Invisalign vs Braces: Clear Aligners or Braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists says one appliance is not inherently better than another. The right choice depends on your treatment goals, your bite and your lifestyle, and the AAO adds that the orthodontist’s skill matters more than the type of appliance. Invisalign is one brand of clear aligner; this page uses the name only because that is how many people search, and the site has no link to any manufacturer.

Before anyone can say which option fits, the AAO explains that an orthodontist needs an accurate diagnosis based on records such as X-rays, photos and models or scans. From those records they identify the problem and build a customized plan. That is why this tool highlights differences rather than giving a verdict.

Braces stay attached to your teeth for the whole treatment. Brackets and wires apply steady pressure that gradually moves teeth, and elastics may be added for extra force. Clear aligners are trays that are hard to see and can be removed, which is a big part of their appeal, but also what makes the results depend on you wearing them.

• Visibility: aligners are hard to see; braces are visible, though ceramic and lingual braces are less noticeable
• Removal: aligners come out to eat and brush; braces cannot be removed during treatment
• Eating: braces mean avoiding hard and sticky foods; aligners are taken out for meals
• Visits: braces are adjusted every 4 to 12 weeks, according to the AAO
• Attachments: aligner treatment often uses small tooth-colored bumps bonded to teeth to guide movement

The AAO says aligners must be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day and in the correct order. That leaves about two hours for all meals, snacks and cleaning combined. Aligners only work while they are in your mouth, so taking them out often, or for long stretches because they feel uncomfortable, works against the treatment.

There are also small habits to plan for. The AAO advises avoiding soft drinks, flavored waters and sports drinks while aligners are in, and making sure teeth are spotless before putting the trays back. If that routine sounds hard to keep, say so at your consultation; with fixed braces, treatment does not depend on remembering to wear anything.

Braces are not only the traditional metal kind. The AAO describes several options, and some of them address the same visibility concern that leads people to look at aligners. Not every type suits every patient, so ask which ones your orthodontist offers for your case.

• Traditional metal braces with brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire running through them
• Ceramic braces with tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in, which may not suit every patient
• Lingual braces mounted on the back of the teeth so they are nearly invisible
• Self-ligating braces that use built-in clips instead of elastic ties

The quote section divides each fee, minus any down payment, by the number of months in the plan, with no interest. It also shows which fee is lower and the treatment length you entered for each. Ask what each fee includes, such as records, attachments, adjustment visits, replacement trays, repairs and retainers, because the AAO notes that everyone needs a retainer after treatment ends. For a financed plan with interest, use a financing calculator instead.