Invisalign is a relatively new way to straighten your teeth. Over a million people have used or are currently using Invisalign, but is it worth it over the tried and true braces?

Invisalign Advantages over Braces

The main advantage of Invisalign is that it's clear and transparent, whereas braces are metallic and very visible. Invisalign aligners can also be removed whenever you need to eat, but braces cannot since they are glued on to your teeth. Invisalign also causes less damage to your gums and teeth. Braces cause tooth decay in 50% of patients since accurate x-rays can't be taken and also because braces cannot be removed for eating and cleaning.

Another huge advantage is that with Invisalign, you can eat whatever foods you want, including popcorn, caramel, ice, beef jerky, taffy, hard candy, and nuts and seeds. But by far the largest advantage is that while braces take almost 36 months on average, invisalign takes about 15 months on average, nearly two times faster!

While only orthodontists can give you braces, general dentists can give you invisalign, meaning you don't need to go to another doctor.

Invisalign Disadvantages over Braces

One disadvantage of Invisalign is that you have to take the aligners out every time you eat (or drink something other than water). There's the potential that you accidently throw it away in the trash or lose it. Then you also have to clean the aligner and your teeth before putting them back on, or you risk getting cavities.

Another disadvantage of Invisalign is that if you stop wearing Invisalign aligners, you can't go on to the next set of aligners, which adds to the cost. Speaking of pricing, Invisalign costs more than regular braces. The average price of braces is about $4,800. The average price of Invisalign is $5,000. Of course the price of each depends on what shape your teeth are in, what dentist you go to, and how long the treatment will take. Insurance usually covers Invisalign and braces the same way, up to about $1,500.