Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?

 Posted on November 17, 2025 in Invisalign

Braces are a rite of passage for many young people, and they may also be used by adults to correct misaligned teeth, bite problems, and other issues. However, many people are hesitant to use braces due to the pain that they cause, the dietary restrictions that may be required, and the appearance of metal brackets and wires on their teeth. Invisalign provides an alternative to braces, but people may wonder whether it is truly a better option.

Braces vs. Invisalign

To determine whether Invisalign may be preferred over braces, it can help to understand how the treatments work. Braces require the installation of metal brackets and wires on the teeth. Metal bands are placed around the molars, and brackets are attached to other teeth with bonding agents. Wires threaded through the bands and brackets are tightened and adjusted as needed to gradually move the teeth into place.

With Invisalign, no brackets or wires are needed. Instead, clear plastic aligners are used to move teeth into the proper positions. These aligners are created after taking digital scans of a patient’s teeth. They place gentle pressure on teeth, slowly moving them into place. Each set of aligners is worn for a few weeks, and at regular office visits, new sets of aligners are provided to make sure treatment progresses as planned.

Benefits of Invisalign Over Braces

One of the top reasons why people may prefer to use Invisalign is that there is no need to permanently bond equipment to their teeth. Invisalign aligners can be put in the mouth or removed as needed. They are much more comfortable, since there will be no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to the inside of the mouth.

The ability to remove aligners also eliminates any dietary restrictions that would apply. People with braces may be unable to eat certain foods that could become lodged in the wires on their teeth. For example, popcorn must usually be avoided due to the small kernels that can become stuck in braces, and caramel or other gummy candies may also become attached to braces and be difficult to dislodge. With Invisalign, there are no restrictions, because aligners can be removed when eating. This makes it easy to clean the teeth before placing the aligners back in.

Many people also prefer Invisalign because it allows them to avoid the unsightly appearance of wires and brackets in their teeth. People with braces can be self-conscious about how they look, and they may be hesitant to smile when taking photographs or engaging in conversations with others. With Invisalign, the aligners a person wears are completely transparent, and they will not be noticed by most people. This can greatly improve a person’s self-confidence, since they will be happier with the current appearance of their smile while also knowing that they are working toward straightening their teeth.

Contact Our Alexandria Invisalign Dentist

If you want to achieve straighter teeth, correct issues with your bite, and make sure you can maintain good oral health, Invisalign may be the right choice for you. At Alexandria Dental Art, our Alexandria, VA Invisalign services and our other cosmetic dentistry services can help you achieve the smile you want. We encourage you to contact us at 703-566-8799 to set up an appointment where we can advise you of your options, help you understand the benefits of Invisalign treatments, and create a customized treatment plan for you.