Invisalign vs. Metal Braces

A+ Family Dentistry- San Diego, CA

A straight, confident smile can transform your appearance and boost your self-esteem. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you might be wondering: Should I choose Invisalign or metal braces? At A+ Family Dentistry in San Diego, our expert team of dentists—Dr. Justene Doan, Dr. Roger Tran, Dr. Janice Doan, and Dr. Sigafoos—are here to help you make the best decision for your smile.


While both Invisalign and metal braces are designed to straighten teeth, the experience of wearing them is completely different. For those who want discreet, comfortable, and effective orthodontic treatment, Invisalign clear aligners are the best option. They offer a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth without the discomfort and maintenance that come with traditional metal braces.



If you're considering orthodontic treatment in San Diego, read on to learn how Invisalign and braces compare—and why Invisalign is the preferred choice for so many patients.



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Breaking Down the Differences

1️⃣ Appearance Matters: Invisalign’s clear, removable trays make it almost impossible to tell you’re wearing them, unlike highly visible metal braces. If you're a working professional, student, or someone who values appearance, Invisalign is the clear winner.


2️⃣ Comfort & Lifestyle: Metal braces use brackets and wires that can poke and irritate and require wax for comfort. Invisalign’s smooth plastic trays provide a gentle and irritation-free experience.


3️⃣ Eating & Oral Hygiene: With metal braces, you’ll need to avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods and spend extra time cleaning around brackets. Invisalign, on the other hand, is removable, making eating, brushing, and flossing as simple as before treatment.



4️⃣ Faster, More Predictable Treatment: While metal braces are effective for severe cases, Invisalign works just as well for most patients and often in a shorter timeframe.



Why Invisalign is the better choice

Invisalign


Many patients worry that Invisalign might not be as effective as traditional braces, but modern clear aligner technology has advanced significantly. Today, Invisalign can treat everything from mild crowding to severe misalignment. Here’s why Invisalign is the preferred choice at A+ Family Dentistry:


Discreet & Nearly Invisible

Invisalign uses clear, BPA-free plastic trays that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. This means no one will even notice you’re wearing them—perfect for adults, teens, and professionals who want aesthetic discretion.


 More Comfortable Than Braces

Metal braces come with brackets, wires, and rubber bands, all of which can cause irritation, mouth sores, and discomfort. Invisalign’s custom-fit aligners are smooth and won’t cut the inside of your lips or cheeks.


 Shorter & More Efficient Treatment Times

With SmartTrack® technology, Invisalign moves teeth up to 50% faster than traditional methods. The result? A straighter smile in as little as 12 months, compared to 18-24 months with braces.



 Easier Cleaning & No Food Restrictions

With Invisalign, you don’t need to worry about food getting stuck in brackets or spending extra time brushing around metal components. Simply remove your aligners, eat whatever you want, and brush and floss normally before putting them back in.



Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

You may be an ideal candidate for Invisalign if you have:

Mild to moderate misalignment


Gaps between teeth



Overbite, underbite, or crossbite

Crowded teeth

A desire for a discreet and comfortable orthodontic experience


Even if you’ve been told before that metal braces are your only option, advancements in Invisalign technology may now allow you to use clear aligners instead. Book a consultation with our team at A+ Family Dentistry to determine if you qualify!


Your Smile, Our Priority

Invisalign vs. Metal Braces: A Side-by Side Comparison

Both Invisalign and metal braces effectively straighten teeth, but they do so in very different ways. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of their key differences:

San Diego Invisalign® – Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does Invisalign treatment take?

    Invisalign® is a type of clear orthodontic aligner that is used to straighten teeth. It is a removable and virtually invisible alternative to traditional metal braces.

  • Is Invisalign more expensive than metal braces?

    Invisalign® works by using a series of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, and then you switch to the next set in the series.

  • Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?

    Yes! Simply remove your aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water. This means no food restrictions!


  • Will Invisalign work for severe misalignment?

    I.


  • How often do I need to wear my aligners?

    During your consultation, our experienced dentists will assess your smile and discuss your goals. We will recommend the best options tailored to your needs, whether it’s whitening, veneers, bonding, or Invisalign. We also use digital imaging to show you potential results before you begin treatment.





  • Does Invisalign hurt?

    Some patients feel mild pressure when switching to a new aligner set, but this discomfort typically fades in a day or two.

Schedule Your Invisalign® Consultation in San Diego Today


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