Invisalign Aligners vs. Braces: What ??s the Difference?

The discreet appearance of Invisalign treatment makes it an attractive option for adults and older adolescents, creating a great smile without major disruption to one's appearance. But as Invisalign treatment gains in popularity, it has become a go-to treatment option for patients of all ages!

The short answer: yes!

To explain why it’s important to note that both orthodontic treatments are tools in the hands of your orthodontist. Whatever treatment you choose, make sure you select an experienced, licensed orthodontist who will safely guide your teeth into their correct positions. Even the best tools only work in the hands of the best professionals! You should be aware of the dangers of seeking orthodontic treatment without supervision by a licensed doctor.

If your orthodontist examines your teeth in the office and determines you are a good Candidate for Invisalign Treatment, then yes, you can expect the same effective, lifelong results as braces, with a beautiful, healthy smile and straight teeth!

Everyone’s teeth are different, which means diagnoses are different too: in certain cases, your orthodontist may not recommend Invisalign aligners for your treatment or may recommend supplemental treatment before or after you use Invisalign aligners – such as braces – to ensure the most effective results.

It is also important to choose an effective brand of clear aligners. While Diamond Braces exclusively partners with the Invisalign system, other companies – especially mail-order aligner companies – treat your teeth with off-brand plastic aligners. Invisalign is the first clear aligner brand and still leads the industry with the most effective aligners.

Invisalign aligners are made of SmartTrack™ material, specifically designed for orthodontic treatment and exclusively patented for Invisalign aligners. They also offer patented SmartForce™ attachments, which are designed exclusively to assist tooth movement with Invisalign aligners.

After decades of dedicated research and millions of dollars in development, Invisalign products are simply the best in the business, achieving the most effective results, and providing you with a healthy, lifelong smile!

Invisalign aligners can treat a wide variety of dental conditions! When it comes to teeth, there are many different forms of misalignment – and an experienced, licensed orthodontist is familiar with all of them!

Because Invisalign aligners are custom created for your unique diagnosis and dental alignment, they can treat a wide variety of conditions. With certain exceptions due to the specific case, Invisalign therapy can treat the same conditions as braces.

The most common types of misalignment (or malocclusions, as we refer to them in the field of dentistry) treated with Invisalign therapy are overbite, underbite, and crowding.

Overbites (Picture 1) occur when the top teeth overlap far over your bottom teeth. In some cases, the bottom teeth may touch the gums of your upper mouth. While a small overbite is normal, a more pronounced overbite can cause issues with chewing, speaking, or cause jaw pain and joint dysfunction.

An underbite (Picture 2) is an opposite: one or more of the bottom teeth protrude over the top teeth. Many patients have a crossbite: a mix of overbite and underbite. While these conditions are uncomfortable, they both can be addressed easily and effectively with Invisalign treatment!

Crowding (Picture 3) can cover several different “bad bites”: when the mouth doesn’t have room for all the teeth, or certain teeth are too close together before growing in. Again, because Invisalign aligners are custom designed for your mouth, they can effectively shape around all misaligned teeth and slowly guide them into place.

These are not the only conditions treated by Invisalign clear aligners. Read up on the various conditions treated by Diamond Braces with Invisalign therapy!

In those cases, your orthodontist may recommend another form of treatment or a supplemental treatment in addition to your clear aligners. This could include braces or other interventions.

Invisalign treatment is most effective when it is used properly. To achieve the best results, it's important to follow the treatment regimen: wearing aligners 22 hours a day, removing only to eat and drink, and cleaning thoroughly before putting them back in.

For that reason, Invisalign treatment may not be an ideal choice for younger patients. For these patients, or others concerned about maintaining proper care for their removable aligners, the permanent fixtures of braces may provide a more effective treatment option. If you’re interested in braces, read up on the 101 about this effective, safe, and attractive option, great for kids and adults alike!

And again, it’s important to remember that Invisalign clear aligners, like all orthodontic treatments, are tools in the hands of professionals. When you select a provider for your clear aligners, make sure to research the company. Your treatment should be administered and carefully supervised by licensed, experienced orthodontists. Treatment by mail – known as teledentistry – can seem attractive, but may have serious consequences for the outcome of your treatment. The most important tool to achieve a healthy smile is always a licensed professional orthodontist!

The cost of your treatment depends on your unique case. In some cases – especially expedited Invisalign treatment through programs like Smilify – Invisalign treatment may be cheaper than braces.

Generally, Invisalign costs are slightly higher than braces. This may be due to insurance constraints: some insurance companies cover only braces. However, as Invisalign treatment gains in popularity, more insurance providers are including this treatment with dental and orthodontic coverage.

Many orthodontic practices also offer flexible monthly payment plans to make it easy to pay for Invisalign treatment. Learn more about prices and financing your orthodontic care.