Everyone dreams of having that perfect smile. Unfortunately, that smile doesn’t come without a cost.

Traditionally the only way to get straight teeth was by braces. And don’t even get me started on the headgear I had to sport during the 80’s. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.

Nowadays, there are so many more options when it comes to getting that perfect smile.

When deciding on your orthodontic options, it’s difficult to know what’s best. If you are trying to choose between braces and Invisalign, we may be able to help. Read on as we compare Invisalign vs braces and see which comes out on top.

Back to the Basics

So what exactly is the difference between braces and Invisalign? They are both methods that orthodontics use to straighten teeth. So let’s find out exactly what they are.

Braces consist of metal brackets that are attached to your teeth and tied together with wires and bands. The bracket and wires work together to move your teeth into straight lines. Braces are also used for more complex issues such as an over or under bite.

Invisalign was first used in the year 2000, so it is still relatively new to orthodontic procedures. Instead of permanent fixtures on your teeth, Invisalign is a system of different trays that are switched out every few weeks. These trays are made custom for each patient and gently move your teeth over time.

Pros and Cons to Braces

Now that we know the difference, let’s talk about the pros and cons of each.

Like we mentioned earlier, braces will be able to tackle the harder issues. If your bite is off, or a tooth needs to be pulled down or rotated, braces are your best option.

The cons with braces are they can be very painful. Brackets can break or wires can poke your inside cheek cause pain and discomfort. They are also harder to clean.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign

There are many pros to Invisalign. They are much less noticeable than braces since they are clear trays that you wear constantly. You only take them out to eat or clean them.

Maintenance is also easier as you can just change the trays at home. With braces, you’ll need to go to the orthodontist every few weeks.

One thing that you need to watch out for with Invisalign is making sure you wear your trays at least 22 hours/day. Otherwise, the system will not be effective and you won’t get the results you want. You need to be disciplined in wearing your trays.