Braces vs Invisalign®
Understanding the similarities and differences
February 10, 2025
So you’ve decided to pursue orthodontic treatment, but do you ask for braces or Invisalign®? And how do you know if they will both work for your smile needs? These are great questions and both solutions offer some distinct benefits. At McKinney Orthodontics, we take patient education very seriously and want you to feel informed and comfortable with your treatment plan. Let’s look at some similarities and differences between braces and Invisalign!
Traditional metal and ceramic braces
Obviously, one of the biggest differences here are the visible brackets; these are the metal or ceramic “squares” that are glued onto each tooth. Metal brackets are considered the traditional and reliable solution, while ceramic brackets are slightly less visible and a little more delicate. Both types of brackets use wires and rubber bands to slowly move teeth into the proper position.
Kids and teens enjoy (and actually look forward to!) changing the colorful o-ties (small rubber bands) on their brackets. This allows their personality to shine through and helps them feel involved in their treatment process!
Braces must be regularly adjusted by an orthodontist, which means that you will have appointments anywhere from 2-8 weeks apart. These appointments are typically fast, and at McKinney Orthodontics we offer flexible scheduling for your convenience!
We all know about the food changes – sticky and hard foods will have to wait until after treatment! Things like popcorn, nuts, hard candy, caramel, taffy, gum (and other items!) can get stuck around brackets or break them off your teeth.
Metal or ceramic braces require careful cleaning around brackets and under wires. Our team will give you instructions and tips on how to keep your teeth clean during treatment. We recommend water flossers, interproximal brushes and ACT mouthwash to prevent tartar and plaque build-up around your brackets.
At some point, most patients will need to wear rubber bands to help push or pull teeth in a certain direction. We rely on our patients to follow these instructions for the fastest and most effective results!
How much do braces cost? Just like Invisalign® your treatment cost depends on your individual orthodontic needs, but overall, the two are very similar in pricing. Insurance often covers both equally and our treatment coordinators are happy to run coverage and process payments with most insurance companies.
The duration of braces can be anywhere from 12 to 36 months, depending on your individual needs. Sometimes young children need “phase one” treatment which can be shorter, while teens and adults may need a longer timeframe. Slow and steady movement is key!
After your braces are removed, you will have bonded retainers, removable retainers, or a combination, to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position.
Invisalign®
These aligners are made from a thin, clear plastic, and although they aren’t completely invisible, they are pretty close! Many patients are interested in aligners for appearance purposes – they are simply less obvious than braces.
To make each Invisalign® tray, our staff takes a (painless!) 3D scan of your teeth, much like an x-ray with a small wand. We then compare this with the appropriate position and spacing for each tooth and finalize a digital treatment plan that will slowly move each tooth in the correct place.
This digital treatment plan is used to make 3D molds of each stage of movement, and the Invisalign SmartTrack® material is formed over each mold to create individual sets of aligners; the more movement required to properly align your teeth, the more aligner sets you will have.
Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day. Patients must be very disciplined about wearing their aligners faithfully AND changing their Invisalign® trays on the appropriate day! If you aren’t compliant in following your directions from Dr. McKinney, your smile transformation will take much longer! (If you think this would be a challenge for you, you may want to consider braces instead.) Check-up appointments are typically every 10-15 weeks to monitor your progress.
Aligners should be removed for eating and drinking, and this means that you can still enjoy all of your favorite foods! However, patients can run the risk of losing aligner trays during these breaks; it requires a little responsibility to keep up with them. Unlike braces, there are no rules about what you can eat during aligner treatment, but...
It is VERY important to clean your teeth after eating and before putting your aligners back in. Any food particles or sugar from drinks will be trapped against your teeth by the aligners! This can quickly lead to staining, tartar (a sticky film) on your teeth, and plaque (hardened tartar) if not regularly brushed away.
Because of the responsibility required with Invisalign®, it may not be the best option for all patients. Keeping up with aligners during meals, brushing consistently after eating, and replacing aligners on schedule is vital to achieving the best results.
Patients are happy to hear that dental insurance typically covers Invisalign® the same as braces and the overall cost is similar as well. Our treatment coordinators will check your insurance for coverage and include this in your treatment estimate at your consultation!
Invisalign® treatment is sometimes shorter, since it often moves teeth more efficiently. Typical treatment can last anywhere from 6 to 24 months, depending on specific orthodontic needs and how consistently the patient wears the aligners.
Just like with braces, we need to prevent your teeth from moving back into their “old” spots once active treatment is finished. Dr. McKinney will recommend a bonded or removable retainer to keep your smile looking it’s best!
Would you like to find out if you’re a good candidate for braces or Invisalign®?
Or do you have one in mind for your smile goals?
Each patient at McKinney Orthodontics begins with a new patient consultation – free with no obligation! Our caring treatment coordinators will discuss your needs and Dr. McKinney will recommend the best treatment options for you. Orthodontists can see dental issues that we are often unaware of; jaw alignment, bite issues, and other problems are sometimes not as noticeable in the mirror, but more obvious in x-rays and exams. These needs can affect the recommended treatment, and this is why it’s important to have an in-person consultation. We know that most new patients come in with questions and concerns, and we are here to help! Call or text us today at (205) 345-5524 and let’s get started on your journey to a healthy and confident smile!