Years ago, there was just one option for straight teeth – metal braces. Since its introduction in 1999, Invisalign has become an excellent alternative to braces. Many patients that have lived with misaligned teeth well into their adulthood are finding that Invisalign gives them the chance to have straight teeth without impacting their actual smile.

1. Invisalign vs. Braces: The Top
10 Differences

2. If you’ve decided that you want to
straighten your teeth once and for
all, then the next step is deciding
which method of straightening your
teeth is best for you. In our Arlington,
Texas dental office we discuss your
options with you to determine which
treatment plan is best for your dental
needs.

3. Years ago, there was just one option for
straight teeth – metal braces. Since its
introduction in 1999, Invisalign has become an
excellent alternative to braces. Many patients
that have lived with misaligned teeth well into
their adulthood are finding that Invisalign gives
them the chance to have straight teeth without
impacting their actual smile.

5. Metal braces don’t offer this luxury. They are very noticeable, so
there is no denying when you are going through orthodontic
treatment.
Physical appearance aside, there are many differences to
consider when looking into straightening your teeth. The way it
impacts your smile is just one difference between Invisalign and
braces – here are 9 more differences between the two.

6. Invisalign is Removable; Braces are Not.
Traditional braces are metal wires and brackets (both metal
and clear) that are bonded to the teeth.
The brackets are not removable.
Invisalign is a series of specially designed clear custom fit
trays.
Because they are clear, the teeth can be straightened
without anyone even knowing you are wearing braces.

7. Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed to eat,
drink, brush and floss.
They actually encourage excellent oral hygiene because
you can easily get rid of food particles and debris in
between teeth.
Braces do not give you this luxury as they are permanently
affixed to each individual tooth.

8. Braces Can Be Very Irritating
The metal brackets used in braces can
cause soreness and irritation to the inside
of the lips, cheeks and tongue.

9. Be aware of food restrictions with metal braces
There are limitations on what patients can eat or chew while in
traditional braces (popcorn, chips, and gum). These types of foods
can loosen brackets and damage wires.

10. Invisalign Does Not Do Well When Making
Major Corrections To Back Tooth Alignment
In fact, it can really cause back tooth bite
problems if you try to move the back teeth
and fall short of your goals. Braces are the
answer to controlling back tooth bite issues.

11. Invisalign Does Not Work As Well When
Turning Or Rotating Cylindrical Teeth
The canines and premolars are tough to rotate
because Invisalign does not mechanically attach to
the teeth.
If a patient has many cylindrical teeth that need to
be rotated or if a tooth requires a lot of rotation,
traditional braces may be a better choice.

12. Invisalign Cannot Accomplish Uprighting
Root Movements
Braces accomplish this readily.

13. Invisalign Cannot Readily Accomplish
Vertical Movements
The aligners are designed to release in the
vertical plane of space.
Braces are physically attached so there is no
vertical release.

14. Complex Cases
Patients requiring major movement of back teeth,
correction of “cross-bite” in back teeth or combinations
thereof are typically better treated with traditional braces.

15. Costs Can Vary Widely
Metal braces are the traditional orthodontic treatment,
giving you a mouth full of shiny metal for an unknown
amount of time. Because every patient has different dental
needs, prices will vary. The national average for braces runs
around $5,000.
If braces are placed on the back of the teeth, the cost
could go up an extra $2,000 to $5,000.

16. When you consider the extra options
offered with metal braces, more cost
can be added to the bottom line. For
example, another option in metal
braces is to get brackets that match
the color of your teeth.
These cost about $500 extra.

17. Overall, Invisalign offers more major pluses and fewer
minuses: comfort, esthetically pleasing, convenient,
less prone to decay and better for maintaining good
oral hygiene.

18. As with most things in life, there are good and not
so good characteristics of any particular
orthodontic treatment. Consulting with a
knowledgeable professional is the only way to
determine the best course of treatment for your
unique needs.

19. Contact Us
 Mark C. Marchbanks, D.D.S.
 2624 Matlock Road Suite 100, Arlington, TX 76015
 Phone: (817) 261-2747
 http://arlingtontexasdentist.net/