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Invisalign vs. Braces: Pros and Cons To Match Orthodontic Treatments to Your Lifestyle

Love Yourself, Love Your Smile

invisalign-vs-braces
  • Dr. Monica Madan
  • January 7, 2023

Orthodontic treatment has always been the ticket to a perfect smile. From correcting minor issues like mild crowding and single tooth misalignment to eliminating severe bite problems, countless people have improved their health, appearance, and self-confidence with the help of orthodontics. 

For the last 14 years, the team here at Beverly Hills Orthodontics has treated a lot of patients throughout the Los Angeles area. From our locations in Beverly Hills, Studio City, Alhambra, or Downtown LA, the BHO team has been providing the greater Los Angeles area with top-notch orthodontic care since 2008.

We have consistently emphasized the importance of tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s preferences and lifestyle—then and now. As fellow LA residents, we know how hectic life can get around here, which is why we design orthodontic treatments to work around your schedule. A personalized treatment plan is especially important when discussing Invisalign vs. braces. 

During consultations, patients nearly always ask us how to choose between Invisalign and braces. As the two most popular orthodontic options today, the majority of our patients already understand how braces and Invisalign work, they just don’t know which option is right for them.

Truthfully, it’s impossible to say that one treatment is better than the other. Both options deliver great results and have their own strengths and weaknesses. The most important thing to consider is which option will work best for your lifestyle. 

If you’re considering orthodontic work, these “Invisalign vs. Braces: Pros and Cons” should help you determine which treatment is right for you:

Invisalign vs. Braces Pros and Cons

 

Invisalign vs. Braces: Visibility Levels

Aesthetics is a primary concern for many of our patients. After all, if you’re going to be wearing orthodontic appliances for 6 to 24 months, you’ll want to know how they will change your appearance. 

One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is its inconspicuous look. Invisalign clear aligners are completely transparent: once patients put them in place, it’s difficult for others to tell they’re even there. If you want your appearance to remain relatively unchanged throughout treatment, Invisalign is likely the right choice for you. 

Compared to Invisalign, braces are much more obvious because they use wires and brackets to realign your smile. Although modern wires and brackets are smaller and more comfortable than those of the past, they won’t go unnoticed by others. Thankfully, many patients don’t mind the look of braces—some even take to social media to show them off! #smilegoals #loveyoursmile

For those who are less enthusiastic about the look of braces, ceramic and lingual braces provide a more discreet alternative to conventional metal wires and brackets. 

  Invisalign Visibility Braces Visibility
Pros: Discreet, clear aligners provide a natural look during treatment. Modern braces are smaller and more attractive than those of the past, plus there are clear braces. 
Cons: With Anterior Attachments, trays become slightly less visible. Braces are still highly visible to others.

Invisalign vs. Braces: Personal Responsibility

Both Invisalign and braces require a certain amount of personal diligence to see results. However, these responsibilities differ greatly from one treatment option to the other. 

Invisalign patients need to wear aligners for 20-22 hours a day to achieve desired results. In general, patients should only remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and physical activity. Aside from those instances, patients should always wear their aligners, or they risk losing progress. In certain cases, patients may need new trays or require additional procedures to put their treatment back on track.

Braces don’t require the same level of conscious daily commitment. By and large, patients with braces simply need to brush and floss 5 times a day —and avoid foods that could damage brackets/wires (e.g., hard or sticky foods, popcorn, etc.). Beyond that, the most important personal responsibility for patients with braces is to attend regular orthodontist appointments.

  Invisalign Personal Responsibility Braces Personal Responsibility
Pros: Removable aligners make oral care easy and erase dietary restrictions. Braces are stuck on your teeth and can’t be removed.
Cons: Patients need to wear their aligners for around 20-22 hours a day to stay on plan and keep teeth moving. You need to brush your teeth 5x a day and floss at night, there is a significant amount of food you can’t eat, you have to maintain good oral hygiene, and brackets may break. 

Invisalign vs. Braces: Tooth Pressure and Discomfort

Invisalign and braces correct dental alignment problems by strategically exerting pressure on teeth. As such, patients of both will feel mild discomfort throughout their treatments. 

New Invisalign trays will cause a bit of discomfort for a few days. The discomfort is easily manageable and less acute than the pressure of braces, but it does last a bit longer and will return each time you progress to the next set of aligners—every 7 to 14 days. Moreover, every time you replace your aligner after removing it, you’ll feel the pressure resume. 

Braces can be uncomfortable in the immediate aftermath of a tightening appointment. Although the pressure isn’t painful, it is more uncomfortable than the pressure from Invisalign aligners. After a day or two, the pressure is usually gone until the next appointment. 

It’s also important to note that the brackets on braces can cause cheek, gum, and lip irritation. Because Invisalign trays are smoother than braces, they cause less overall discomfort.

  Invisalign Tooth Pressure and Discomfort Braces Tooth Pressure and Discomfort
Pros: Invisalign’s smooth, clear aligners typically don’t cause skin irritation. Tooth pressure from braces subsides more quickly than from Invisalign.
Cons: Can remove aligners when you feel discomfort which leads to lack of tooth movement.  Braces exert more powerful pressure than Invisalign, and the brackets may irritate patients’ cheeks, gums, and lips.

Have More Questions about Orthodontic Treatment? BHO Has Answers

Invisalign and braces are today’s most popular orthodontic treatments for a reason—they both work extremely well! Although they differ in terms of alignment methods, daily upkeep needs, and visibility, Invisalign and braces are both capable of correcting the vast majority of alignment problems. 

When seeking orthodontic treatment, it’s important to work with a practice that prioritizes your comfort and preferences. At Beverly Hills Orthodontics, founder Dr. Monica Madan emphasizes the value of the patient experience and crafts treatment plans that perfectly fit the unique needs of each individual. If you’re ready to begin your orthodontic journey, call Beverly Hills Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation and discover which treatment is right for you!

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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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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