Comparing Invisalign and Traditional Braces: Cost, Benefits, and Common Treatment Plans

A hand is holding up an Invisalign tooth insert. It is being held between the index and thumb.


Your smile is a huge part of your first impression. As such, it’s a significant point of insecurity for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. With quality orthodontics and dental care, you too can have your ideal smile. 

If you’ve ever had braces or known someone with braces, you know that braces get a bad rap. In recent years, Invisalign and direct-to-consumer aligners have grown in popularity, but how do they compare to the old orthodontic methods? 

Invisalign Is Easy to Clean. 

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, dental hygiene is much more convenient than traditional braces. You can easily brush and floss your teeth without the hassle of metal wires and other dental hardware. You can also clean trays independently of your mouth, unlike traditional braces. 

Invisalign is Appropriate for All Ages

Adults and teenagers alike may be resistant to traditional braces for fear of appearing juvenile. Invisalign tries are transparent in appearance and difficult to spot unless you know to look for them. For athletes, the benefits of Invisalign are endless when compared to braces.

Invisalign trays are smooth and won’t cause uncomfortable scrapes on the inside of the mouth or snag on lips during contact sports. If necessary, the trays remove with ease. 

Eating Is Easier With Invisalign

Traditional braces have a longstanding reputation for trapping food in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. With Invisalign, you can remove the trays at any point for a snack or a meal and easily put them back on at the end of your meal. No more chewed up food stuck between braces!

Both Are Covered By Insurance

While the cost of Invisalign and traditional braces will vary based on insurance coverage, both alignment options are typically covered. Invisalign is often the more expensive of the two options, but the additional perks and benefits tend to be the determining factor. 

The Invisalign Process Is Convenient and Tailored to You

Treatment plans for traditional metal braces typically involve frequent dentist visits and uncomfortable tightening procedures. The Invisalign process, on the other hand, is quick and painless. After you express your initial interest in Invisalign, one of our qualified dental professionals will schedule an initial consultation. 

The consultation will include custom impressions that will be sent to Invisalign to craft your trays. Trays are computer-generated based on the impressions taken by your dentist. You can expect to wear each tray for 20 hours a day for up to 2 weeks per tray. Most Invisalign treatment plans are designed with a year of daily wear in mind. 

After you receive your trays, it’s important to schedule regular visits with your dentist to track progress and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. 

Invisalign: The More Comfortable Option

As mentioned above, Invisalign trays are smooth and free of traditional metal braces’ sharp wires and protruding edges. Because Invisalign trays are customized with a gradual treatment plan in mind, each tray should fit comfortably and without the just-tightened feeling of traditional metal braces. 

Curious about your Invisalign options? Reach out today for a consultation.

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Contact Us Today!

We look forward to hearing from you. Call us now! 703-243-3600