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How Do I Know If I Need Braces or Invisalign?

Love Yourself, Love Your Smile

girls images
  • Dr. Monica Madan
  • October 20, 2022

Orthodontic work has changed a lot in the past few decades. Back in the 20th century, orthodontics was virtually synonymous with braces in the public imagination. But that all changed when Invisalign entered the market in the early 2000s. 

Invisalign brought the concept of clear aligner treatment to the mainstream. Marketed as an attractive and convenient alternative to conventional braces, orthodontic patients love Invisalign for many reasons, including:

  • A completely inconspicuous look
  • Total dietary freedom during treatment
  • Uninterrupted brushing and flossing
  • The ability to remove aligners at any time to eat, brush/floss, or exercise

Although Invisalign is a safe and effective method to correct a variety of alignment issues, it is not the best fit for every patient. While Invisalign hardware has advanced to the point that it can treat even severe alignment problems, factors like oral health, lifestyle, and personal preference may make braces a better treatment option for certain people. This often leads to confusion over which approach is right for new patients. 

If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do I know if I need braces or Invisalign?” Beverly Hills Orthodontics has answers. 

“How Can I Tell If I Need Orthodontic Work?”

Before we delve into the differences between braces and Invisalign, it’s important to start with a more basic question: is orthodontic work right for you?

People seek out orthodontic care for a variety of reasons. For many patients, personal appearance is a huge reason to undergo treatment. Studies show that issues like overcrowding, tooth gaps, and bite problems can deeply affect how confident and happy people are in social interactions. According to one study:

  • 1 in 4 adults avoid smiling due to how their teeth look
  • 1 in 5 adults feel anxious about the appearance of their teeth
  • 23% of adults feel embarrassed of their smile’s appearance
  • 14% of adults report that they reduce social participation in general due to the condition of their teeth and mouth

These numbers all point to adverse mental health effects and a lower quality of life. If crooked teeth or a misaligned bite are causing you emotional distress, orthodontic work can boost your confidence and help reduce social anxiety. 

Beyond mental health benefits, braces and Invisalign provide many physical health benefits as well. Broadly speaking, straight teeth are easier to clean than crooked teeth and cause fewer health problems over one’s lifetime. Those with bite problems are at higher risk of developing chronic jaw pain, gum disease, dental decay, and impaired oral functions than those with properly-aligned smiles. 

Patients that correct their alignment issues with orthodontic work benefit from a lifetime of:

  • Cleaner teeth and gums
  • Better oral functionality
  • Lower risk of developing jaw pain issues

Essentially, if alignment problems are negatively impacting your mental or physical health, orthodontic treatment is right for you. 

“How Do I Know If I Need Braces or Invisalign?”

Braces and Invisalign are by far the two most popular orthodontic treatment options available today. For patients with mild-to-moderate misalignment, both braces and Invisalign are viable choices to correct the problems at hand. Severe alignment issues are a little more complicated.

In the past, hardware limitations prevented patients from using Invisalign to correct severe alignment problems. However, recent technological advancements have enabled orthodontists to incorporate Invisalign into more extensive treatment plans to correct severe problems. Called “hybrid orthodontic therapy” or simply “hybrid treatment,” these plans primarily use Invisalign aligners to move teeth into proper alignment, but also use auxiliary appliances to perform complicated movements as well. 

Thanks to these kinds of advancements, most patients today have the choice between either braces or Invisalign to correct their alignment problems. In many cases, the decision hinges on which option will better fit into the patient’s lifestyle. 

For example, patients with severe alignment issues may find that braces are an easier option than a hybrid treatment plan. Additionally, Invisalign treatment requires patients to wear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Patients that don’t want to be bothered with that level of discipline will find braces to be a better choice. 

On the other hand, Invisalign offers a level of convenience that braces can’t match. Invisalign aligners are more comfortable, more discreet, and require fewer orthodontist visits than traditional braces. Moreover, because patients can remove their aligners at any time, Invisalign patients benefit from:

  • Complete dietary freedom (some foods can break or damage braces)
  • The ability to remove aligners during physical activity
  • Uninterrupted brushing and flossing

For a quick summary of the “Braces vs. Invisalign” dynamic, see the chart below:

 

Braces Invisalign
  • Can treat severe alignment problems without extra procedures or appliances
  • Always affixed to the patient’s teeth
  • Makes oral care more time-consuming
  • Limits certain foods from the patient’s diet
  • Requires monthly visits to the orthodontist
  • Requires a hybrid approach to correct severe problems
  • Can easily be removed at any time
  • Does not disrupt brushing and flossing
  • Complete dietary freedom
  • Does not require regular in-office care

Ready to Begin Orthodontic Treatment? Schedule an Appointment at Beverly Hills Orthodontics Today

If you’re wondering, “How do I know if I need braces or Invisalign?”, there is only one surefire way to learn which option is right for you—a consultation with a professional orthodontist. Whether you are dealing with mild crowding, severe bite problems, or anything in between, the staff at Beverly Hills Orthodontics can create a treatment plan that works with your lifestyle. 

Led by Dr. Monica Madan, Beverly Hills Orthodontics is recognized as one of the top Invisalign providers in the country. Offering Invisalign as well as conventional braces and accelerated orthodontic treatment, Dr. Madan and the BHO team are dedicated to serving the greater Los Angeles area with the best orthodontic care possible. Contact one of BHO’s four LA locations today to schedule a consultation. 

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

Let Dr. Madan and her team help you help keep your smile looking (and feeling) better than ever.
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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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