Invisaline Vs Wire Braces

Orthodontic braces are used to correct irregularities in teeth alignment for health reasons or for cosmetic purposes. Traditional braces align teeth through stationary brackets and tension. Invisaline uses a series of personalized aligners that gradually force the teeth into place. Here is a brief comparison of Invisaline and wire braces.

Cost

• While wire braces and Invisaline are both substantial investments, Invisaline usually costs about $500 to $1,000 more than wire braces.

Composition

• Invisaline braces are made of clear plastic and encompass the entire lower or upper half of teeth with one aligner. Wire braces are made of stainless steel and consist of brackets connected by metal wires.

Appearance

• Invisaline aligners are sheer and generally unnoticeable, whereas wire braces are highly visible. Color options, including clear, are available for wire braces.

Effectiveness

• A study by the "American Journal of Orthodontics" found that 41 percent of Invisaline cases effectively realigned teeth. Wire braces can be altered during the course of treatment to ensure accurate alignment.

Time Frame

• Average time frames for orthodontic work depends on the severity of the case, but generally takes six months to two years. Wire braces achieve results faster than Invisaline.