Invisalign® vs Braces: Which is Right For You?

Invisalign® vs Braces: What’s My Best Option?

Both Invisalign® and traditional metal braces are designed to give you the same result – straight teeth and improved oral health. So which option is best for your unique needs?

Have a look at our comparison table below. We’ve compared the pros and cons of Invisalign® vs braces to showcase the major differences and help you make an informed decision. You can also refer to our Invisalign® and Braces pages for more information on both of these options. Or, if you’re ready to learn more about Invisalign® today, book your virtual Invisalign consultation with Dr. Dari today!

	Invisalign® Clear Aligners	Traditional Braces
Appearance	Clear trays – Nearly invisible!	Metal brackets, but less conspicuous options are available. Can be customized with colorful bands
Treatment Time	20-22 hours per day for 6-24 months, avg	24/7 for an average of 2 years
Checkup Frequency	Every 2-3 months	Once per month
Average Cost	$3,500 – $7,000 average	$2,500 – $6,000 average
Covered by Most Insurance	Yes	Yes
Overall Comfort	Discomfort each time a patient switches to a new set of aligners. No parts to irritate mouth tissue.	Initial discomfort when braces are applied or adjusted. Brackets & wires might irritate mouth tissue occasionally
Hygiene	Easy to keep teeth & gums clean during treatment. Must remove aligners each time patient eats or drinks or else decay & staining can occur.	Extra effort needed to remove plaque & food debris from teeth & gums because they can easily get stuck in brackets.
Diet Restrictions	No dietary restrictions because you remove them before eating.	Must avoid crunchy & chewy foods because they can pop off or get stuck in brackets.
Effectiveness	Highly effective for mild to moderate alignment issues, but not for complex/serious dental issues.	Highly effective for mild, moderate, and complex alignment issues.
Limitations	Not suitable for patients with bridgework, back tooth bite issues, or extreme alignment issues.	Not suitable for patients who participate in rough contact sports
Discipline	Removable, so discipline needed to follow usage guidelines	Not removable, so discipline only needed to avoid certain foods.

Which is Faster, Braces or Invisalign®?

As shown in our chart above, on average Invisalign is faster than braces. However, with either treatment, the more complex the alignment issues, the longer your teeth will take to straighten. On average, Invisalign takes about 6 – 24 months when wearing the clear aligners 20-22 hours per day, while metal braces take an average of 2 years when wearing them 24/7.

Why Should I Choose Invisalign® Over Braces?

If you have mild to moderate teeth alignment issues, Invisalign may be a better alternative than traditional metal braces. Invisalign is often more convenient with clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth with little to no discomfort. Plus, there are no brackets, wires, or restrictions like those that come with metal braces. Invisalign clear aligners make it possible to correct common teeth-straightening and bite issues all without interrupting your busy life. Plus, they are virtually invisible when you wear them, so you can carry out your daily routine with confidence.

Do You Sleep With Invisalign® Aligners?

Yes, you do sleep with your Invisalign aligners in for the best results. As we mentioned above, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours each day, meaning it’s essential to also wear them while you sleep so they can do their proper work during the night as well.

We hope our comparison chart of Invisalign vs braces and answers to other commonly asked questions have been helpful for you to consider which is right for you. If you still have questions and would like to speak to our team of experienced, compassionate dentists, schedule your consultation today.

Why Choose Shapiro Family Dentistry?

Dr. Dari Shapiro has decades of experience practicing orthodontics in South Florida and is proud to be among the top 1% of Invisalign Diamond+ Providers in the country. This means she has more experience than 99% of all other dentists in the area, so the question is– why trust your smile with anyone else?

As a practice, we’ve corrected over 1,000 smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. In addition, everything is data-driven and non-invasive.

Dr. Dari has 4 convenient locations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Ft. Pierce. Schedule your consultation, or book your virtual consultation to see if Invisalign is right for you!