Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Patient’s Perspective Short FAQs

When you first know about clear appliances, various question marks might come to mind. What are Invisalign clear straighteners? Are they as effective as traditional braces? How do they work? Also, what are the advantages of using Invisalign v.s traditional braces? There are so many questions and a full range of comprehensive answers. As we walk you through this article, we will clear your doubts about this innovative and state-of-the-art technology for a beautiful smile. With no further introduction, let´s begin.

Invisalign is a system delivered to you in the form of clear straightening trays. Invisalign is a discreet alignment system you can easily take off your mouth. In short, Invisalign is comfortable, predictable, easy to clean, and is invisible to the trained eye. Compared with traditional braces, Invisalign is even more powerful in its results and gentler in its feeling. In practice, you can brush your teeth and eat as you usually do; you just have to remove your appliances and place them back once finished brushing or eating.

Also, one of the most common questions new patients have in mind when first hearing about Invisalign is knowing if it is as effective as traditional braces. And the answer is a bold “yes.” Invisalign is a system that provides staggering results, similar to those you can obtain with traditional braces in a shorter time, depending on the case. Even when most people relate the expected results with those obtained with traditional braces, as they had been in the market for several decades already, Invisalign’s acceptance is increasing not only in the US but globally.  

Firstly, effectiveness is to think about how Invisalign does its job. On your first visit to your orthodontics specialist, they will get a detailed 3D scan of your teeth. The specialist creates a map with a full-range view of your dental structure before customizing your future appliances. Once you get your aligners, your orthodontist will evaluate them to ensure they are comfortable and meet exhaustive quality standards.

Secondly, your orthodontist will make a plan with scheduled check-ups every few weeks. You will be able to track your progress at every visit to your orthodontist. As well as with traditional braces, the treatment duration depends on the complexity and severity of each case.

However, you can expect to see results a few weeks after starting your treatment. The attractiveness of using Invisalign is that you can smile and see how your teeth get straight, and people will hardly notice you are wearing any device.

Along with this, there are lots of differences between Invisalign and traditional braces. In most cases, comparisons focus on the advantages of each. We wanted to guide your perception of both by answering some common questions. 

Which One Needs More Care and Time?

From a patient’s consistency perspective, Invisalign requires more care. Invisalign is a removable system. A patient needs to wear them for about 22 hours a day to see results. Being removable means they can be lost or forgotten after meals or brushing.

If properly used, Invisalign accounts for quicker treatment, according to the severity of each case. Invisalign results are more predictable, resulting in fewer visits to your orthodontics specialist. Invisalign accounts for 80% fewer visits to an orthodontist than with traditional braces.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Invisalign and Traditional Braces?

When comparing, Invisalign undoubtedly presents more advantages than its predecessor, the traditional braces. Most importantly, a short review includes:

  • Invisalign might be quicker than traditional braces. Some patients start seeing results after 6 months, while traditional braces have an average duration time of 18 months. However, please note that generally speaking, treatment with Invisalign might take around the same time as treatment with braces.
  • Invisible to the trained eye. You can smile, and people will barely notice you are wearing a straightening system.
  •  Easy to clean. You can easily remove your Invisalign trays to eat, brush, and floss your teeth. Also, you have no food restrictions throughout the treatment.
  • Comfortability. Invisalign adapts to your mouth, fitting snugly around your teeth.

What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

While traditional braces have been in the market for several decades, Invisalign has been a revolutionary system for straightening teeth since 2005. Its digital innovations have been in the market since 1997 with Align Technology, a pioneering company in the digital-led section behind Invisalign’s technology. As technology evolves, researchers introduce new materials and equipment. Invisalign has also designed special features for teens and kids. Sturbridge Invisalign owns over 450 patents, including a 2011 digital scanning system for accuracy in treatment and improved materials that enhance preciseness and comfortable trays.   

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

So far, we have talked about many of the most important benefits of Invisalign in Sturbridge. However, an informed decision on whether Invisalign or traditional braces better suit your needs also requires a financial evaluation. We have collected data from various sources to prepare a chart with referential values and average prices per type of treatment. However, a disclosure is essential as these represent approximate values. Please note that there is a fee to switch from Invisalign to braces.We recommend a case-specific evaluation for a detailed treatment price.

Cost Determining Factors
Treatment Type Approximately one year & Lower Complexity

Rural Area

Approximately three years & High Complexity

Major City

Average Treatment Cost
Traditional Metal braces $1.500 $5.500 $3.500
Self-ligating $1.800 $7.400 $4.600
Cost Determining Factors
Treatment Type Approximately one year & Lower Complexity

Rural Area

Approximately 18 months & High Complexity

Major City

Average Treatment Cost
Invisalign $3.000 $7.800 $5.400

 

When dealing with the cost of each possible treatment, Invisalign presents an average price of $800 higher than self-ligating braces. However, compared to the time needed to complete treatment, the cost might be lower. Based on this observation, Invisalign is a better option concerning costs.  

Sturbridge Invisalign for Adults

Having a beautiful smile has become a standard for young professionals. They know that a beautiful smile projects self-caring and professionalism, especially in executive areas, customer service, and interpersonal relations. It is also true that mature adults are concerned with their smiles and turning heads to invisible and more sophisticated treatments for a beautiful smile. 

Sturbridge Invisalign for Teens

As kids grow and turn into teens, they start to care about their appearance.

In some cases, acne and crooked teeth, and traditional braces might make them feel self-conscious. Therefore, Invisalign has become popular among teens now using invisible appliances to straighten their teeth.

Sturbridge Invisalign for Kids

This appliance treats simple and complex cases from ages 6 to 10. This particularity includes shaping a smile from patients, including crowding teeth, spacing between teeth, and fixing dental arches.