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Are Braces or Invisalign More Effective at Straightening Teeth?

Love Yourself, Love Your Smile

are-braces-or-invaslign-more-effective
  • Dr. Monica Madan
  • February 7, 2023

Thinking about improving your smile? Every year, millions of patients seek out orthodontic care to boost oral health and enhance their appearance. From children to adults to senior citizens, orthodontic care helps people of all ages improve their quality of life.

Today, most patients have a choice between two popular treatments: braces and Invisalign. Both options are capable of correcting the same bite problems and alignment issues, but they do so in very different ways:

  • Braces use a combination of permanently attached brackets and adjustable wires to apply pressure to specific teeth. Over time, the pressure gradually moves teeth into better positions. After 12 to 24 months of periodic wire adjustments, your orthodontist will remove your braces, revealing your perfectly straight new smile. 
  • Invisalign repositions teeth using custom-made clear aligners. Over the course of treatment, you will wear anywhere from 20 to 40 pairs of transparent aligners (sometimes more), switching from one set to the next every few days. Each aligner brings teeth closer to perfect alignment, and by the end, your smile will be flawless. 

Because braces and Invisalign are so different, patients inevitably ask us which is better. That’s a hard question to answer because every patient has unique treatment requirements. While Invisalign may be a better fit for one patient’s lifestyle, braces may be better suited for another. 

In this blog post, we answer one of the most common questions we hear during consultations, “Are braces or Invisalign more effective?” Along the way, we will take a closer look at how these treatment methods work and why they excel at treating specific issues.

Q: Are Braces or Invisalign More Effective?
A: It Depends. How Are You at Following Instructions? 

It’s impossible to give a definitive answer about whether one orthodontic treatment is better than another. After all, every smile is unique, and the physical properties of teeth, gums, and jaws, vary from one person to the next. Moreover, malocclusions (i.e., “bad bites,” aka tooth misalignment) come in many forms and disrupt tooth alignment in various ways.

Malocclusions (e.g., crowding, crossbite, open bite, underbite, etc.) also vary in severity, ranging from a simple tooth overlap to complex jaw problems. The seriousness of each condition can be further affected by a number of factors, including:

  • Genetics
  • Abnormally-shaped or abnormally-sized teeth
  • Missing teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • Physical injury
  • Poor oral health
  • Childhood habits (e.g., thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, prolonged pacifier use, etc.)

Given the diverse number of malocclusion cases and the potentially amplifying factors, it’s hard to answer—categorically—whether braces or Invisalign are more effective at straightening teeth. However, we can answer the question according to which kinds of malocclusions braces or Invisalign are more effective at treating.

Braces vs. Invisalign for Specific Malocclusions

Although malocclusion cases vary enormously from person to person, some methods are better suited to treat certain bite problems more efficiently than others. The reasons are related to the different ways braces and Invisalign work.

clear aligners icon

Invisalign aligners offer a higher level of precision when compared to braces. When creating aligners, Invisalign software allows orthodontists to target specific teeth. Consequently, one pair of aligners can move just a few particular teeth while leaving the rest in place. Such precision makes Invisalign more efficient at treating:

  • Open bites
  • Crowding
  • Retroclined teeth (i.e., angled toward the roof of the mouth)

In addition to these malocclusions, Invisalign is also more effective at general bite correction than braces. That said, Invisalign alone cannot treat severe malocclusion cases. 

braces icon

Braces move teeth with a system of brackets and wires so the orthodontist can change their positions by adjusting the archwire to exert or release pressure. Because the wire is connected to multiple teeth, it’s difficult to move a single tooth at a time. Attempts inevitably cause the wire to move all other teeth as well. 

In comparison, aligners exert only a limited amount of pressure. For significantly misaligned or impacted teeth, braces can apply enough pressure to move teeth in greater intervals. If you have severe malocclusion, braces offer a simple path toward a perfect smile. 

However, sometimes the most efficient solution to these cases is hybrid treatment—a combination of braces and Invisalign. With a hybrid treatment plan, your orthodontist uses braces to move teeth into a more manageable position before removing the brackets and finishing treatment with a series of Invisalign aligners.

In other words, if Invisalign alone can’t correct your malocclusion, hybrid treatment is the most effective treatment available. That’s why you need an experienced professional like Dr. Monica Madan to design a personalized, yet efficient treatment plan to perfect your smile.

Have More Questions about Braces and Invisalign? Beverly Hills Orthodontics Has Answers

It’s hard to state definitively which treatment option is more effective at straightening teeth. Although Invisalign can treat issues like open bites and crowding more rapidly, there are cases where Invisalign requires additional measures to correct a smile. Braces may be a bit slower than Invisalign, but they can correct severe problems without requiring a hybrid approach. 

Of course, there are many factors to consider beyond speed when choosing an orthodontic treatment. The only way to be certain about the option that’s right for you is by scheduling a professional consultation at a practice like Beverly Hills Orthodontics, 

No matter your age or what issues you’re facing, Beverly Hills Orthodontics can craft a treatment plan that improves your smile in a quick, comfortable manner. Contact one of our four locations to schedule your consultation today, in Beverly Hills, Studio City, Alhambra, or Downtown LA.

BHO has been improving smiles since 2008 and is recognized as one of the top 1% of Diamond Plus Invisalign providers in the country — as featured on The Doctors and in Allure. Call or text us at 310-785-0770 to learn more, or visit our contact page to book an appointment.

NOTE: All blog content is intended to supplement—NOT REPLACE—the expertise of a healthcare professional and should not be construed in any way as medical advice. Consult a professional orthodontist directly, like the ones at BHO, to assess your individual needs and advise the best course of treatment.

Your Smile Is More than just two rows of teeth - it's how you show your personality to the world.

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patient reviews

Enjoy our 5-star experience.

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our communities with the highest quality care. Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with us!

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Before finding BHO, I had consultations both telling me traditional braces were my only option. I knew my case would be a bit challenging but as an adult, metal braces weren't going to work... for me, aesthetically speaking. I'm so glad I followed my instincts and gave BHO a shot! From the moment I walked in, I knew this was the place. Modern amenities with a super friendly staff explaining everything along the way - what a great first impression! I just started my treatment and can't wait to see my results! Dr. Madan and her team are legit! Don't hesitate to get the smile your deserve!read more
Nydia J.
Our entire experience with the staff and services at Beverly Hills Orthodontics has been fantastic. Their knowledge, advice and care has been exceptional and I have no hesitation in... recommending them to anyone looking for first class orthodontic care. Special shout outs to Dr Madan and Gabriel for their above and beyond care❤️read more
Juliet P.
What a wonderful experience. Dr. Madan and the entire staff are professional, kind, and very understanding. So far they have made the experience of Invisalign extremely easy. I just wish I... had gone there sooner!read more
Claire P.
I recently relocated to Los Angeles and not long after being here needed to have some repair dental work done and did not know where to turn. I was given a referral to Dr. Madan and could... not be happier. I was able to receive an appointment really quickly and was advised of an immediate plan of action to get my corrective work going. Dr. Madan is extremely knowledgeable about her craft and to top it off, she has a great temperament that instantly put me at ease and made me feel like she genuinely cared. Her Beverly Hills office is vibrant, with really friendly & pleasant staff, who make you feel comfortable and bring all the right vibes! No question I would recommend Beverly Hills Orthodontics to anyone looking to have work done on their teeth and perfect their smile.read more
Dionnee H.
Dr. Madan and her team at BHO are truly amazing. She has treated myself and my daughter and we both now have BEAUTIFUL smiles because of her. She is an expert at what she does and is... caring and attentive. I recommend this office to everyone all the time!!!!!! The best!!!read more
Mia C.
Tia literally invented the Invisalign game. Changing lives one smile at a time.
William S.
BHO is the only place where you'd want to get your braces done! Their staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. Their helpdesk staff always greet you with a smile on. Dr. Madan and her team... of technicians are always ready to answer all of your questions, address any concerns and get you on the road to obtaining the perfect Smile.read more
Bella M.
Amazing people and amazing results-Highly recommend
Ben S.
I’m impressed by the technology and professionalism of Beverly Hills Orthodontics. They are knowledgeable about my unique orthodontic needs and were able to provide recommendations on my... treatment as an adult patient. I’m very excited to begin my Invisalign journey!read more
Victoria G.
Best Orthodontics around! Dr. Madan and her amazing team are always on point, bringing both my kids beautiful smiles. Have been coming to the BH office for several years now and absolutely... love the results and customer service! Would (and have) highly recommended them!read more
J I.
We had a terrific experience with Dr. Madan. They always worked with our schedule and made us feel welcome and happy at each appointment.
Audrey K.
Great experience. Treatment was quick and easy for me and the staff was great to deal with and professional. I’m very happy with my new smile.
Steve V.
I usually don’t do many reviews but I had to for this office! I am myself a Pediatric Dentist and I researched for the best office for my daughter. She just finished her Invisalign ... treatment at Beverly Hills Orthodontics and we are so happy with her smile! I have been practicing Dentistry for over 20 years and I am so impressed with the team here. From the front desk to the Doctors and their assistants, everyone has made our experience so wonderful! As a Dentist, I would recommend BHO for anyone wanting to improve their smile😊read more
Nina G
BHO is awesome and Dr. Monica Madan and their team are so friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. I started with some aesthetic improvements for my wedding photos and was very impressed... with the initial results. However, I had a major cross-bite that would typically require surgery to correct, which wasn’t appealing. After consultation with Monica she thought it would be possible to correct with Invisalign so we decided to proceed for the long haul. While it’s been a long time, the results have been outstanding. I wasn’t sure I would be able to be B withstand that long of the treatment and achieve these results but after seeing the progress it’s been very encouraging and motivating to stick with it. I’m likely on my last refinement and the before and after is remarkable and transformative. Their office is always bright, clean, and has a lively vibe going on. Always feel good being there and better when I leave. Couldn’t recommend them more highly enough. Monica has done a great job building this out and creating a great team and experience.read more
Matt W.
Beverly Hills Orthodontics has been a wonderful experience. The team are extremely professional and experienced. I completed my Invisalign treatment today and had enameloplasty and zoom... whitening to complete the treatment. I’m so happy with the results. Dr. Madan, Gabriel, and the rest of the team listened to my concerns, set up several check-up appointments with me to follow my progress, and provided me with refinements when my teeth were being stubborn. The office is also a great atmosphere with current music playing, friendly staff, and amazing views of Los Angeles from the dentist chair! I would highly recommend this orthodontic practice. Thank you, everyone!read more
Sophie D.
Great overall service staff was very helpful with explaining process. Would highly recommend as it was a smooth process with no surprises along the way.Would like to highlight the... multiple locations which make it easy for scheduling appointments dependent on where you live or what part of LA you will be in that day.read more
Sean M.
My son and daughter have been coming here for years! Absolutely love them.
Tarja C.
I started my Invisalign treatments here and the staff was really friendly and patient with all my concerns and questions. Love it!
Jana M.
Super great experience! Came in for my consultation around the beginning of the year with a plan in mind to have my teeth straight before graduation through Invisalign and the BHO team... completely surpassed my expectations. My USC graduation is in 2 weeks, I just got my brackets off and smile is looking awesome. Annabel and Gabriel were so welcoming, friendly, and made the experience that much better. Dr. Madan was awesome she was always around and extremely hands on, great personality! Definitely come here if you’re looking for an orthodontist!! 10/10! :)read more
Eva P.
Really great experience so far, especially compared to other ortho places where I've had treatment before. For example, my partner went to another place and doesn't hear from them for... months at a time, whereas this place uses an app to keep in touch every week.They were running a special when I signed up which took nearly $1,000 off invisalign - super helpful considering the price!!! I don't think it runs all the time so you might want to ask them - but they combined it with my dental insurance so the cost came out really affordable... less than $100/month for 12 months.Even when I needed tooth filing, attachments, and refinements across multiple visits, they were super kind and flexible to meet my very very hectic schedule definitely recommend going here!read more
Jonathan B.
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