Invisalign vs Metal Braces: Pros & Cons

Have you been wanting to straighten your teeth but unsure which orthodontic treatments to go for that best suits you? Our dentist helps you make a more informed decision. If you’ve begun researching different methods of straightening your teeth, you’ve probably already read about the two most popular choices: conventional metal braces and Invisalign. These orthodontic treatments are both commonly used today and have their respective lists of pros and cons. Choosing the proper treatment for you depends entirely on your preferences and unique needs. In this article, we will explore the various differences between the treatments available to help you decide which option is best suited for you. **Invisalign vs Metal Braces: Aesthetics** One of the biggest and most talked about advantages of Invisalign over metal braces is that they are unnoticeable.   In contrast, metal braces are noticeable and are fixed. While they’re often an affordable option compared to other types of orthodontic treatments, they’re not as appealing cosmetically.   One of the biggest and most talked about advantages of Invisalign over metal braces is that they are unnoticeable.   In contrast, metal braces are noticeable and are fixed. While they’re often an affordable option compared to other types of orthodontic treatments, they’re not as appealing cosmetically.   If you’re concerned about appearance or are looking for an invisible and more comfortable teeth straightening method, Invisalign would be your treatment of choice.¹ **Invisalign vs Metal Braces: Universal Suitability** Conventional metal braces are universally suitable — no matter how complex your case is. Braces can repair dental malalignment and any facial issues that stem from them.² This orthodontic treatment involves the use of anchors and arch wires to correct the position of crooked teeth.   While mostly effective, Invisalign may not work for people with severe dental issues as it is not suited for complex orthodontic problems.² You may speak to your dentist about Invisalign is suitable for you if you think you fall into that category. **Invisalign vs Metal Braces: Dental Hygiene ** Unlike metal braces, Invisalign allows you to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything and brushing your teeth. It will not impact your daily dental hygiene routine, so you can brush and floss as you used to before getting them and at the same time achieve your brilliant, sparkling smile.   With metal braces, this may prove a little more complicated. Additionally, if you’re unable to clean your teeth properly, there may be a risk of plaque building up around the braces — leading to stains or tooth decay. Those choosing this orthodontic treatment must be much more meticulous and cautious when going about their dental routine and will require professional advice on brushing and flossing with braces.  **Invisalign vs Metal Braces: Practicality** Despite being removable and making cleaning simpler, Invisalign also requires a very high level of compliance to be effective. This means that you need to strictly follow the recommended treatment plan, visit your dentist regularly, and avoid foods and activities that will compromise the results. If you fail to do so, the alignment can shift and require additional or prolonged treatment.   Although recommended treatment plans and dental hygiene are still necessary when wearing metal braces, they are frequently less restrictive than with Invisalign. **Invisalign vs Metal Braces: Lifestyle** Opting for Invisalign may be a substantial lifestyle change for those who lead a hectic lifestyle or enjoy snacking throughout the day. This is because you’ll need to remove your aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water and then rush to the toilet to clean your mouth before putting your aligners back on. Poor compliance with oral hygiene will result in slower and poorer treatment outcomes.   Because metal braces are fixed on permanently, they don’t require you to alter your lifestyle during the treatment drastically. You can still go about your daily routine as usual. As long as you have a good dental hygiene routine, you can keep problems like cavities and discolouration at bay. **Invisalign vs Metal Braces: Visits to the Dentist ** If you decide to go for Invisalign, rest assured that most of the work will be done before you wear the aligners. Your teeth will be scanned using 3D technology and sent to a lab to make your customised [Invisalign aligners in Singapore](https://advanceddental.co/services/orthodontic-treatment/invisalign). From there, you should follow the dentist’s advice on when to switch between the different sets of aligners. The visits to the dentist will be kept to a minimum, only to check in on the progress every so often.⁴   The frequency of these visits will need to increase if you wear metal braces, as they need to be adjusted. Every month, your orthodontist will review the alignment of your teeth and make the appropriate alterations. The treatments for Invisalign may also be shorter as compared to [conventional metal braces](https://advanceddental.co/services/orthodontic-treatment/braces).⁵ **Invisalign vs Metal Braces: Cost** The cost of orthodontic treatments is determined by a variety of factors. Metal braces typically cost between $4,000 and $6,000, with Invisalign typically costing between $4,900 and $8,000. These prices may differ depending on your location, the duration of your treatment, the intricacy of your dental issues, and the orthodontist you choose.   The higher cost of Invisalign treatments may be attributed to the extensive research and development required and the aligners manufactured specifically for each patient’s teeth. However, the complexity of your case also affects the final cost.   Contrarily, metal braces are often less expensive than Invisalign and are a better value in terms of cost ratio. **Conclusion** Taking the step to undergo orthodontic treatments is an important decision — that’s why so many factors must be considered before making a decision. This list allows you to narrow down your options based on your priorities and requirements. Remember to check with your dentist if you have any doubts to ensure that you make an informed choice!   Our team of dental specialists at Advanced Dental Specialists Novena will be happy to answer any questions about the different orthodontic treatments. Contact us today to learn more about braces at our [dental clinic in Singapore](https://advanceddental.co/)! ¹ https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12480 ² https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2005.06.002 ³ https://doi.org/10.1590/s2176-94512013000500011  ⁴ https://www.invisalign.com.sg/treatment-process ⁵ Image Source: Freepik