Invisalign vs Braces: A Guide to Your Orthodontic Options
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is a personal decision that can have a lasting impact on your smile and confidence. But what makes one orthodontic treatment better than another? This is a common question—especially when it comes to Invisalign vs braces.
If you've been considering whether to get Invisalign or braces in Statesville, NC, you're not alone. The good news? At Carolina Crossroads Dental Care, we are committed to helping you make the most informed decision—one that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and dental health needs.
This guide will walk you through the key differences, benefits, and drawbacks of Invisalign and traditional braces. Our goal? To help you feel educated and empowered about your next steps.
A modern orthodontic treatment, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually straighten your teeth.
Made of smooth, BPA-free plastic and virtually invisible when worn, Invisalign is an increasingly popular choice among adults and teens in Statesville who want a discreet option for improving their smile.
Each set of removable aligners is worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next in the series. They must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day for optimal results, but can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Invisalign is especially effective for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and some bite issues. Learn more about our Invisalign service at our beautiful office in Statesville here.
What Are Braces?
Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to move teeth into alignment. While they’ve been around for decades, it’s important to note that these time-tested appliances have evolved significantly. Today, they’re smaller and more comfortable than ever before. They even come in ceramic options for a less noticeable look.
Unlike Invisalign, braces are fixed to your teeth and adjusted by your orthodontist every 4 to 8 weeks. They are especially effective for treating complex orthodontic cases, such as severe crowding, bite misalignments, and rotated teeth.
At Carolina Crossroads Dental Care, we provide expert guidance regarding whether Invisalign or braces might be the right choice for your smile goals.
Here’s a quick breakdown of key comparison points between these two common teeth-straightening methods.
Category
Invisalign
Braces
Aesthetics
Virtually invisible with no brackets or wires
Visible brackets and wires, either metal or ceramic
Treatment Duration & Effectiveness
Typically 12–18 months and best for mild to moderate issues
18–24+ months and more effective for complex problems
Comfort & Maintenance
Smooth aligners with easy care and hygiene; fewer in-office visits
May cause discomfort and require special cleaning tools
Dietary Restrictions
None (aligners are removed to eat)
Avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods
Cost
May cost slightly more on average; varies by case complexity (Invisalign.com)
Varies based on treatment needs
Have additional questions about the similarities and differences between the two? Our team is always happy to go over your options and answer any questions you may have to make sure you have clarity and confidence when making decisions about your family's dental care.
Excellent feedback from our valued clients validates our commitment to providing high-quality, patient-first dental care. We're so grateful to have patients who recognize our dedication, and we take every review we receive to heart.
Take Jamie A., who hated going to the dentist due to bad childhood visits. Not only does she advise everyone to entrust their dental care to our team, but she calls her time with us the “best dental experience ever!”
Or Michelle B., who states, “This team is phenomenal. They love what they do, each other and their patients. I always say going there is a whole experience. They always give me options and treat my kids so well. I trust them.”
And then there’s Lisa A., who shares, “I just can’t say enough good things about Carolina Crossroads Dental Care. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with a warm and courteous smile. The entire team is professional, knowledgeable and caring. Thank you for taking such great care of me and my journey to a healthy and beautiful smile.”
From praising our “exceptional attention to detail” and “kind and welcoming” environment to applauding the time our team members spend with patients and their ability to make dental experiences less scary for kids, the rave reviews go on and on.
But there’s no need to take our word for it when you can experience them for yourself. Check out our always-growing list of glowing patient testimonials here.
Two different methods for straightening teeth, Invisalign and braces both have their own distinct upsides and downsides. Read on for a brief overview of the pros and cons of both.
Category
Invisalign
Braces
Pros
- Nearly invisible in appearance
- Removable for meals and hygiene
- More comfortable than metal wires
- Fewer office visits
- Very effective for complex cases
- No risk of misplacing aligners (good for less mindful patients)
- May be slightly less expensive, depending on the treatment plan
Cons
- Requires discipline to wear 20–22 hours/day
- Not ideal for severe orthodontic issues
- Slightly higher cost in some cases
- Visible brackets and wires
- Food restrictions
- May cause irritation to cheeks and lips
Ultimately, the right choice for you comes down to your personal habits and preferences for how involved you want to be in your day-to-day care. Whether the advantages of Invisalign appeal to you or you think traditional braces are a better fit, our empathetic Carolina Crossroads Dental Care team will help guide you based on your individual needs and lifestyle.
Retainers help maintain your teeth's new position and prevent relapse.Regardless of whether you choose Invisalign or braces, wearing a retainer afterward is essential.
There are two main types of retainers:
We’ll walk you through the best retainer options for your needs to ensure the most seamless transition from active treatment to long-term smile maintenance. Our goal is always to make the experience as comfortable, simple, and stress-free as possible.
In some cases, yes—especially for mild to moderate alignment issues. However, treatment speed depends on your specific case.
Invisalign has advanced significantly but may not be suitable for complex tooth movements. In such cases, braces may be more effective.
Invisalign typically costs slightly more, but pricing varies by case complexity. During your consultation, we’ll outline detailed costs and options.
Consider your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and dental needs. A consultation with our team will help clarify the best path for your smile.
When it comes to Invisalign vs braces and other cosmetic dental options, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there is a right choice for you. Whether you’re seeking the discretion of invisible aligners or the comprehensive power of braces, Carolina Crossroads Dental Care is here to guide you with trusted care and expert insight.
Led by Dr. Lindsay Spears, the Carolina Crossroads Dental Care team strives to provide all of our patients with high-quality, low-stress dental experiences. It’s not just about sending you home with healthier, brighter, straighter teeth. It’s also about making sure you walk out our door with a smile—and with the peace of mind that comes with knowing our team is here for you.
Let’s work together to achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve! If you’re ready to take the next step with your orthodontic treatment or another therapeutic or cosmetic dental concern, contact us today to schedule your personalized consultation.
Call 704-873-2141 to set up your first appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!