less noticeable than conventional metal braces. They aren’t completely invisible, however.
What age is best for Invisalign?
There isn’t one ideal age for Invisalign. Suitability depends more on the individual patient’s teeth, treatment requirements and ability to follow the treatment plan than simply their age.
Do teeth stay straight after Invisalign?
Teeth can move following orthodontic treatment, which is why retention is important. You will normally need to wear retainers according to your dentist’s instructions to help maintain the result of Invisalign or fixed-brace treatment.