What is the difference between Invisalign clear aligners and traditional fixed braces?
The most important differences
It is important to understand the fact that these two different orthodontic appliances move the teeth using fundamentally different techniques. Traditional fixed braces consist of brackets that are glued onto each individual tooth. The archwire (essentially a bent wire) is attached to these brackets, which pulls the teeth into their correct positions. The more modern invisible aligner is a plastic tray that, when placed over the dental arch, pushes the teeth into the proper position. You can find more detailed information about this procedure HERE.
Advantages and disadvantages
From the patients’ point of view, perhaps the biggest difference lies in aesthetics. Although aesthetic versions exist among traditional fixed braces as well, these cannot compete with aligners, since no metal parts are needed for these invisible trays to work. Another advantage, and this is mainly from the treating doctor’s perspective, is that the Invisalign appliance is custom-made specifically for your teeth. It is tailored precisely to your needs, your anatomical characteristics, and your dental irregularities, exactly reflecting the meticulously created digital treatment plan. As a disadvantage, I can only mention one thing, that these trays can be removed by the patient from the oral cavity. This may cause cooperation issues in people who are less cooperative (for example during childhood). The traditional fixed braces cannot be removed by the patient, so this problem cannot interfere with a successful treatment.
Price differences
If I wanted to give a very short answer to this question, I would have to say that the invisible aligner treatment is a little bit more expensive than traditional treatment with fixed braces. Naturally, it is worth examining this question from several points of view. On the one hand, Invisalign is a modern, digital, and completely customized procedure, which in itself explains the higher price tag. Nevertheless, in simpler dental problems (those solvable with fewer trays), the price is similar to that of fixed-brace treatment. Moreover, there is no extra charge for each visit during the clear aligner treatment, but there is an activation price when we adjust the traditional orthodontic appliance. Another major advantage is that the whole price of the Invisalign treatment can be paid in three installments, whereas the full price of the fixed braces is due at the beginning of the treatment.
Aesthetic considerations
As I already mentioned, the clear aligner is one of the most invisible types of orthodontic appliances. The lingual (inner) device may also compete for this title, but in that case, we must give up patient comfort in exchange. The brackets of the traditional fixed appliance are made from transparent sapphire crystal, making them invisible on their own, but the archwire tied into them is unfortunately always metallic in color, thus somewhat visible. Traditional metal fixed braces stand at the bottom of the aesthetic ranking, although this type of orthodontic appliance has the most favorable price.
Comfort considerations
Comfort is largely based on subjective perception. It is true, however, that most people tolerate the smooth surface of the invisible aligners better than the harder surfaces of braces. (Buccal fixed braces may irritate the lips, while internal lingual appliances may irritate the tongue.) Pain perception related to tooth movement is subjective. It is worth highlighting, though, that since each type of orthodontic appliance achieves results by moving the teeth, tooth sensitivity when biting down may occur during orthodontic treatment, regardless of appliance type. That being said, Invisalign uses an algorithm that applies minimal but continuous forces which are more tolerable by the patients.
Which appliance should I choose?
Based on the information described above, it is clear that deciding on this question is not an easy task. Ultimately, everyone must decide for themselves which type of orthodontic appliance best fits their needs, personality, and budget. In my opinion, the greatest thing is that modern orthodontics offers such a wide range of options for everyone. Of course, our doctors at Netfog Dental Clinic are happy to help you decide. You can ask as many questions as you like in order to be able to make the best possible choice. If you would like to visit our clinic, click HERE and book an appointment! The consultation fee will be credited toward the cost of the treatment, so it becomes free if you choose to undergo orthodontic treatment with us!