Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Right For You?

Are you among the 57% of people who feel insecure about their teeth? Do you often find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh or smiling for photos with your lips pursed?

If so, it’s time to get that beautiful smile you deserve. The good news is there are more options than ever before for making your teeth straight.

In the battle of Invisalign vs braces, which one comes out on top? Here’s a quick overview of your options so you can decide which is best for you.

Invisalign vs Braces Effectiveness

First up, let’s discuss one of the main pros and cons Invisalign and braces offer: how effective they are.

Both treatments are equally effective at straightening your teeth. Because braces are affixed to your teeth and your dentist makes routine adjustments, you don’t have to do much except keep them clean.

Invisalign requires a little more effort on your part if you want them to work as planned. You’ll remove them to eat, drink, and brush your teeth, but otherwise, you’ll need to wear them at least 22 hours a day. If you don’t, the treatment won’t be as effective.

Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Faster?

We’ll speak in generalities since every dental case is unique. More often than not, Invisalign works faster than traditional braces.

Invisalign users can expect to wear their aligners between 12 and 18 months. Those who opt for brace can expect to wear them for around two years, or up to three years for more complex issues.

Again, these aren’t hard and fast rules. If you choose Invisalign but don’t wear your aligners as much as you should, it will take longer to complete your treatment. Meanwhile, adults with only slight misalignments may get away with wearing metal braces for only a year or so.

Invisalign vs Braces Cost

The price you’ll pay to straighten your teeth depends largely on your locale, but here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay.

Those concerned about price should opt for braces, as these are (almost) always cheaper than Invisalign. Expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 for metal braces. You’ll also need to factor in time to visit your dentist each month for checkups and adjustments.

Meanwhile, the average cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,500 up to $8,000. The exact price will depend on the severity of your misalignment and how long you’ll need to wear the aligners.

If you have dental insurance, traditional braces are often covered. Your insurer may cover part of your Invisalign treatment, but it depends on your policy. Be sure to read the fine print to find out what’s covered and how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket.

Invisalign vs Braces: Pros and Cons

There’s no clear winner in the debate over Invisalign vs braces. Both have their merits and both do exactly what they’re designed to do — give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!

Your best bet is to speak with your dentist to determine which option is best for your lifestyle and needs.

Now that you’re well-versed in this dental discussion, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more great tips and advice!