Choosing the right treatment option is an important step in your quest for a picture-perfect smile. After all, you’ll want an appliance that not only gives you great results but that also fits your lifestyle. 

During your initial consultation at Aligner Affair, Dr. Jay Patel will provide personalized treatment recommendations based on your diagnosis and goals. He’ll also help you weigh the pros and cons of braces vs. Invisalign, so you can make a more informed choice.

In the meantime, we thought we’d provide some clarity on these two popular orthodontic treatment options.

What are Braces?

Braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic appliance and are generally available in metal or clear. They consist of brackets, which are bonded to the teeth, and archwires. The archwires act as a track to guide the teeth into place. 

Some versions of braces also have elastics or metal ties, called ligatures, to hold the wires in place. However, at Aligner Affair, we use self-ligating braces. These braces don’t use ligatures. Instead, a slide mechanism attaches the brackets to the wires. This makes them more comfortable and lower profile.

What is Invisalign?

Want to straighten your teeth without braces? Invisalign is a system that involves a series of custom, removable clear aligners. As you wear the aligners and change to a new set every one to two weeks, your smile gradually takes shape.

How Do Braces Work to Straighten Teeth?

Braces apply steady pressure that stimulates a process called bone remodeling. During this process, the teeth-supporting bone and tissues break down (don’t worry, it’s painless), allowing the teeth to move in the direction we want. When the teeth are in their ideal places and the pressure is removed, new bone forms and the ligaments tighten back up, securing your beautiful new smile.

How Does Invisalign Work to Straighten Teeth?

We take digital scans to create a computerized, 3D model of your mouth. Dr. Patel plans your treatment on the model. He then sends his specifications to the Invisalign lab and your aligners are fabricated according to his treatment plan. 

Invisalign aligners work by stimulating the same bone remodeling process as braces. However, the application and timing of the force differ. Instead of relying on brackets and wires, the aligners fit over the entire arch of teeth and apply gentle, steady pressure. 

Each set of aligners is pre-programmed by Dr. Patel to achieve specific tooth movements (meaning only certain teeth move with each set). You’ll change to a new tray every week or two, and, over time, all of the teeth will shift into their proper positions.

How Much Do Braces and Invisalign Cost?

For most people, braces and Invisalign cost about the same. However, the exact cost depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of your case.

Braces vs. Invisalign: Pros and Cons

The Advantages of Braces

• Because braces are bonded to your teeth for the duration of your treatment, you can’t lose them and you don’t need to remember to change them. 

• Braces are popular with teen patients because they can be personalized by adding colorful elastics. While elastics aren’t necessary with self-ligating braces, patients can choose to add them for a little extra flair. 

• Orthodontic braces have been used for over a century and are effective at treating a wide range of cases.

The Disadvantages of Braces

• While modern braces are smaller and sleeker than they used to be, they’re still very visible. Clear braces are more discreet than metal, however, again, they can be seen when you smile. 

• The brackets and wires can irritate the lips, tongue and cheeks. 

• Braces require adjustments throughout treatment, which means more appointments. 

• Braces trap food and plaque, so they require diligent oral hygiene and the use of extra tools, such as floss threaders to get underneath the wire.  

• If you get hit in the face, such as when playing sports without a mouthguard, your braces can cut your mouth. 

• You have to avoid really hard, chewy and sticky foods (think popcorn, Starburst, Doritos, etc.) during treatment as they can damage your appliance.

The Advantages of Invisalign

• Invisalign aligners are removable so you can take them out for special occasions or to wear a mouthguard when playing sports. 

• The aligners are clear, smooth and virtually invisible. Most people won’t be able to tell you’re wearing them. 

• Oral hygiene is a breeze because you’ll take your aligners out before brushing and flossing. You don’t need to use any special tools like floss threaders. 

• There are no food restrictions with Invisalign. You can eat whatever you want during treatment. Just make sure you remove your aligners first. 

• Invisalign aligners are custom-made for your smile and extremely comfortable. They won’t irritate your mouth like braces can. 

• Another of the benefits of Invisalign vs. braces is there are no adjustments required. The appointments you do have are quick and easy. 

• Invisalign won’t interfere with playing sports or an instrument. 

• If you’ve ever looked at Invisalign before and after photos, it’s evident that aligners have led to some stunning smile transformations. And in the hands of an experienced provider like Dr. Patel, Invisalign can be just as effective at braces for treating most cases.

The Disadvantages of Invisalign

• While for many people one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is the fact that the aligners are removable, for others this is a drawback since the aligners can be misplaced. 

• You have to remember to change your aligners according to schedule to get the best results. 

• You’ll need to take your aligners out before eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the choice between Invisalign or braces will be one made along with your orthodontist. That said, braces tend to be a great option for younger patients, because they can be customized with different colored elastics and you can’t lose something that’s cemented to your teeth. 

For the majority of adults, the benefits of Invisalign outweigh those of braces, most notably, the lack of food restrictions, complicated oral hygiene and visible hardware.

Schedule a Consultation for Braces or Invisalign in Norwalk, CA

Interested in Invisalign or braces in the Norwalk area? Schedule a complimentary consultation at Aligner Affair by calling us at 562-219-4020. When you visit our beautiful, modern office, Dr. Jay Patel will take diagnostic records and perform an exam.  He’ll then fill you in on everything you need to know about your orthodontic treatment options. 

For a limited time, we’re offering a special for new patients: $300 off Invisalign and free teeth whitening! Give us a call and let’s build something together.