The choice between braces and Invisalign can be made easier if you know the pros and cons of each. Even though, esthetically, Invisalign is your best choice to move teeth, many adult patients still go with clear braces after we discuss all of their options.
Let me show you the advantages of braces over Invisalign and why most patients still prefer clear or metal braces versus any orthodontic aligner.
The Price of Braces
Let me start with pricing because this is the most confusing for patients. Many patients believe that Invisalign is cheaper than braces, but that is false.
Parents believe that because Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner or that it looks less noticeable, it must be cheaper. In fact, Invisalign is typically roughly 20% more expensive than braces.
For some people, the additional cost makes no difference, but for most parents, this may be the determining factor when choosing between braces and Invisalign.
Braces are Easier
I have personally been treated, as an adult, with braces and Invisalign. In my opinion, braces are far easier to maintain than Invisalign. Let me explain…
Having braces makes it more difficult to clean your teeth, but you do not need to worry about taking your braces off to eat and potentially forgetting to put them back in after cleaning your teeth.
With Invisalign, you must remove them every time you drink, eat, brush, and floss. It is tempting to remove them more often than is actually needed.
Many patients remove the trays for important meetings, work functions, school functions, etc., and then suddenly wear them only for fourteen hours a day instead of a full twenty-two.
If you do not wear your trays for enough time, your teeth will not shift properly, which leads to longer treatment.
Treatment with Braces Always Works
With braces, you can treat nearly any case because you can utilize rubber bands, expanders, Herbst appliances, etc., along with braces.
Don’t get me wrong; you can use all of those items along with Invisalign, but it is a more intricate process.
For example, you could use an orthodontic expander initially, get retainers to hold your teeth, and then start Invisalign. However, this would require more visits and be less stable than braces with expanders.
Most braces patients get rubber bands at some point during treatment so you can properly fix their bite. You can utilize rubber bands with Invisalign, but their effectiveness is not as good as braces.
Greater Benefits from Braces
Invisalign can be a great treatment method, but I believe the majority of people would benefit more from braces than Invisalign.
