What’s the Difference Between Traditional Braces and Invisalign®?

By Smiley Pearls | January 29, 2025

Are you embarrassed to smile in photographs? Have you ever wondered about straightening your teeth but worried about the cost, time or discomfort of traditional metal braces? For patients looking for a more symmetrical, attractive smile, modern orthodontics with Invisalign® is an increasingly popular choice. However, the difference between traditional braces and Invisalign® is important for patients to understand before committing to treatment.

Our goal is to help educate and empower patients to smile brighter and make the healthcare choice that is best for you. At Smiley Pearls, our dentists offer a modern approach to orthodontics, helping patients achieve straighter teeth and a more confident smile. For more information about Invisalign® and modern orthodontics in Sachse, please call our office to schedule a consultation.

this young woman holding clear aligners shows a key difference between traditional braces and Invisalign® being the removability of clear aligners

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL BRACES AND INVISALIGN®

While both traditional braces and clear aligners straighten teeth, the differences between traditional orthodontic treatment with metal braces and modern orthodontics with Invisalign® can be broken into the four primary categories. The key areas of difference between the two orthodontic treatment options are as follows:

  • Appearance
  • Treatment and Comfort
  • Diet or Eating Limitations
  • Oral Hygiene and Care

APPEARANCE

The most obvious difference between modern braces and traditional braces is their appearance or aesthetics. Although children often enjoy the look of metal braces and choosing the colors of the rubber bands, adults often prefer a more discreet look. Clear aligners with Invisalign® are custom-made, clear, plastic-like trays that are nearly invisible. 

TREATMENT & COMFORT

Appearance is not the only or the most significant difference between traditional braces and Invisalign®. The most functional difference is how the braces are attached. Metal braces are glued onto your teeth and cannot be removed during treatment, which can take 1-3 years depending on the individual case. On the other hand, clear aligners are trays that are custom-fitted to your teeth and can be removed easily at any time. The removability and comfort of Invisalign® clear aligners offers a clear advantage over metal braces. As an added bonus, treatment with Invisalign® or clear aligners usually only requires 6-18 months to achieve the desired outcome.

ORAL HYGIENE AND CARE

Hygiene care is another prominent difference between traditional braces and clear aligners. When brushing, metal braces require extra vigilance to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from around the braces. Traditional flossing (which should be done twice a day!) is impossible with metal braces. As a result, a water floss system is necessary for thorough daily cleanings. 

With the clear aligner system, your oral and dental hygiene routines remain unchanged. Because the custom-fitted aligner trays are removable, patients can brush and floss normally per your dentist’s recommendations. However, in addition to caring for your teeth, the Invisalign® tray should be kept clean and protected when not in your mouth. Invisalign® aligner trays should also be soaked or brushed, according to your dentist’s instructions, to ensure they remain as clear and clean as possible.

DIET AND EATING LIMITATIONS

Your chosen orthodontic system also affects what you can and cannot eat. Traditional metal braces have some well-known limitations about what you can eat, particularly no sticky or crunchy foods. 

Clear aligners are easily removable, so you can eat or drink normally during your modern orthodontic treatment. However, do not eat or drink with clear aligner trays in your mouth. Eating and drinking certain foods with clear aligners could damage or stain the aligners. Also, your aligners can trap food particles or acid next to your teeth, increasing decay.

WHAT IS THE COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL BRACES AND INVISALIGN®?

The cost of both traditional braces and Invisalign® clear aligners varies based on the individual case and the required length of treatment. If you are considering orthodontics, schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss treatment options for your unique health or cosmetic goals. As an important part of healthcare, many dental insurance plans also include options for orthodontic treatment. For non-insured patients, our office accepts financing options and also offers in-house membership plans to help make dental care affordable and accessible to everyone.

Overall, one amazing similarity between clear aligners and traditional braces is the ability to produce a straight, beautiful smile! If you are looking for a dentist in Sachse who offers Invisalign® along with honest, personalized dental care, contact Smiley Pearls today. Our entire team of dental professionals is committed to seeing our patients smile brighter!

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry