A beautiful, straight smile rarely happens naturally. Most people require some form of orthodontic treatment to achieve properly aligned teeth and an attractive smile that boosts confidence and improves dental health.

Your smile is the first impression that you give to most people. Therefore, you want it to be straight and bright. For those who have smile problems, such as crooked teeth or gaps, straightening can help. When considering orthodontic treatment options to enhance your smile, you have two primary choices: Invisalign clear aligners or traditional metal braces. Understanding the differences between these options will help you make the best decision for your specific dental needs and lifestyle preferences.

Key Differences Between Invisalign and Metal Braces

The most significant difference between Invisalign and metal braces is their approach to teeth straightening. Invisalign uses a series of removable, clear plastic aligner trays that are virtually invisible, gradually shifting your teeth into position. These trays attach to small, discreet clips on your teeth for effective tooth movement.

Metal braces, however, utilize wires, brackets, and rubber bands to reposition your teeth and jaw. The brackets are bonded to each tooth with wires and elastic bands connecting them to create the necessary tension for alignment and bite correction.

Many people prefer Invisalign over traditional braces because they don’t have visible wires across their teeth. By using clear aligning trays, Invisalign helps maintain a professional appearance, which can be especially important for news anchors, actors, models, and even business people who rely on their smile professionally.