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What’s the Best Choice—Braces or Invisalign?

What is the difference between traditional metal brackets and Invisalign®?

All forms of orthodontic treatment use the same physiological process of moving teeth and jaws into proper occlusion, or alignment of the top and bottom teeth. This is achieved by the gradual use of gentle pressure to reshape bone and gum tissue and guide new bone growth into the desired position. Treatments generally fall into two categories, braces—which use non-removable metal brackets and wires to move teeth—and aligners like Invisalign —removable trays that slowly guide teeth into place.

Orthodontist looks at Invisalign and shows a patient how they fit onto the teeth.

Braces vs. Invisalign: A Comparison

Feature Invisalign® Traditional Braces
Appearance
Clear, nearly invisible aligners
Visible metal brackets and wires
Removability
Removable for eating and cleaning
Fixed in place 24/7
Comfort
Smooth plastic, no wires
Wires and brackets may irritate mouth
Diet Restrictions
None
Many foods must be avoided
Treatment Time
6–18 months on average
18–24 months on average
Checkup Frequency
Every 6–8 weeks
Every 4–6 weeks
Best For
Mild to moderate alignment issues
Mild to severe cases, complex corrections

How Invisalign® Clear Aligners Work

Invisalign® is a popular brand of clear aligners that straighten teeth without the brackets and wires of traditional braces. Instead, it uses a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that gently move your teeth into place—little by little.

A dentist will start by creating a detailed 3D digital scan of your smile. Using that scan, we’ll map out your treatment plan from start to finish. Then, each aligner is crafted to make tiny adjustments—usually changing trays every week or two—to keep things moving in the right direction.

The trays are thin, nearly invisible, and fit snugly over your teeth. You can take them out when eating or brushing your teeth, but they should be worn at least 22–23 hours a day to stay on track. Because you’re in charge of switching to new trays on schedule, staying consistent is key to seeing great results.

At Dental Depot, we’re proud to be certified Invisalign® providers, helping patients across DFW achieve straighter, healthier smiles with one of the most advanced aligner systems available.

How Traditional Braces Work

Traditional metal braces use small stainless steel brackets and wires to gently guide your teeth into better alignment over time. Each bracket is carefully bonded to the surface of your teeth, then connected by a thin metal wire—called an archwire—that runs through tiny slots in each bracket. Little rubber bands (called o-rings or ligatures) hold the wire in place.

During treatment, an orthodontist will adjust the archwire to apply just the right amount of pressure to move your teeth where they need to go. Early on, flexible round wires help kickstart movement. Later, thicker rectangular wires fine-tune alignment and bite. For extra power in specific spots, small rubber bands (aka elastics) can be added and attached to the bracket “wings” to give your smile a little more push where needed.

 

Schedule an Appointment Today!

For more information on your orthodontic treatment options, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our orthodontists, visit our website at dentaldepot.net/find-location to find an office near you.

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