Deciding whether to go with braces or Invisalign is not an easy decision. But these pointers can make it easier.

You want a perfect smile with perfectly straight teeth. The question is, what’s the best way to make that happen? Are braces the best choice for you? Invisalign work just as well to correct imperfections, so which one do you go with?

Both are effective methods to straighten teeth, and the orthodontists at Espire Dental have successfully treated many patients with braces and Invisalign to correct misaligned teeth. But first, let’s go over some of the benefits and drawbacks of braces and Invisalign.

Braces vs. Invisalign: Which is Better for You?

Your decision hinges on a number of factors. Invisalign isn’t exactly a new innovation. These clear trays have been in use for 20 years. Braces, on the other hand, have been around for much longer. In fact, did you know that braces have been found on ancient mummies? The first “official” braces actually date back to the 1700s!

As you decide whether Invisalign or braces is better for you, ask yourself these questions: 

What’s my budget? Braces are the cheaper option, costing anywhere between $1,700 and $6,000. For Invisalign, you can expect to pay between $2,400 to $9,000. Your dental insurance will cover all or part of the cost, but always check with your insurance first on out-of-pocket costs.

How will it impact my appearance? Braces used to be very noticeable with metal strips and rubber bands. However, they’ve since evolved and come in various options, such as discreet ceramic braces made of tooth-colored resin. But if appearance is the deciding factor (as it would probably be for adults and teenagers), Invisalign is the way to go. Made of a multilayer polyurethane plastic resin, the aligners are nearly invisible when worn.

Which is more comfortable? Both braces and Invisalign pull on teeth to shift them in place, which can be slightly painful, especially at the beginning of treatment.The wire brackets in braces can sometimes dig into and irritate your gums and mouth. Invisalign, on the contrary, is made to fit snugly over the teeth and gum line, so there is less chance of friction.

Which is more effective? The effectiveness of either treatment depends on the severity of your misalignment. For more complex orthodontic problems, such as overlapping or rotated teeth, braces may be your only alternative. For less severe cases, Invisalign works just as well as braces. Your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on the orthodontic issue you’re addressing.

How much at-home care is required? Although you should wear Invisalign 22 hours each day, you can take them out when eating. However, that means you need to clean your teeth before you put the tray back in your mouth, and you’re responsible for cleaning the aligner daily. If you put the aligner in with food in your teeth, it could cause tooth decay. It’s also easy to misplace or forget to put the Invisalign back in after eating. Braces, on the other hand, cannot be removed. However, you’ll need to avoid hard, sticky foods that can break the braces. When it comes to brushing and flossing, you’ll be able to follow your normal routine with Invisalign. However, brushing and flossing with braces is a bit trickier, but your orthodontist can show you how to clean your teeth with braces to prevent decay.

How long will it take to straighten my teeth? Braces and Invisalign demand a time commitment of several months and possibly years, depending on the severity of your orthopedic issue. For closing gaps and aligning teeth, braces do the job quicker, but generally speaking, traditional braces may take 18 to 36 months for results. Because Invisalign puts force on all the teeth at once as opposed to the pressure of one brace per tooth, treatment time may be shorter at somewhere between 12 to 18 months. For less complex cases, Invisalign can work in as little as six months. 

Another factor you should consider is how often you’ll need to visit the orthodontist during treatment. If you decide on braces, you must follow up with your doctor every month or two to check on your progress and make adjustments, if necessary. For Invisalign, you’ll be given several aligners in advance to slip in your mouth as your teeth shift into position, which will require fewer orthodontic sessions.

Get That Perfect Smile Now!

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Colorado Springs location today! Our highly trained dentists and orthodontists can help you decide if braces or Invisalign is better for you. Don’t live near our Colorado Springs office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Colorado Springs
8610 Explorer Drive #315
Colorado Springs, CO 80920