Invisalign vs Braces: What's the Difference?

Invisalign® vs Braces

Invisalign vs Braces: What's the Difference?

Warrenton, Virginia's Preferred Cosmetic Dentist
Invisalign vs Braces

Have you ever heard of Invisalign? What about traditional, wire-and-bracket braces? Invisalign and metal braces are the two most popular dental interventions in the industry today. Both are widely practiced in professional dentist and orthodontist offices around the globe. This is because each function to take a crooked, misaligned smile and turn it into a straightened, restored smile in a matter of a few months or a few years. At Warrenton Dental Center, we have been using both methods so that our clients reach the alignment dental goals they want and need.

Comparing Braces vs. Invisalign

Though both dental interventions work to achieve the same goal, their methods are quite different. One of the main differences is the physical aspects of these solutions. Traditional braces are composed of metal wires, brackets, and sometimes even bands to help straighten out a patient's teeth.  Invisalign, on the other hand, is essentially clear, high-grade medical plastic trays that are custom-made by Invisalign lab technicians to fit a patient's mouth. Therefore, Invisalign is a lot more inconspicuous compared to traditional, metal braces.


Another main difference is how many times you must visit the dentist with each dental service. A braces patient will need to visit the dentist more regularly, to have his/her braces tightened.

Invisalign is different in the sense that you do not need to visit the dentist as much. This is because the patient will receive new aligners every 1-2 weeks. Therefore, though the dentist will have an Invisalign patient come in every so often to check the progress, it is not as much as braces.

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The Positives And Negatives Of Invisalign

Invisalign is not for everyone.  Before deciding whether Invisalign is or is not the right treatment plan for you, take the time to weigh the positives and the negatives. Below outlines both:

The Positives:

It does not attract attention. Braces are metal wires and various colored brackets. Invisalign is clear and practically transparent. 

You can brush, floss, and eat just like your normally do. There is no metal in the way! 

There are less dentist appointments, since appointments only need to be checkups and not tightening appointments. 

You don't have to change your diet. With braces, you cannot eat certain candies and other foods that might get stuck in your braces. With Invisalign, you take the trays out to eat and brush your teeth before putting them back in. 

They are a lot more comfortable to wear. 

The Negatives:

Invisalign usually costs a little more than braces do. 

Invisalign does not work for all dental problems. It is better for mild to moderate bite issues, while braces can fix almost any dental alignment issue.

They are easier to lose, since you take them in and out every time you eat. 

The Positives And Negatives Of Braces

The Positives:

It can fix any misalignment issue, where Invisalign cannot.

It is the most traditional method of dental alignment, and has been around for longest.

It helps to inhibit grinding. 

They can be more affordable than Invisalign.

The Negatives:

It is harder to brush your teeth with metal wires and brackets. With Invisalign, you can take out the clear, plastic trays whenever your brush/floss/eat. With braces, you have to just be mindful and brush around them.

They attract attention more than Invisalign does, since Invisalign is clear and braces are not. 

Your diet changes with braces, and you are not allowed to eat certain foods than can get stuck in braces. 

Since your braces need to be tightened every few weeks, this means more visits to the dentist. 

They are not as comfortable to wear. 

Which Is Right For You?

Though your dentist will give you a recommendation of what he/she thinks is best, the only person that can really decide is you.  Another big factor could be whether or not you are a candidate for both. Many people may be a candidate for braces but not Invisalign due to more complex alignment issues. Just remember to listen to what your dentist has to say, weigh the positives and the negatives, and make the decision that you think is best for you. As long as you end up with the beautiful, straight teeth that you wanted, it was successful!

Get the Smile You Deserve

Are you still stuck making your decision? Have no fear, Warrenton Dental Center is here and more than happy to give you our professional advice. We will take into account your unique dental needs, concerns, budget, etc and help find a service that will work for you. For more information about either Invisalign or braces or if you have any questions or concerns, give us a call today!

To learn more about the dental services we offer, call us at (540) 351-0170 or visit our  contact page.

Schedule an Appointment


For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (540) 351-0170 or fill out the form below.

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