Invisalign vs Traditional Braces Houston, TX
When it comes to straightening your teeth, there are more options on the market now than ever. Two of the most popular options are Invisalign® and traditional braces. While neither is definitively better than the other, both have their own set of pros and cons.
Invisalign and traditional braces are available at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston and the surrounding area. We can help provide you with the best treatment for your unique case. Call us today at (713) 979-4127 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Differences Between Braces and Invisalign
Traditional Braces
While they both achieve the same result, braces and Invisalign have differences in their course of treatment. Braces have been the traditional form of treatment for decades. Today's braces come in a variety of types, from tooth-colored ceramic, stainless steel, and even gold-colored.
Many people who wear braces can choose colors to personalize their braces. Oral hygiene remains particularly important when wearing braces. Patients must practice good dental hygiene with frequent brushing and flossing to remove food debris so that bacteria does not cause inflamed, painful gums or damage tooth enamel.
Invisalign
Developed in 2009, Invisalign has grown in popularity as an option for individuals who wish to correct dental issues such as gaps between teeth, crowded or crooked teeth, and an overbite or underbite. Invisalign Teen offers a nearly invisible way for teens to straighten their teeth without braces. Invisalign offers a series of clear, completely custom-made plastic aligners — called "trays" — that require no brackets or metal wires.
Patients receive a series of plastic trays throughout treatment that gradually shifts the teeth in the mouth to help them get the smile they desire. Oral hygiene is also important when wearing aligners. People must brush and floss before placing the aligners in their mouth and wash their aligners daily.
“While they both achieve the same result, they differ in their course of treatment.”
Length of Time
Though the result of braces and Invisalign remains the same, the time it takes for each treatment differs. Traditional braces require approximately 18-24 months of treatment. The average treatment time for Invisalign patients stays between 12-18 months, depending on the issues that need correcting.
For patients with minor misalignment, their Invisalign treatment may be finished as quickly as six months. Invisalign Teen must be worn between 20-22 hours a day, every day, throughout treatment. With both braces and Invisalign, the total treatment time varies.
“Though the result of braces and Invisalign remains the same, the time it takes for each treatment differs.”
Effectiveness
Both Invisalign and traditional braces remain effective at straightening teeth but differ in their approach. Metal braces rely on brackets, wires, and elastics to shift teeth. Once removing braces, most patients must wear a retainer every night to maintain straight teeth. If patients do not wear the retainer, their teeth may shift back to previous positions.
Invisalign uses removable plastic aligners throughout the treatment. As the teeth shift, new aligners are worn to continue treatment. Invisalign requires patients to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours a day, whereas braces require 24 hours a day commitment. Patients do not have to wear a retainer after the Invisalign course of treatment.
“Both Invisalign and traditional braces remain effective at straightening teeth but differ in their approach.”
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Dietary Restrictions
Certain foods remain "off-limits" when wearing traditional braces. Avoid sticky, crunchy, chewy foods, including chewing gum. Carbonated drinks and beverages that contain sugar (such as fruit juices) should also be avoided, as they can damage tooth enamel.
Your teen will not need to adjust diet — or give up favorite beloved foods — when wearing Invisalign. The aligners should be removed before eating and drinking. You should avoid foods high in processed sugars and carbonated beverages as they can damage tooth enamel, with or without Invisalign.
“Your teen will not need to adjust diet — or give up favorite beloved foods — when wearing Invisalign.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the differences between braces and Invisalign?
Q. How long do braces and Invisalign treatments last?
Q. How effective are braces? How effective is Invisalign?
Q. Are there dietary restrictions when wearing braces or Invisalign?
Q. What are the aesthetic differences between braces and Invisalign?
People Also Ask
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Q. What are the differences between braces and Invisalign?
Q. How can someone find the right Invisalign Dentist?
Q. Are clear aligners a time-saving treatment?
Q. When are braces more effective than Invisalign?
Q. What should people consider before seeking cosmetic dental care?
Aesthetic Differences
Traditional braces consist of metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands. For many people, this can be a source of embarrassment that leads them to feel self-conscious while smiling or engaging in activities with peers. Braces stay affixed to the teeth throughout the entire course of treatment. This can make eating some foods more challenging and may make brushing and flossing more difficult, to ensure all food remnants remain cleaned from the braces to prevent cavities.
In contrast, Invisalign trays are clear and thin, making them nearly invisible. This treatment is popular and can boost a patient's self-esteem while they complete orthodontic treatment. Many patients appreciate that Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating, brushing, flossing, or for short periods for work or social occasions.
“…Invisalign trays are clear and thin, making them nearly invisible.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which is more comfortable: braces or Invisalign?
A. Initial discomfort comes when placing and adjusting braces. The brackets and wires can also irritate sensitive mouth tissues and may cause the occasional mouth sore. The good news is, this is temporary. Once patients become accustomed to their braces and adjustments, the pain goes away. For the most part, Invisalign trays remain comfortable and custom-made to fit each individual's mouth. Some patients may experience initial discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners as the teeth shift into new positions.
Q. Which takes longer: braces or Invisalign?
A. The treatment time varies for each individual, depending on the issues that need to be corrected. For most patients, braces must be worn for 18-24 months. Invisalign treatment remains typically shorter, and many patients can achieve their desired results within 6-18 months, depending on each patient and the issues that need to be addressed.
Q. Are there dietary restrictions with braces and Invisalign?
A. When wearing braces, patients will need to refrain from eating certain foods and snacks, such as nuts, sticky foods, and gum. With Invisalign, no dietary restrictions apply. With trays removed when eating and drinking, no worries remain regarding damaging them with hard or sticky foods. Whether you opt for braces or Invisalign, you must brush your teeth at least twice daily and avoid food and drink high in sugars.
Q. Which is more expensive: Invisalign or braces?
A. The cost of braces and Invisalign treatment varies, depending on the issue that needs correcting and the length of treatment time. Every insurance plan is different. Check with your insurance provider for coverage information before seeking treatment.
Q. How often will I have to see my Invisalign or braces provider?
A. Patients with traditional braces usually see their braces provider about every four weeks for adjustment appointments. Invisalign wearers typically visit their Invisalign provider about every four to six weeks to ensure their treatment is progressing as planned. Invisalign appointments are quicker traditional braces since there is no need for adjustment.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Call Us Today
A beautiful smile is not just a matter of aesthetics — it can also greatly impact your oral health. Whether you need Invisalign or traditional braces, Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles can help. Call us today at 713-979-4127 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2025
- Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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