GROUPON GUIDE TO CHICAGO

Invisalign vs. Braces

BY: Reuben Westmaas |Jun 10, 2016

When you’re researching teeth-straightening technology, it usually comes down to two contenders: Invisalign vs. braces. While Invisalign’s invisible aligners have obvious—or rather, not so obvious—benefits, the system might not be appropriate for everyone. Take a look at how these two treatments stack up:

What does Invisalign work for?

First things first: metal braces work better for more complex dental issues. If you or your child have large gaps, back bite issues, or teeth that need to move vertically, braces are probably the way to go. On the other hand, if your grin just needs a little tweaking and you love to throw the pigskin around or eat tons of crunchy foods, Invisalign can move your molars without significant complications.

Day-to-day maintenance

Learning to brush and floss with braces can be a trial, while Invisalign aligners are removable, so they’ll hardly interfere with your dental-hygiene regimen. But your straightening teeth may require a bit of extra attention—under no circumstance should you slip Invisaligns back on after a meal without brushing first. You’ll also have to hold yourself accountable for taking them in and out several times a day, while you’ll never have to worry about accidentally misplacing braces.

Adjustments and appointments

Both treatments require recurring dental appointments at roughly the same rate. About once a month, braces-wearers must come in to have their wires tightened and brackets adjusted as the orthodontist prescribes. Invisalign users schedule their appointments roughly every 4–6 weeks, during which time they receive the next sets of aligners they’ll use until the next appointment.

Cost of braces vs. cost of Invisalign

In general, braces are going to cost more the older you are. Costs can range from about $1,800 to $7,000 for a full treatment. For adults, the average cost is somewhere around $5,000.

In general, Invisalign will cost more than braces. Prices tend to clock in around $4,000 to $7,500, and adult Invisalign averages about $5,600.

Invisalign vs. braces: A timetable of treatment

	Invisalign	Metal Braces
Pre-Treatment	At your first appointment, the orthodontist digitally maps your mouth and determines your eligibility for Invisalign.	The first appointment for braces also involves digital mapping and takes about 45 minutes. You’ll learn exactly what your treatment will entail.
Month One	You receive your first sets of aligners, which are swapped out every two weeks. Each set is made specifically for your teeth, based on the computer-assisted program of treatment.	The appointment during which your braces are put on takes about 1–2 hours, and then you’re on your way to a straighter smile. It might feel strange at first, but you should be used to them by the end of the month.
Month Three	You’ve grown accustomed to wearing your aligners up to 24 hours a day, except when eating or brushing your teeth.	You’ve mastered the delicate art of brushing and flossing with braces on, and you’ve had three appointments with your dentist so far—it’s time to start considering if they are going to get a holiday card.
Month Six	You may well be ending your treatment time soon, and if not, you’re certainly seeing some major changes in your mouth.	After six adjustments, you are well on your way to Straightsville. Large gaps are closing and crooked teeth are improving their posture. You’ve likely still got a ways to go, however.
Year One	You almost certainly don’t have much longer to go, though some patients require an 18-month treatment. Either way, you’ve definitely acquired an enviable collection of transparent molds of your teeth.	Most braces treatments take about two years, so you’re probably only halfway done. Still, you’ve learned to work your braces into your overall style, either by choosing colors that suit you or opting for camouflaged ceramic brackets.
Post-Treatment	Once the main part of the treatment is completed, you may have some fine adjustments to take care of using more specialized, precise trays.	You’ll likely have to wear a retainer to fortify the changes made inside your mouth, and some of these may actually resemble Invisalign trays. Other than that, your total dental transformation is complete!