Invisalign vs Braces - Which is best for teeth straightening?
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Invisalign vs Braces

I saw the invisalign video on tv and it made it seem it works like normal metal braces. Can someone explain the difference between invisalign and braces?

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27 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon
+15

Invisalign has REAL LIMITATIONS - just ask any orthodontist!

Let's be clear:  I LOVE INVISALIGN....about as much as I love a screwdriver.  If I have a screw, I love my screwdriver.   But if I have a nail, I love my hammer.   The 4 Primary Differences between Invisalign and Braces capabilities:   1.  Invisalign cannot predictably control any changes in back tooth bite relationships.  In fact, it can really cause back tooth bite problems if you try to move the back teeth and more
+4

Invisalign great for those who don't want metal braces

I consider Invisalign treatment to be primarily esthetic rather than functional. Although in the 11 years that I have been using Invisalign the process has improved dramatically!  Conventional "fixed" (clear or metal braces) orthodontic treatment is still superior to Invisalign in that the brackets are bonded to the teeth which gives us better control of the teeth compared to removable clear Invisalign aligners that depend on 100% patient compliance. Invisalign is... more
+4

Invisalign vs. Traditional Metal Braces: What is 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... more

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+4

Invisalign is a terrific method for tooth movement that...

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... more
+3

Invisalign and braces can give you the straight teeth you want

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... more
+3

Invisalign is computer generated. After very careful...

Invisalign is computer generated. After very careful impressions and photos are taken, the patient is shown not only the final result but the progression of tooth movement.After patient acquiescence, a series of clear, aesthetic trays are delivered for the patient to wear consecutively during which time her dentist periodically checks her. Conventional braces are bonded to the patient’s teeth and pressure is used to move the teeth to the desired final result. The patient must be seen... more
+2

Invisalign vs braces

Invisalign is another tool that dentist/orthodontist use. Like any other orthodontic appliance, it has limitations. Its not a great appliance to correct extreme malocclusion . Malocclusion is the way your upper and lower Jaw relate to each other. It can help improving the esthetics of your teeth, but you won't be able to get to normal occlusion with invislaign ALONE. Its a great tool to use in the right cases, but its never a repalcement to braces. Its a... more
+2

What is the difference between Invisalign and braces?

What a great question!  After reading a number of doctor responses I noticed something very interesting.  The orthodontists answering the question generally praised Invsalign as a great tool for some cases, but not all.  Many of the dentists emphasized that Invisalign is a great way to straighten teeth, period.  Both messages are correct.  The difference is that many orthodontists offer both braces and Invisalign for their patients and can choose the... more
+2

Invisalign can provide great results, but it is not for everyone

Invisalign is a great way to treat many kinds of malocclusions or bad bites. Since it uses a series of specially made aligners that are removable there are two things to be sure you understand before undergoing the expense of this treatment. First that it requires absolute compliance with wearing the aligners as instructed. Second, it does have its limitations. These limitations are influenced by the experience and skill of the doctor overseeing your care and the types of movements your... more
+2

Using Invisalign vs. metal braces

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... more
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Comments (3)

CandianMetalMouth 2 Aug 2012
Under the recommendation of a Canadian renowned ortho specialist, Invisalign was the preferred choice of treatment for minor enhancements. NOT TRUE! First off, my teeth were not bad to begin with. To paint a picture, all my friends and family said I was crazy to get my teeth straightened - they all said there was nothing wrong with my teeth but I felt a few teeth at the front could be straighter and my bite improved. I simply wanted enhancements. So 2 years of wearing invisalign, there were no significant changes to my teeth and still a few that were still not straightened. Not much of a difference at all. I have to admit my bite improved greatly but certain teeth were not being tweaked into place. I made the decision to move into metal braces for the remainder of the "refinement" stage. I would much rather continue with invisalign because braces are HIGH maintenance but I want my treatments over and done with. I was told 1 year would do the trick and now 2 years later, and a mouth full of metal, I'm frustrated. Can't wait to be done with it all. Next time I'm saving my $5k. Not worth it.
CandianMetalMouth 2 Aug 2012
To clarify, 2 years with invisalign, and now most recently, 2 weeks with metal braces. They have me scheduled to wear these for another 5 months??
CandianMetalMouth 2 Aug 2012
Under the recommendation of a Canadian renowned ortho specialist, Invisalign was the preferred choice of treatment for minor enhancements. NOT TRUE! First off, my teeth were not bad to begin with. I went to see him for enhancement and after 2 yeas of wearing invisalign, there were slight improvements with my teeth but not much of a difference from when I first got started. I have to admit my bite improved greatly but certain teeth were not being tweaked into place. I decided to move into metal braces for the remainder of the "refinement" stage. I would much rather continue with invisalign because braces are HIGH maintenance but I want my treatments over and done with. I'm already seeing much more of an improvement with the movement of my teeth in the 2 weeks I've had braces. Can't wait to be done with it all. Next time I'm saving my $5k. Not worth it.

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