Invisalign vs. Clear Braces

A popular alternative to traditional fixed metal braces, clear braces have clear ceramic brackets or brackets that are shaded to match your teeth, so they are far less obtrusive. The archwires used to power the braces may also be tooth-colored or are extremely thin and are less noticeable. Systems like clear Damon braces may use special self-ligating brackets, which eliminates the need for elastics.

Because these braces are tooth-colored or have clear brackets, they are less noticeable than conventional metal braces. The materials used to make the brackets are not porous, so they are unlikely to become stained. The brackets are reasonably durable, so they are quite hard to crack, chip, or break. Clear bracket braces are less likely to irritate the gums compared with conventional metal braces.

Invisalign clear braces are not fixed onto teeth and, instead, use removable clear plastic aligner trays to move teeth gently. The trays are custom designed to fit tightly over teeth, and you wear each set of trays for about two weeks. You then discard this set and replace them with the next set in the series. Treatment continues until teeth are straightened. Unlike fixed braces, there are no brackets or archwires.

Benefits of Invisalign versus dental invisible braces include:

• Invisalign clear braces are fully removable, making the system easy to use and minimally disruptive to everyday life.
• Unlike clear braces with fixed brackets, patients don’t need to make any dietary changes but simply remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water.
• The aligner trays are made from clear, smooth plastic that won’t irritate the gums or other oral tissues.
• Treatment with Invisalign is often less obtrusive compared with fixed braces. Although clear ceramic braces are quite discreet, they are still more noticeable than clear aligners.
• Follow-up visits are not as frequent as for fixed braces and tend to be shorter because clear aligners don’t need adjustments. Invisalign aligners don’t have any parts that could become broken, whereas clear ceramic brace brackets and wires may become damaged or dislodged or will need replacing during treatment.
• Treatment with Invisalign can be faster compared with ceramic braces.

Although treatment may be faster with Invisalign, the system isn’t suitable for all bite issues. Sometimes certain bite problems are better treated with ceramic braces or with metal braces. Also, Invisalign treatment requires the aligners to be worn almost all of the time. If you misplace or lose aligners, it can delay treatment until you receive replacement sets. If you tend to misplace things, fixed braces may be a better option.