The total cost of either treatment will really depend on the severity of the case. Generally speaking, Invisalign will end up being a little bit less expensive than braces making it often the more economical choice, but as braces are fitter for treating severe cases, once the misalignment is beyond moderate, may end up being the more affordable and only effective option. Both options will vary, with Invisalign typically starting around $3,500 for the quick and simple cases but can be closer to $8,000 for more complex cases. Braces will start a little higher than Invisalign at $4,000 for the simple cases but range up to $10,000 for the longer-term or severe cases.

When worn the minimum required amount for treatment, the average amount of time required for Invisalign to attain the desired results is a bit quicker than the average timeline for braces. However, it should be noted that most cases that can be corrected through the use of Invisalign are typically less severe than what requires braces for treatment, so the amount of realigning that is required in order to reach the desired results is less movement overall. The average timeline for Invisalign treatment is around 12 months, whereas the average timeline for braces is somewhere closer to 18 to 24 months.

The pain that is most commonly associated with braces and Invisalign is the aching or tenderness that occurs when the teeth are being moved after adjustments have been made or a new aligner is being used. This is the only discomfort or pain that is commonly noted throughout Invisalign treatments. However, there is some more irritation associated with braces that are not present in Invisalign, which is that the wire and brackets that are attached to the teeth have a rough surface that is in direct contact with the inside of your lips and cheeks. Many patients with braces will also get a specific type of wax from their orthodontist that can be placed on exposed wire ends or particularly irritating brackets to prevent their lips and cheeks from becoming irritated, whereas Invisalign only has smooth surfaces when the aligners are in place. Due to this difference, it is likely that Invisalign will be the less painful option of the two.

The efficacy of treatment is dependent on the severity of misalignment in the teeth. Invisalign can be considered very effective for those with only minor adjustments required in order to attain straight teeth, but braces can adjust several teeth or factors causing misalignment at once and use more force than Invisalign aligners are capable, making braces much more effective for any scenarios that aren’t just simple or minor. As well, the efficacy of Invisalign treatments depends on the ability of the patient to reliably wear the aligners as much as possible and to take proper care of the aligners when they are removed, whereas braces are glued onto the teeth, allowing them to be working on moving the teeth 100% of the time. The orthodontist will assess your realignment needs and can discuss with you which option would be considered more effective depending on the severity of your case and your lifestyle needs.

One of the reasons adults will opt for Invisalign to treat their mild to moderate misalignment of teeth rather than braces is due to the fact that it is much easier to maintain the teeth with the ability to remove the aligners whenever necessary. Simple hygienic tasks such as brushing and flossing are significantly easier when you can simply remove the aligners. However, Invisalign also requires that the patient ensure the aligners are worn as frequently as possible and that the aligners are properly cleaned and stored when not in use. Braces make flossing and brushing a bit more difficult, but there is far less maintenance that is needed to be done by the patient on them, other than adhering to dietary recommendations to ensure that no brackets or wires are damaged.
 
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