If you’re dealing with crooked or misaligned teeth, many orthodontists or dental care experts typically recommend getting metal braces or Invisalign. Factors like appearance, convenience, cost, and comfort can each play an important role in the decision between these two options. Understanding the pros and cons of each option can help you make an informed decision. Read on to get the answers to related questions like “Are metal braces painful?” and “Does insurance cover Invisalign?” and learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit your teeth to correct problems like crooked teeth and overbite. Patients get a new set of plastic aligners every few weeks throughout the treatment period. These aligners gradually shift your teeth into place to correct alignment problems.
Invisalign pros
Though Invisalign is a relatively new treatment, it’s typically a popular choice among orthodontics patients for the many advantages it offers over traditional braces.
- Clear: One of the biggest perks of the treatment is that Invisalign aligners are clear and almost unnoticeable. Since they’re nearly undetectable, they can be a go-to option for people seeking a discreet option.
- Removable: You can take Invisalign out when eating, brushing, or for special occasions. That means you can continue to enjoy all the foods you love. You can also brush your teeth as you normally would.
- Comfortable: Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign is gentle on cheeks and gums, and there are no brackets or wires like you would have with braces.
- Faster results: In some cases, Invisalign may offer quicker treatment times, especially for mild to moderate alignment issues.
Invisalign cons
Like any treatment, Invisalign aligners have their own downsides worth considering.
- Must be worn for at least 22 hours a day: To be effective, the aligners need to stay in most of the time. They should only be removed when you’re eating or brushing. That requires commitment and consistency.
- Not suitable for all patients: Braces may work better for complex issues like severe bite problems or complex tooth rotations.
- Attachments: Attachments are enamel ridges that are bonded to specific teeth. They may be needed to help the aligners fit better and shift your teeth effectively. Unfortunately, attachments can make aligners more noticeable.
- Must be removed when eating or drinking: Patients can’t eat food while aligners are in. Additionally, you’ll have to brush your teeth after eating and before your put the aligners back in your mouth. This can be inconvenient for some patients.
What are traditional braces?
Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into the desired position. Typically, your dentist or orthodontist will attach a bracket to each tooth, then place a flexible metal wire over them. The wire is held in place by elastic bands called ligatures. Metal braces have been around for decades and are known for their effectiveness, especially in more complex cases.
Traditional braces pros
Traditional metal braces can be a tried and trusted solution for many dental care professionals and patients alike. Here are some of their advantages:
- Suitable for a variety of orthodontic problems: Metal braces can treat more severe misalignments, along with crowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, and underbites.
- Durable and suitable for long-term treatment: Braces are known to be durable. They’re strong enough to handle the pressure needed to shift teeth into alignment without easily breaking.5
- Can be cost-effective: While costs vary, braces can typically be more affordable compared to alternatives.
Traditional braces cons
Traditional braces can have the following disadvantages:
- More visible: Metal brackets and wires are very visible compared to aligners. That said, clear braces may give you a subtler look.
- Food restrictions: Patients can’t eat sticky, hard, or crunchy foods since they can damage the brackets or get stuck.5 These limitations may be difficult for some patients.
- Adjustments needed: Braces require manual adjustments as the teeth continue to shift, which can cause discomfort and soreness.
- Longer treatment time: Braces may have longer treatment times than Invsialign due to adjustments.
How to choose the right teeth straightening option
The best option for you depends on your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you make your choice.
- Appearance: If you value discretion and prefer your braces to be undetectable, Invisalign might be the right fit.
- Convenience: Invisalign may be the way to go if you want a removable solution that doesn’t require tightening and readjustment.
- Cost: If you already have dental insurance for braces, find out if Invisalign is covered. If not, traditional braces may be the cost-effective choice.
- Treatment needs: Mild to moderate alignment issues are easy to treat with Invisalign. But if you need more extensive correction, traditional braces may be the better choice.
Sources:
1 Absolute Dental – Pros and Cons of Invisalign Braces. Updated April 3, 2024. https://www.absolutedental.com/blog/pros-cons-of-invisalign-braces/. Accessed June 5, 2025.
2 Dental Health Society – Invisalign vs. Braces – Which is Faster? Updated March 10, 2025. https://dentalhealthsociety.com/invisalign/invisalign-vs-braces-which-is-faster/. Accessed June 19, 2025.
3 Smilesbysepic.com – Is Invisalign Effective for Complex Orthodontic Cases? Updated January 16, 2025. https://www.smilesbysepic.com/is-invisalign-effective-for-complex-orthodontic-cases/. Accessed June 19, 2025.
4 WebMD – Braces. Updated March 22, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/braces-and-retainers. Accessed June 5, 2025.
5 Absolute Dental – What Are the Pros and Cons of Metal Braces? Updated June 11, 2024. https://www.absolutedental.com/blog/pros-cons-metal-braces/. Accessed June 19, 2025.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing.
NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
To read more content like this, explore The Brand Hopper
Subscribe to our newsletter
