Weighing the Pros and Cons of Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign

Having orthodontic treatment is virtually a no-brainer, improving your smile aesthetics and aligning your teeth to help reduce your risk of future oral health problems. What isn’t as clear is which treatment option — traditional braces or Invisalign® — is better for you.

At A Caring Dental Group in Cleveland, Ohio, Benedict Kim, DDS, offers both traditional braces and Invisalign, so you can feel confident you’ll enjoy the best possible results from your treatment. If you aren’t sure which option is right for you, this quick comparison can help.

Pros and cons of braces

Braces are a time-tested method for straightening your teeth, with a long history of success. Composed of wires and brackets that adhere to your teeth, traditional braces are an excellent choice for people with complex alignment issues or unusual bite problems. 

Today’s braces are available in a variety of styles, including ceramic options that use brackets colored to match your teeth so they’re less visible. Plus, because traditional braces are attached to your tooth surfaces, you don’t have to worry about complying with a specific schedule — your braces are always there doing their job without any interaction from you.

On the flip side, traditional braces are more visible than Invisalign, and the wires and brackets can be irritating (although a quick adjustment with our team can help). Cleaning your braces and brushing and flossing your teeth definitely take some practice too.

You’ll also need to watch what you eat with braces — no chewy, sticky, or very hard foods since they can damage your wires or get stuck in your brackets. Finally, treatment with traditional braces tends to take a little longer, and you’ll need to visit us more often for adjustments — typically about once a month.

Pros and cons of Invisalign

Most people know Invisalign aligners for their virtually invisible design, a feature that makes them appealing to anyone who wants to straighten their teeth more discreetly. The smooth aligners are more comfortable, lacking wires or brackets that can irritate your soft tissues.

Invisalign aligners are also removable, making it easier to brush and floss your teeth. Plus, since you remove your aligners for meals, there are no dietary restrictions to worry about. Invisalign tends to work a little faster for most people, and you won’t need to visit us quite as often during treatment.

That said, there are some cons to consider. One of the biggest downsides of Invisalign is compliance. You must be rigorous in wearing your aligners exactly as prescribed — roughly 23 hours every day — for them to work properly. If you don’t want to be bothered with remembering to wear them as directed, traditional braces are probably a better choice.

Design enhancements over the years mean Invisalign aligners can be used to treat many of the same issues as traditional braces, but they may not be right for more complex cases. Aligners can also be damaged, scratched, and stained, which means maintaining a regular care routine is essential.

Making the choice

Deciding between traditional braces and Invisalign will be guided in part by the orthodontic issues you’re facing. If either option is suitable, then it’s important to think about your lifestyle and personal preferences.

During your initial consultation and evaluation, our team reviews your options with you so you can feel confident you’re making the right decision for your beautiful smile. To learn more about your orthodontic treatment options, call A Caring Dental Group or book an appointment online today.