The Core Differences: How Braces and Invisalign Straighten Teeth

Orthodontic treatment has never been as diverse as it is today, and that means that there are more ways to straighten teeth than you can imagine. There are two primary options available: conventional metal braces and Invisalign as an almost invisible aligner. Both techniques are used to straighten teeth and treat the improper bite; however, they are quite different in terms of visibility, comfort, and functioning. Here in this blog, we’ll look at the fundamental differences between braces and Invisalign, how each works to align the teeth, and which one might be right for you. 

How Traditional Braces Straighten Teeth 

• Metal Brackets: Metal brackets are cemented to the teeth and serve as points of attachment of the archwire that determine the direction and force exerted to the teeth. 
• Archwire: The archwire runs through the brackets and exerts constant force to shift the teeth into their proper position. It is adjusted from time to time by the orthodontists to increase the level of progression. 
• Elastic Bands (Ligatures): Elastic bands hold the archwire in position and are replaced often. Additional elastics may be used to treat bite issues or jaw alignments. 
• Force and Pressure: Braces are effective in that they use light unidirectional forces that move teeth and stimulate the formation of new bone to hold the teeth in their new positions. 
• Additional Components: In special situations, the orthodontist may apply springs, spacers or head gear to fix extreme crowding, over bite or under bite. 
• Duration and Adjustments: Braces usually take 1.5 to 3 years to be effective, with follow-up appointments to ensure that teeth are moving as desired. 
• Beneficial for Various Conditions: Braces are useful in correcting overcrowded, spaced, bite, and jaw position problems as well as crooked teeth; hence, they can be used to treat many orthodontic problems. 

How Invisalign Works to Align Teeth 

• Custom-Made Aligners: Invisalign begins with the taking of a digital impression or a mold of the teeth for the development of a treatment plan. Clear aligners are made to fit the patient’s teeth and shift them in stages. 
• Sequential Movement: The aligner trays are worn for one to two weeks, and constant and light pressure is applied to the teeth to gradually move them to their new positions. 
• Wearing the Aligners: Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day. However, they can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing to maintain oral hygiene. 
• Comfort and Appearance: Transparent aligners are also more comfortable to wear and less visible than metallic braces for patients. 
• Check-Ups and Adjustments: Routine check-ups and adjustments every six to eight weeks are important to assess the progress and collect new aligners.  
• Attachments and Elastics: Sometimes, small, clear, and virtually invisible wires or bands are placed on the teeth to enable the aligners to exert more force or to correct the bite. 
• Duration of Treatment: The duration of treatment differs, and it usually takes between twelve and eighteen months. Every new aligner is designed to shift the teeth to the correct position progressively as the treatment progresses. 
• Final Results and Retainers: Following the treatment, retainers are required in order to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions and to ensure that the results are permanent. 

Aesthetic Considerations: Metal Braces vs. Clear Aligners 

Visual Appeal 

• Metal Braces: The conventional orthodontic appliances such as metal brackets and wires are noticeable, and this is a problem for many patients, especially adults and teenagers. However, even though they are less noticeable compared to ceramic braces, they still draw attention compared to clear aligners. 
• Clear Aligners: Invisalign and such aligners are virtually invisible and therefore are preferred by those who would not want others to know that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment.  

Patient Preference 

• Metal Braces: Some patients love the traditional metal braces as they see them as part of the process and even a sign of honor. Also, the availability of colorful elastic bands to be used in the choice helps in expressing individuality and personality. 
• Clear Aligners: Most adults and working individuals opt to wear clear aligners since they are almost invisible and proper to one’s natural teeth status. This option is usually preferred for aesthetic purposes and that is why those people who are self-conscious or working adults rarely consider traditional braces. 

Impact on Lifestyle  

• Metal Braces: When individuals have braces, they are self-conscious publicly especially when going to school or work. This is because, patients may develop some level of self-consciousness due to their appearance during their treatment. 
• Clear Aligners: Since the aligners are detachable, the patient is able to lead a much more flexible lifestyle. They can be removed by the patients for occasions, photographs, or meetings or any other occasion they feel like they need to look good. 

Comfort and Convenience: Braces vs. Invisalign 

Pain and Discomfort 

• Braces: Most patients experience some form of pain after having braces fitted or after an adjustment has been made. The metal brackets make the cheeks and gums sore, and the wires become tight and cause soreness as well. In most cases, this soreness decreases over time as the mouth gets used to the braces, but the first few days may be quite uncomfortable. 
• Invisalign: When aligners exert pressure to move the teeth, they might cause a certain level of discomfort but it is not as painful as braces. The aligners are made of smooth plastic which reduces the chances of the gums and cheeks being irritated, thus making it more comfortable. 

Removability 

• Braces: Attached to the teeth during the treatment, braces are not removable by the patient. This permanence implies that patients are not allowed to remove brackets and wires; this is a disadvantage to those who like flexibility. 
• Invisalign: Another advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners can be taken out for eating, drinking, brushing or flossing and therefore the patient can have a normal diet without the need to avoid certain foods. 

Ease of Use 

• Braces: Braces are efficient, but they do take some time to master in terms of how to clean them. It is difficult to clean around brackets and wires and may require the patient to avoid certain foods that are hard to chew or sticky, which may harm the appliances. Orthodontic checkups are required for adjustments. 
• Invisalign: The aligners are easy to use because patients only have to change to the next set after one to two weeks. The removability also enables easy cleaning of the oral cavity since patients can brush and floss without any difficulty. However, one must wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day and forgetting to do so can slow the progress. 

Treatment Effectiveness: Which is better for Complex Cases? 

Scope of Correction 

• Braces: Conventional braces are acknowledged to be the most effective treatment for various severe orthodontic problems. They can easily treat various diseases, such as severe overcrowding, significant misalignment, and even the most complicated cases, such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. This is because the braces are fixed and can be easily adjusted to achieve the desired results in the complicated cases as compared to removable appliances. 
• Invisalign: Invisalign has come a long way and can handle many cases but it may not be so effective when it comes to severe malocclusions or extreme rotations. Such cases may need other features such as; attachments (tooth colored bumps) or elastics to obtain the best results. However, some orthodontists may think that with these enhancements, Invisalign may not be as effective as the normal braces especially for some cases of complexity. 

Treatment Speed and Precision   

• Braces: The force exerted by the brackets and wires is continuous on the teeth; this makes treatment for complicated cases to be faster. Orthodontists can also make changes as the patient is in the chair, giving them more control over the treatment. 
• Invisalign: The treatment with aligners usually takes longer in complicated cases because several sets of aligners are required. Although the technology is used for 3D modeling and planning, the change of aligners happens in sequence, which can be time-consuming for more complex issues. 

Maintenance and Care: Braces vs. Invisalign 

Daily Hygiene Routine 

• Braces: Conventional braces are acknowledged to be the most effective treatment for various severe orthodontic problems. They can easily treat various diseases, such as severe overcrowding, significant misalignment, and even the most complicated cases, such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. This is because the braces are fixed and can be easily adjusted to achieve the desired results in complicated cases as compared to removable appliances. 
• Invisalign: Invisalign has come a long way and can handle many cases but it may not be so effective when it comes to severe malocclusions or extreme rotations. Such cases may need other features such as; attachments (tooth-colored bumps) or elastics to obtain the best results. However, some orthodontists may think that with these enhancements, Invisalign may not be as effective as normal braces, especially for some cases of complexity. 

Doctor’s Experience and Preference   

• Braces: As for the second type of appliance, many orthodontists choose braces for complicated cases because of higher efficiency and reliability in comparison with other types of appliances for correcting complex shifts.  
• Invisalign: While some orthodontists have a lot of experience in Invisalign, they can handle even complicated cases using only aligners. The success of such a service mainly depends on the particular case and the experience of the service provider. In the past few years, Invisalign has become more advanced, and more complex cases can be treated with the product. 

Contact your Pinole dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Abar Orthodontics, to learn more about the core differences: how Braces and Invisalign straighten teeth.

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*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly suggest that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.*