Invisalign or Braces? How Clear Aligners and Braces Differ
Clear aligners and braces are usually discussed as though one of them has to come out on top. What follows is narrower and more useful: how the two differ. If you want the mechanics first, our explainer covers how clear aligners work.
What clear aligners are
Clear aligners, sometimes called 'invisible braces', are a braces alternative: instead of brackets and wires, they use a series of custom-made trays to straighten teeth over time. Popular brands include Invisalign and ClearCorrect (Cleveland Clinic).
Clear braces and clear aligners are not the same thing
This is the point where the words get slippery. Clear bracket braces and clear orthodontic aligners differ: clear braces use components similar to metal braces, such as brackets and wires, while orthodontic aligners are removable plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth (Cleveland Clinic).
Removable, within a daily requirement
The daily routine is different too. Each set of aligner trays is worn for approximately two weeks and is then swapped for the next set in the series. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are removable, but they have to be worn for at least 22 hours every day, and should only be taken out to eat, drink and brush your teeth (Cleveland Clinic).
What aligners can correct
Whether Invisalign will work is something only your dentist or orthodontist can tell you. Generally, Invisalign can correct most mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and if your case is severe, traditional braces might be more suitable (Cleveland Clinic).
Candidacy needs more room than a comparison can give it, so we take up whether aligners are right for your case separately.
How long orthodontic treatment takes
Both figures below describe orthodontic treatment in general, not aligners specifically. For some people orthodontic treatment takes less than one year, while for others it can take up to two years or longer, and because every person has their own unique needs, treatment times look different for everyone (Cleveland Clinic). Treatment plans will vary based on your situation, but most people are in treatment from one to three years, followed by a period of wearing a retainer that holds teeth in their new positions (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).
Taking the question to a dentist or orthodontist
This comparison stops short of a verdict on purpose. Both clear braces and clear aligners have pros and cons, and a dentist or orthodontist can tell you which option is best for you (Cleveland Clinic).
Our office is at 147 Main St, 2nd Floor, Lodi, NJ 07644, and Dr. Steven Liao is our dentist. There is also our Invisalign page. When you are ready for a next step, start at our first-visit page.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. "Teeth Braces." Updated 2023-01-13. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24601-teeth-braces
- Cleveland Clinic. "Clear Braces." Updated 2022-07-25. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23568-clear-braces
- Cleveland Clinic. "Orthodontics." Updated 2022-10-12. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24285-orthodontics
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). "Braces." https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces
