Invisalign vs. braces - what's the difference?

Orthodontics (using braces or Invisalign) is the term we use for straightening teeth to a more ideal position to look better and function better.  Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays to accomplish this movement, while traditional braces uses metal wires to achieve the movement.

• Invisalign used to be used only for simple cases (like slightly crowded lower teeth, for instance).  Now it is used for all kinds of cases - even advanced cases.
• Invisalign may be used to straighten crooked or crowded teeth, closing unsightly gaps, correcting deep bite, correcting bites out of alignment, and even some TMJ issues.
• I have used Invisalign for all kinds of cases (simple to extreme).  It has been my experience that Invisalign works faster than traditional metal braces.
• Patients love Invisalign.  No one can see that they are wearing braces, and the trays are comfortable and easy to use.  Also, you can use whitening gel in the trays and whiten your teeth while you straighten them.

In fact, I like the product so much, I became a patient.  I'm almost finished with Invisalign - my bite is improved and my smile is better than ever.

Hi Joel

I have seen this study and unfortunately, while these numbers are discouraging, there are practitioners such as myself that find more consistent results.

To quote Willy Dayan, a speaker at the Invisalign Orthodontic Summit, you have to think like plastic. Too many Invisalign certified providers do not understand the major differences between moving teeth with plastic vs metal/ceramics.

I do not challenge the fact that the numbers in the study are accurate. I do, however, feel that there are too many people using Invisalign without a true understanding of how it should be used. Furthermore, many of the clinchecks that come back show a lot of intercanine expansion, which likely contributes to relapse.

A prudent practioner would not violate commonly accepted orthodontic principles but simply look at Invisalign as an alternative way to provide optimum care.

The adults I treat with the Invisalign system love it, especially the men. 

Several of my adult men patients travel a lot out of the country or do a considerable amount of public speaking.  The Invisalign system is very convenient for them.

Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that fit over your teeth that incrementally move your teeth into the desired straight position.

The aligners are replaced every two weeks and are worn about 22 hours during the day. They are removed to eat and drink but can be worn while drinking water.

Invisalign is most effective at treating minor to moderate tooth crowding or spacing issues.

Invisalign is a great way to achieve straight teeth and still be comfortable in social situations. They are comfortable and speech is most often not affected.

Traditional braces utilize either metal or ceramic tooth-colored brackets to move teeth into the desired position. In many cases, traditional braces tend to move teeth faster and are recommended for more complex movements.

Invisalign is a terrific method for tooth movement that is not complex. They are clear, computer-generated trays that are worn ideally 24 hours a day and are changed to a new tray every 2 weeks.

Most cases take 6 months to a year, and then some type of retention is needed after so the teeth do not shift back. My patients love this because the trays are relatively invisible.

You cannot eat or drink anything but water with them in but they are easy to remove.

Conventional braces are colored metal or resin brackets that are bonded to the face of the tooth and a wire is run through them. The are not removable, have more potential for complex tooth movement, and usually works a bit faster.

Most adults prefer the Invisalign since they are easily removed, easily cleaned, and undetectable when worn.