Research shows that nearly everyone has some type of tooth misalignment, also known as malocclusion. This includes overbite, underbite, crossbite, overjet, crowding, open bite, and gapped teeth. While many people can live with their malocclusion, many others require treatment.
For many years, the primary treatment option was traditional braces. This involved the placement of brackets on the patient’s teeth, which were connected with a wire. The wire was tightened, which pulled the teeth into their appropriate position. While effective, this wasn’t the most comfortable or convenient treatment.
In the late 1990s, an orthodontic patient created a new concept: Invisalign clear aligners, which look similar to a retainer. The aligners fit snugly against the teeth, placing even pressure on the entire arch to push them into their appropriate position.
Dr. Jeremy Kurtz at Invisalign Toronto specializes in Invisalign treatment. He has supervised more than 4,000 cases during his career. This has earned him VIP Diamond status from Invisalign, meaning he falls within the top 1% of providers.
In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about the difference between Invisalign and traditional metal braces.
Both types of orthodontic treatment offer their own advantages and disadvantages. Here is what you need to know about the differences between the two so that you can make your own
Invisalign |
Traditional Braces |
|
Treatment Length |
Average of 12 to 18 months. Mild cases may take as little as 6 months, while more complex cases may take up to 24. | Treatment time ranges from 12 months for mild cases to up to 36 months for more complex cases. |
Expedited Option |
Invisalign treatment can be expedited, as long as you wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, and you keep your aligners and teeth clean. You may also want to ask about Invisalign Express. | As long as you keep your braces and teeth clean- and visit the dentist at least every 6 months, you may be able to expedite treatment with traditional braces. |
Benefits |
Better aesthetics Removable Fewer issues Easier to clean teeth |
More effective for complex situations Dental insurance may cover a portion of treatment |
Costs |
Treatment starts at around $1,200 for mild cases and goes up to around $8,000 for more complex cases. | Treatment starts at around $3,000 and goes up to around $7,000 based on the type and severity of your malocclusion |
Visits |
Requires fewer visits to the dentist- every 4 to 6 weeks should be sufficient for most | Requires visits every 2 to 3 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to braces |
Removable |
Yes, clear aligners are removable. | No, traditional braces are not removable. |
Maintenance |
Maintenance is easy- simply remove every time you eat/drink or practice oral hygiene. Rinse aligners after removing them and before putting them back in. | Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky, as these could damage your braces. |
Cleaning |
Brush them once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to remove bacteria and plaque buildup. | In order to get around the brackets and between the wires, you need an interdental toothbrush and a water flosser. You’ll need to make sure that you are cleaning your teeth twice daily. |
Comfort |
Aligners are made of a soft, smooth plastic. This means that they are more comfortable. | Brackets and wires can cause discomfort from rubbing against the inside of the mouth- and the pressure put on the teeth can be uncomfortable. |
Effectiveness/Speed of Straightening |
Most patients see full results in 6 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion. | Most patients see full results in 12 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion. A more complex situation may require up to 36 months. |
Hygiene Requirements |
No special steps or requirements for clear aligners, simply brush/floss as usual. | Requires an interdental brush and water flosser to get close to brackets and between wires. |
Gum Irritation |
No irritation expected with clear aligners | May cause lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated from rubbing on them. The pressure of teeth moving may cause gums to become irritated. |
Ideal For |
Mild to moderate malocclusions | Mild to complex malocclusions |
Average of 12 to 18 months. Mild cases may take as little as 6 months, while more complex cases may take up to 24.
Treatment time ranges from 12 months for mild cases to up to 36 months for more complex cases.
Invisalign treatment can be expedited, as long as you wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, and you keep your aligners and teeth clean. You may also want to ask about Invisalign Express.
As long as you keep your braces and teeth clean- and visit the dentist at least every 6 months, you may be able to expedite treatment with traditional braces.
Better aesthetics
Removable
Fewer issues
Easier to clean teeth
More effective for complex situations
Dental insurance may cover a portion of treatment
Treatment starts at around $1,200 for mild cases and goes up to around $8,000 for more complex cases.
Treatment starts at around $3,000 and goes up to around $7,000 based on the type and severity of your malocclusion
Requires fewer visits to the dentist- every 4 to 6 weeks should be sufficient for most
Requires visits every 2 to 3 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to braces
Yes, clear aligners are removable.
No, traditional braces are not removable.
Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky, as these could damage your braces.
Brush them once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to remove bacteria and plaque buildup.
In order to get around the brackets and between the wires, you need an interdental toothbrush and a water flosser. You’ll need to make sure that you are cleaning your teeth twice daily.
Aligners are made of a soft, smooth plastic. This means that they are more comfortable.
Brackets and wires can cause discomfort from rubbing against the inside of the mouth- and the pressure put on the teeth can be uncomfortable.
Most patients see full results in 6 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion.
Most patients see full results in 12 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion. A more complex situation may require up to 36 months.
Most patients see full results in 6 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion.
Most patients see full results in 12 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion. A more complex situation may require up to 36 months.
No irritation expected with clear aligners
May cause lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated from rubbing on them. The pressure of teeth moving may cause gums to become irritated.
Mild to moderate malocclusions
Mild to complex malocclusions
Both options are effective for straightening teeth, resolving common dental issues, and improving your smile. If you prefer a more discreet option, Invisalign may be better for you. That being said, if you’ve had previous orthodontic treatments, Invisalign may not be right for you.
Also, Invisalign may not be effective if you have severely rotated or crowded teeth, a severe overbite, large gaps, or displaced teeth. Traditional braces are typically more effective for complex cases such as these.
Invisalign has been proven to be just as effective as traditional metal braces for treating mild to moderate malocclusions. While this option can also treat more complex cases, traditional metal braces may be more effective.
If you have a noticeable malocclusion and are interested in your treatment options, schedule your consultation with Dr. Kurtz at Invisalign-Toronto. We have the experience and expertise to treat a variety of dental issues with Invisalign and we have two locations to serve you i.e 350 Front Street West Toronto, ON M5V 3W7485 Lawrence Ave W. Toronto, ON M5M 1C6.
While Invisalign has increased in popularity over the years, many patients still have questions. Some of the most common questions that Dr. Kurtz gets asked have been answered below:
You should rinse aligners every time you remove them or put them in. In order to clean teeth, you should use a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or a non-abrasive toothpaste to brush away bacteria and other debris.
Yes, Invisalign has been proven to resolve mild to moderate overbites- more complex cases may require traditional braces.
If you want to chew gum, you should remove your aligners. However, make sure that you are wearing them for at least 20 hours a day.
Invisalign aligners should be removed prior to eating.
Nicotine can cause aligners to become discolored. Therefore, if you are a smoker, you should remove aligners before smoking. Then, before putting them back in, you should rinse the aligners and brush your teeth.
Research indicates that Invisalign takes about 12 to 18 months, while traditional braces can take up to 36, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion.
No, you should not drink coffee with Invisalign, as it may stain the aligners. You may remove your aligners to have your coffee and then, after brushing your teeth, put them back in.
