Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You?

Many people struggle to decide between getting Invisalign and traditional braces for their orthodontic treatment. It’s a conversation we have in our office again and again, as we help patients weigh the pros and cons of each option. Ultimately, every patient is different and the best option comes down to your lifestyle, your preferences, and your orthodontic needs. Here’s what to consider when you’re making your decision.

We certainly know the winner here: if you want a treatment option that doesn’t draw attention to the fact that you’re straightening your teeth, Invisalign beats traditional metal braces hands-down. Invisalign aligners are made with clear plastic material that’s virtually invisible––most people won’t be able to tell you’re wearing them at all.

That said, there are other options that aren’t clear aligners but aren’t traditional metal braces either. Clear braces are made with tooth-colored ceramic material to blend in with your teeth. Another option is lingual braces. These are a popular option for adults because the brackets are cemented onto the backs of the teeth instead of the front.

Traditional metal braces are slightly more affordable than Invisalign. While the cost of Invisalign is covered by more and more insurance companies, you’re still more likely to have a little more coverage for metal braces. If cost is a concern, metal braces come out the winner here. To find out the exact difference in cost, we can provide you with estimates that take into account what your dental insurance will pay for.

If your heart is set on Invisalign and your dental insurance doesn’t cover it, you can use funds from your FSA or HSA account towards the cost. Financing at ZERO percent can also be used to finance any expenses not covered by insurance.

Invisalign technology has advanced in recent years to make treatment time comparable to metal braces, but this is only true when patients wear their aligners for the recommended amount of time each day. If you have a habit of leaving your aligners out or removing them for special occasions, it will lengthen your treatment time. In most cases, treatment time is shorter with metal braces simply because they’re worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and never removed.

Invisalign can save you time in other ways, though. You’ll spend less time at our office because you can switch to the next set of aligners right at home, rather than coming in to have your wires tightened every four weeks. You’ll still need to schedule visits every six weeks or so to check on your progress, but these appointments are quick and painless––literally. Plus, with no brackets to break off or wires to bend, you’ll never have to disrupt your schedule to accommodate an emergency office visit for repairs.

Here we have a tie: both Invisalign and traditional metal braces are effective methods of straightening teeth and correct bites, producing fantastic results.

Still, there are some complex orthodontic issues where traditional metal braces are a better choice. We realize that can be disappointing if you wanted to get Invisalign, but it’s our job to give you the best treatment possible so you have a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

Are you ready to start orthodontic treatment? Contact us at 516-226-7337 to schedule an appointment at our Levittown office.