COMPARING YOUR OPTIONS
Invisalign® vs Braces
Both Invisalign and braces can create healthy, attractive smiles; the right choice depends more on your goals and lifestyle than on a brand name.
We'll walk you through how to tell if it's an emergency and what to do today.
Most smiles can be treated with either Invisalign® or braces.
Typical treatment time is similar: 12–24 months.
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How has your experience been with our team and our office? - I mean, everyone is super friendly, really kind. I'm big on asking questions and understanding the process and what's happening and everyone has been really supportive and giving me, you know, all the answers that I need, all the information, scheduling is super easy. I think a lot of people have impressions of, you know, dentists and orthodontist offices, maybe being like a little cold and impersonable, but I think that Designing Smiles has really changed that perspective even for me. It's just a warm place, you know? I mean, you're not necessarily hanging under the dentist's office, but you don't mind coming here. So yeah, I can't recommend it enough. - Awesome.
See what patients felt when we treated this concern.
Many people come to us with invisalign® vs braces. Their visits often end with relief and a natural-looking repair.
Read more reviewsWhy this happens
Compare Invisalign clear aligners and braces, including comfort, timing, costs and which option tends to work best for different smiles.
Which sounds most like you?
I want a nearly invisible option
If you prioritize a discreet look, Invisalign clear aligners are almost invisible when worn. Many adults and teens prefer this for professional or social settings.
I don't want to remember to wear aligners
Braces are permanently attached, so you can't forget to wear them. They work continuously, which can be helpful if you tend to forget aligner wear time.
My alignment is mild to moderate
Invisalign works well for mild to moderate cases. If your teeth need significant movement or complex rotations, braces may be more effective.
My bite feels complex
Braces typically handle complex bite issues better because they can apply more precise force and work with rubber bands or other appliances more effectively.
My teen needs orthodontics
Both options work for teens. Invisalign Teen® includes features like compliance indicators, but success depends on consistent wear. Braces don't rely on compliance.
I've had braces before and teeth shifted
Invisalign can be effective for correcting relapse. However, the best option depends on the extent of shifting and what caused it—often retainer wear is the key.
Invisalign® vs Braces
| Feature | Invisalign® | Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Clear, almost invisible | Visible brackets and wires |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no rubbing | May irritate cheeks or lips (brackets) |
| Removability | Removable for eating and cleaning | Permanently attached |
| Compliance | Requires 20–22 hours daily wear | Works 24/7, no compliance needed |
| Eating | Remove to eat anything | Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods |
| Cleaning | Brush aligners, normal oral care | Requires careful brushing around brackets |
| Treatment Time | 12–24 months (similar to braces) | 12–24 months typically |
| Best For | Mild to moderate cases, adults, motivated teens | Complex cases, bite issues, all ages |
| Cost | Similar to braces (varies by case) | Similar to Invisalign (varies by case) |
Visibility
Invisalign®:
Clear, almost invisible
Braces:
Visible brackets and wires
Comfort
Invisalign®:
Smooth plastic, no rubbing
Braces:
May irritate cheeks or lips (brackets)
Removability
Invisalign®:
Removable for eating and cleaning
Braces:
Permanently attached
Compliance
Invisalign®:
Requires 20–22 hours daily wear
Braces:
Works 24/7, no compliance needed
Eating
Invisalign®:
Remove to eat anything
Braces:
Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods
Cleaning
Invisalign®:
Brush aligners, normal oral care
Braces:
Requires careful brushing around brackets
Treatment Time
Invisalign®:
12–24 months (similar to braces)
Braces:
12–24 months typically
Best For
Invisalign®:
Mild to moderate cases, adults, motivated teens
Braces:
Complex cases, bite issues, all ages
Cost
Invisalign®:
Similar to braces (varies by case)
Braces:
Similar to Invisalign (varies by case)
Invisalign Teen® vs Braces for Teens
When it comes to orthodontic treatment for teens, both Invisalign and braces have their place. The best choice depends on your teen's lifestyle, motivation, and specific dental needs.
Teens often prefer Invisalign for its nearly invisible appearance, which can boost confidence during those sensitive years.
Invisalign aligners are removable, making eating easier—no restrictions on popcorn, chips, or other favorite snacks.
Oral hygiene is simpler with Invisalign—just brush normally after removing aligners.
Braces are permanently attached, so there's no risk of forgetting to wear them—they work continuously.
Braces can handle more complex cases and severe bite issues better than clear aligners.
Sports and music activities may be easier with Invisalign since aligners can be removed during practice or games.
Comfort can vary—Invisalign may feel smoother, but braces can sometimes irritate the inner cheeks or lips.
Is my teen a good aligner candidate?
motivated
keeps track of things
mild-moderate case
wants discreet option
comfortable with attachments and rubber bands
How we understand it
We review your bite, crowding, and habits, then walk through side-by-side pros and cons of Invisalign and braces for your specific case.
What to do right now
Schedule a consultation
We'll examine your bite, crowding, and smile goals to determine which option (or combination) works best for you.
Bring your questions and priorities
Think about what matters most—discreet look, fastest treatment, easiest cleaning, or handling complex bite issues. Share your lifestyle concerns.
Get a personalized treatment plan
We'll show you what each option involves, including estimated timeline, cost, and what to expect during treatment.
Make an informed decision
After our discussion, you'll understand the pros and cons of each option for your specific situation and can choose confidently.
What relief looks like
By the end of the consult, you should understand how long treatment may take, what it may cost, and which option fits your day-to-day life.
- •Invisalign Clear Aligners
When to call sooner: If you have swelling, fever, or trouble sleeping from pain, let us know when you call — we'll prioritize you.
Pro Tip
Bring a sense of your priorities—discreet look, fastest option, or easiest to keep clean—it helps us recommend the right path.
Ready for relief?
Same-day appointments often available.
Same-day appointments often available. We handle emergencies gently.
LEARN MORE
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Read articleCommon questions about Invisalign® vs Braces
Which is better, Invisalign or braces?
Neither is universally better—the best choice depends on your specific dental needs, lifestyle, and priorities. Invisalign works well for mild to moderate cases and offers a discreet, removable option. Braces handle complex bite issues better and work continuously without requiring compliance. We'll help you decide during your consultation.
Does Invisalign work faster than braces?
Treatment time is typically similar—both Invisalign and braces usually take 12–24 months depending on the case. The speed depends more on the complexity of your alignment needs than the type of treatment. Invisalign may feel faster because it's less visible, but actual treatment duration is comparable.
Can I eat whatever I want with Invisalign?
Yes! Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you want. Just remove the aligners before eating and brush your teeth before putting them back in. This is a major advantage over braces, which require avoiding sticky, hard, or chewy foods.