Are Invisible Braces Better Than Metal Ones?

There is sometimes a debate over which option is better when it comes to straightening teeth: invisible braces or traditional metal/porcelain ones. Each type of braces has its own merits, and each can be used for different things, so it's important to know what you’re getting into before making a choice for your specific situation.

In this post, we will compare some of the different factors of invisible braces like Invisalign (trays) and traditional over-the-teeth metal braces. We will compare the functionality, comfort, time it takes, and whether or not they are effective once the treatment is complete.

Functionality

When comparing invisible braces versus traditional ones, it’s important to remember what each one is designed for.

Traditional braces are designed to correct teeth spacing issues of all types, from mild crowding to severe overbites and overjets. The metal braces are designed to forcibly move teeth into position over time, and because of the way the wires work, they can fix nearly any teeth-related issue.

Invisalign braces, on the other hand, are designed to gently correct mild to moderate alignment issues over a shorter period of time. The trays themselves only act to nudge the teeth in position because they lack the force of metal braces.

Comfort

Traditional braces are fairly comfortable so long as they are fitted and installed correctly. Though with adjustments and changes, metal braces can become uncomfortable.

Invisible braces are slightly more comfortable in that they don’t impact the mouth as much, but they are designed not to be removed, which makes them painful after prolonged wearing.

Time

Traditional braces typically take 18 to 24 months to fully correct teeth issues just depending on the severity of the correction necessary.

Invisible braces, by contrast, typically take 12 to 18 months to finish treatment. This makes invisible braces the clear winner in terms of the time commitment.

Effectiveness

This category is relative to the treatment needed, but in terms of overall success, metal braces are simply more effective because they can treat a wider variety of teeth alignment issues. While many prefer the less time and comfort of invisible braces, they simply cannot treat severe issues.

The choice will come down to your individual needs.