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Invisalign vs Braces

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Claudia Cotca, DDS
Question viewed 203,198 times
Tags: comparison

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?

24 answers to Invisalign vs Braces

+13

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
Mouhab Rizkallah, DDS

Boston Orthodontist
+4

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
Brian Povolny, DDS, PhD

Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

www.smilesatsouthcenter.com

+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
Gary Kloberdanz, DDS, MS

Greeley Orthodontist
+3

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
Susan Goode Estep, DMD

Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist

www.atlantadentalspa.com

+3

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
Jason K. Tam, DDS

Toronto Orthodontist
+3

Invisalign is great as long as goals and limitations are spelled out

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.
Matt T. Walton, DMD

Alpharetta Orthodontist

www.drwalton.com

+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
Ryan Sellinger, DMD

Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist
+3

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
Jennifer Jablow, DDS

New York Cosmetic Dentist
+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
Irwin Smigel, DDS

Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Same forces involved with Invisalign and braces, only different method

Invisalign creates forces on the teeth, like braces do, to make teeth move. It can be more controlled and has some advantages. However, like all things "too good to be true", there are limitations. I would discuss with your dentist or orthodontist what approach would be best for you.
Lance Timmerman, DMD

Seattle Cosmetic Dentist
+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
Doug Depew, DMD

Atlanta Orthodontist
+1

Clear vs. Metal

The moving reality may not be as Clear (no pun intended) : In my experience Invisalign (or any clear trays orthodontic system) is wonderful for up/ down, left/ right straight movement, however as torque is needed for rotations, metal/ porcelain braces with wire win hands down, in precision and efficiency. With wire braces, the movement is precise, as to direction and tension, which naturally tends to result in optimal tooth position,... more
Claudia Cotca, DDS

Chevy Chase Cosmetic Dentist
+1

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
Hasan Othman, DDS, MS, PhD

Lombard Orthodontist
+1

Each has its place

Teeth don't know whether they are being moved by braces or by Invisalign. I have cases that I actually treated faster than if I had used braces. No doubt, there are limitations with Invisalign. There are also limitations with braces. Sometimes a combination of the two are very effective. We can treat some cases beginning with braces and finishing with Invisalign. In those cases we place the braces where they cannot be seen.
Gilbert H. Snow, DDS

Encino Orthodontist
+1

Invisalign vs braces

Inisalign and metal braces both move teeth. Invisalign is removable. It is removed for meals and replaced after eating. Invisalign is a series of clear plastic trays, something like retainers. Each one is tighter than the previous one and the pressure moves the teeth in an incremental manner with each new tray. Traditional braces are glued onto each tooth. A wire is attached to the braces which applies pressure to each tooth and produces movement. these... more
Thomas Braun, DMD

Fairfield Orthodontist
+1

Invisalign? Better than Braces?

There are limitations on what invisalign can do and can not do.  Invisalign does not change back teeth bite. It can not rotate your canine teeth and premolars because it lacks a friction grip that braces that are glued to your teeth  have. Also invisalign can not accomplish vertical movement.  Invisalign is a great tool for most people that do not have the above problems. It is a clear, comfortabe way to correct most teeth with your patients and i have had to send... more
Robert Fields, DDS

Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Invisalign is a terrific tool. No tool does everything!

Invisalign can be very effective in treating certain misalignments of teeth.  Having personally treated hundreds of cases, I can say that when used properly and with great patient compliance the results can be terrific.   However, please review the blog by Mouhab Rizkallah, DDS - Boston Orthodontist.  He really has hit the nail on the head in terms of limitations.  Many of our early cases, the first 100 or so, we have retreated with traditional braces.  Now,... more
Kent Lauson, DDS, MS

Denver Orthodontist

www.aotmj.com

+1

Invisalign vs traditional braces

Traditional braces are metal wires and brackets (both metal and clear) that are bonded to the teeth. The brackets are not removable. Brackets can cause soreness and irritation to the inside of the lips, cheeks and tongue. There are limitations on what patients can eat or chew while in traditional braces (popcorn, chips, gum) these types of foods can loosen brackets and damage wires. Brushing, flossing and overall good oral hygiene are a challenge especially in school age children due to... more
Michael Ayzin, DDS

Costa Mesa Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Invisalign and braces - Braces are more complicated, unsightly

You should definitely take into account what your individual orthodontic problem is and what will provide you with the best results possible. Also, ask yourself: Can Invisalign accomplish your goal for the perfect smile? Do I want to wear wire braces? Is the treatment time a factor for me? Overall, braces are more complicated and Invisalign has more overall pluses, such as: it is comfortable, esthetically pleasing, convenient, less prone to decay, and are better for maintaining good oral... more
Alan E. Zweig, DMD

Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Invisalign is a different mode of braces. Wire braces...

Invisalign is a different mode of braces. Wire braces are unsightly and uncomfortable. They also take longer to get a desired effect. You remember when you had braces as a teenager the years it took and the many dental visits to the family orthodontist. Invisalign offers similar results with less invasive, clear "aligners." The aligners are used to make incremental movements in your teeth to the desired end result. Just like traditional braces, you will still have to wear a... more
Avo Samuelian, DDS

Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist
+1

How to choose between Invisalign and standard braces?

Invisalign is a very "sophisticated" orthodontic treatment modality. It uses clear aligners to move teeth instead of the traditional braces and wires. I love using this treatment option on most patients because of several factors: 1. The aligners used in this system are removable, so you can have access to floss and brush your teeth better than you would with regular braces and wires. This minimizes gum swelling/bleeding and the risk of cavities/white marks on... more
Michael Gorlovsky, DMD

Suwanee Orthodontist
+1

A few differences but both work well in many cases.

Both Invisalign and braces can deal with most cases. Certain situations where there is severe crowding or serious bite issues will need braces and/or traditional appliances instead. Assuming both can treat a given case (example, spacing, crowding, misalignment), usually, it takes around the same time. Key differences include: Invisalign needs more compliance. If they are not in your mouth, they are not working! Invisalign is clear and therefore much less... more
Ami Barakat, DDS

Ottawa Cosmetic Dentist
+1

It is important that your Orthodontist discuss limitations of Invisalign

Invisalign is a series of clear plastic appliances that slowly move teeth into position. It is a fabulous type of orthodontic treatment, but it does not do the more difficult movements that can be attained with traditional braces. Often, my adult patients, after being properly educated, will choose Invisalign for their treatment. We now offer TEEN INVISALIGN which has proven to be quite a success with the teenage population.
Salvatore A. Cigna, DDS

New York Orthodontist
+1

Invisalign is a non invasive orthodontic treatment

Invisalign is a non invasive treatment that in major cases is a great substitute for braces. The outcome of Invisalign is predictable and the patient knows the situation and limitations from the beginning. Also, there is no risk of cavity with Invisalign.
Bruce Vafa, DDS

Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist

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