Braces vs. Invisalign: Which Is Better?

The answer to that question is this: It depends. It depends on the patient, their desires, their lifestyle and even their discipline. To help you become better informed on this subject, we’ll go over the pros and cons of each type of braces. Then, if you are in a position of needing to make this decision, you’ll have an excellent head start on the topic. 
Contact Us to Learn More
Young woman being counseled by patient

Each System Has Its Strengths

When your dentist recommends that you should receive orthodontic treatment, that’s when you need to look at the strengths of both systems. Yes, conventional braces and Invisalign both have their own strengths and each one even has a few weaknesses. 


Both systems of treatment are, of course, all about getting the right result for the patient. The goal of both systems is to move a patient’s teeth into their correct positions. The teeth need to be aligned properly to provide effective biting and chewing and to prevent damage to them. 


So here are some questions that should be asked before making this choice:

  • Does the person have the discipline to keep Invisalign clear aligners in their mouth for up to 22 hours a day?

    If not, the person would probably be better off with fixed, conventional braces. Braces that can’t be removed outside the dental office will do their job 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

  • Does the idea of wearing metal braces for up to two years bother the person?

    Depending on the configuration of the person’s teeth, Invisalign clear aligners may be a better choice. They are virtually invisible and create less irritation to the inside of the cheeks than conventional braces. 


  • Is it important to this person to avoid dietary restrictions?

    Conventional braces mean that a person must avoid sticky, chewy foods. But Invisalign clear aligners can be removed for meals, brushing and flossing. 


  • Does the duration of treatment make a difference to the person?

     When comparing braces vs. Invisalign, it’s good to know that metal braces typically take about two years to complete treatment. Invisalign usually takes six to 18 months but, of course, in both cases, the length of treatment depends on what needs to be corrected. 


  • Is a retainer needed when treatment is complete?

    It is likely that a retainer will be needed with both systems, possibly just at night. 

  • What kind of cleaning is needed for each system?

    A person with conventional braces just needs to brush and floss as usual. However, flossing can be more complicated with metal braces. With Invisalign braces, they can be removed to clean the teeth. The aligners themselves can be cleaned with Invisalign’s special system or by brushing and rinsing them in warm water. 


  • How often do you need to see the dentist with each system?

    Followup visits are roughly the same. The Invisalign system followup visits might be further apart. 


  • Does either system cause less discomfort during treatment?

    Both systems can cause some aching as the teeth shift into alignment. 

  • How do costs compare?

    The costs of these two systems are often fairly comparable. Orthodontic treatment with metal braces when the improvements needed are fairly minor could be less. 


  • Are there any drawbacks to either system?

     Let’s look at conventional braces first. Conventional braces can be uncomfortable for a person playing contact sports because the wires can cut into the insides of the cheeks. These wires and brackets can create sores and discomfort. 


    The drawbacks to Invisalign clear aligners include the necessity to remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything but water and to brush after each meal to prevent staining. Because they must be removed for meals, a person must be sure not to lose the aigners and also, to return them to the mouth after the teeth are cleaned. 



  • Who are they not right for?

    As mentioned, conventional braces are not ideal for a person playing contact sports. Additionally, a person who has public appearances or speaking engagements might prefer Invisalign aligners, which can be removed before these events, rather than showing off metal braces. 


    Invisalign aligners are not ideal for a person with bridgework, who needs to rotate canines or premolars, or who needs to move their upper teeth down or their lower teeth up into their correct positions. Also, as mentioned, Invisalign treatment requires a certain degree of discipline to keep them in for at least 22 hours a day. If a person is not disciplined about such matters, it would be better to go with conventional braces. 


Making the Choice of Braces vs. Invisalign

Dr. Ilya Freyberg, our dentist in Hollywood, FL, will help you make this choice when you need braces. He will use his training and expertise to determine which system will work best with the orthodontic situation you have and ask you relevant questions like the ones we have listed above. 


For many people who need orthodontic treatment, however, the idea of Invisalign clear aligners comes as a huge relief. They can smile easily and feel like most people won’t even realize they are going through orthodontic treatment. 


Dr. Ilya Freyberg, our dentist in Hollywood, FL, will help you make this choice when you need braces. He will use his training and expertise to determine which system will work best with the orthodontic situation you have and ask you relevant questions like the ones we have listed above. 

For many people who need orthodontic treatment, however, the idea of Invisalign clear aligners comes as a huge relief. They can smile easily and feel like most people won’t even realize they are going through orthodontic treatment. 


When you are seeking a dentist in Hollywood, FL, to provide braces to correct teeth alignment, talk to us. If Invisalign is the right system to give you a beautiful smile that is easy to clean, you can enjoy the virtual invisibility of this system, possibly a shorter treatment duration, and other advantages over conventional braces. If your smile requires conventional braces to bring about the best result for you, we can get you started on those braces as well.


To get started with Invisalign or conventional braces, call Smile On Us Dental in Hollywood, FL: (954) 923-7348. We will be happy to schedule you for an examination to determine which system would work best for you. We have appointments available seven days a week to make it easy for you to fit an appointment into your schedule. 


If you need to correct your smile, don’t wait any longer. Consult Dr. Freyberg, our dentist in Hollywood, FL. Get started on your more beautiful smile right away!

New Patient Special
Only $50

Includes Exam, Cleaning & X-Rays

*in absence of gum disease*

Schedule Your First Visit

Request Your Appointment Today!

Braces vs Invisalign contact us