What's the difference between Invisalign vs Braces?

Invisalign clear aligner therapy, like braces (bracket and wire) are tools a dentist can use to create the proper force and momentum to safely re-position and align teeth.The aesthetic differences are easy to tell.  Invisalign treatment does not contain unsightly metal and wires, but rather it is a clear plastic.  Teeth have tooth colored "attachments" placed for anchorage and certain movements.  Hygienically, the difference is tremendous.  As, aligners are not worn when eating and drinking and are taken off when brushing and flossing. Whereas, traditional braces are fixed in the mouth and therefore are prone to trap food and are difficult to keep clean.After reading this, one may ask, why would anyone choose braces?  The answer is that in medicine there are always different options to achieve a desired outcome.  And there are always different variables that make one option better than the next.  Some variables are patient born - meaning is the patient able to be compliant enough to wear a removable device vs a fixed wire and bracket?  Conversely, is the patient going to have the manual dexterity to properly clean around braces vs easily removing the aligners and easily cleaning there mouth.   Additionally, certain movements or current teeth misalignment may be better served with braces over invisalign or visa versa.  Some variables are Doctor born - meaning some are more comfortable with what they have been practicing and/or do not have enough experience with different options and therefore, suggest the one they are more comfortable with over the other. If you are interested in seeing if Invisalign is a good choice for your specific situation, you should seek out an experienced Invisalign provider in your area ( look for Invisalign Elite or Elite 1% titles).  An experienced Invisalign provider can easily tell you if you are better served with Invisalign or better served with bracket and wires or a combination of the two.My hope for every patient who comes to my office for an Invisalign consult is that I can say the magic words:  Invisalign will be a great treatment option for you.  And for most those words are spoken.

Given the choice between clear aligners and brackets and wires, no one would choose conventional braces.  In our office we have completely stopped using brackets and wires.  We were getting equal treatment time with the same result at the same cost.

Well here are a few differences:Invisalign: nearly invisable; fast and require minimal adjustments; cheaper than metal braces; allow you to whiten your teeth as you straighten; are generally pain-free to inside surfaces of your lips; require short follow-up appointments; are safe for those playing contact sports; are great for mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth.Metal braces: unsightly looking; slower and require cumbersome adjustments, rubber bands, etc.; more expensive than Invisalign; make it impossible to whiten your teeth as you straighten; can be painful for the inside surface of your lips; require longer follow-up appointments; are more dangerous for those playing contact sports; are great for severe cases of misaligned teeth.That's my synopsis, so follow me if you have any additional questions

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.

Invisalign and braces are BOTH amazing, but the two options are SO different. In almost all situations (except a few), very similar results can be accomplished with braces and Invisalign in a very similar amount of time. So, what makes them so different??? THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE
On one hand, Invisalign clear trays are removable and can be taken out whenever you like. On the other hand, braces are glued onto your teeth. The two options provide a VERY different experience.
PROS OF INVISALIGN: A) Esthetics - of course Invisalign looks better than braces B) Comfort while eating - you are able to take the trays out while eating which provides a nice sense of freedom C) Less diet restrictions - with braces, there are more restrictions on foods that you not supposed to eat
PROS OF BRACES: A) Less responsibility - you don't have to worry about taking trays in and out because they are glued onto your teeth B) Predictability - because braces take compliance of wearing trays out of the picture
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN BRACES AND INVISALIGN: A) Your friends will know you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment whether your have braces or Invisalign - it's not a secret B) Mild discomfort - discomfort in orthodontics is from your teeth moving so soreness can be expected from either treatment modality. B) Time of treatment - if accomplished as efficiently as possible, braces and Invisalign should move your teeth in a similar amount of time 
DECISION TIME!!!! I think the two most important aspects to make this decision are (1) Your view on the appearance of braces AND (2) Responsibility.
-If you do not like the appearance of braces and you know that you will be responsible wearing the Invisalign trays, you likely will choose Invisalign.
-If you do not like the appearance of braces but don't think you will be responsible wearing the Invisalign trays, you may try Invisalign but clear braces may really be the best option.
-If you do not mind the appearance of braces and know that you will be responsible wearing the Invisalign trays, any option is probably good.
-If you do not mind the appearance of braces and don't think you will be responsible wearing the Invisalign trays, you will likely choose metal braces or clear braces.