Cosmetic Dentistry |3 min read

Invisalign vs. Braces: What’s the Difference?

Woman placing a clear aligner in her mouth

Traditional metal braces have been used for decades to help patients correct their smiles.

But, more folks are turning to clear aligners.

The brand that likely comes to mind is Invisalign… This text opens a new tab ……right?

Invisalign is the most established and highly-rated clear aligner brand out there!

But wait:

What’s the difference between Invisalign vs. traditional braces?

We’ll walk you through how they compare and some key differences between the two!

Let’s look:

Why do you need braces or aligners?

Many people get braces or aligners to straighten their smiles!

There are numerous reasons one may choose to get braces or aligners. Some reasons include:

  • Space between teeth
  • Bite issues
  • Overbites or underbites
  • Esthetics

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are smooth trays made out of a special SmartTrack Material… This text opens a new tab …. They fit right over your teeth to align them over time.

There are no metal brackets or wires you have to work around! Invisalign is usually less painful.

Invisalign is removable, unlike metal braces.

That means you can eat your favorite foods and clean your teeth with ease.

How do braces work?

Traditional braces are applied to your teeth with a special adhesive to stay in place.

When patients get metal braces, they’re usually sent home with a list of foods to avoid, like:

  • Ice
  • Popcorn
  • Gum
  • Hard cookies or crackers
  • Sticky or hard chocolate

And the list goes on….

This is because braces are delicate, so certain foods and drinks can damage them.

Not to mention:

Food particles easily get stuck in between the wires, making it difficult to clean and keeping your teeth healthy.

What’s the treatment time between Invisalign and braces?

Treatment time is faster with Invisalign, usually taking about 1-2 years.

On the other hand:

Braces take about 2+ years to finish treatment.

When it comes to checkups during treatment:

Invisalign patients only need to visit the dentist every 6-8 weeks.

With traditional braces, your orthodontist will have you come in about every 4 weeks to make adjustments and monitor your treatment.

Which is better: Invisalign or braces?

Invisalign has helped over 10 million smiles.

Patients LOVE Invisalign because there are no restrictions on eating and drinking, and they’re nearly invisible!

You can go about your day while working on your smile undercover.

You can even whiten your teeth while using Invisalign, if you wish!

The beauty of the Invisalign system is its simplicity.

However:

Braces do take care of more complex smile issues that Invisalign can’t correct.

Ultimately the choice is between you and your dentist or orthodontist.

If you’re near Raleigh, let’s see if Invisalign is right for you.

At The Dental Market, we want to help you feel confident in yourself.

We love Invisalign, here!

Invisalign has brought our patients so much joy! It has given teens and adults BEAUTIFUL smile transformations.

If you’re wondering if Invisalign is right for you, come in for a consultation so we can discuss your needs and smile goals!

Dr. James Sarant has had over 20 years of experience transforming smiles, providing the Raleigh area top-notch care since 1999!

You can book a consultation through three ways:

Our dental office is located in Raleigh, and gladly welcome patients from our neighboring communities, including:

  • Cary
  • Wake Forest
  • Garner
  • Knightdale
  • Durham
  • Apex
  • Holly Springs

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