Key Points

  • A combination of braces and Invisalign aligners, known as hybrid treatment, can be used to leverage the benefits of both. Metal braces are used for major corrections, while Invisalign is employed later for more refined adjustments and increased comfort.
  • Hybrid treatment can offer greater efficiency by using braces for more complex issues and transitioning to Invisalign for a quicker, more discreet final phase. This approach also improves comfort and aesthetics by reducing the time spent in metal braces.
  • Hybrid treatments can add complexity to the process, increase costs, and potentially cause additional discomfort during the transition between appliances. Compliance with wearing both types of treatments as prescribed is also essential for success.

Your smile says a lot about who you are. But sometimes, you might need a bit of support to look your best while keeping your teeth straight and healthy. To help with this, your dentist may recommend you consider orthodontics and provide you with some options to choose from.

While most people may immediately think that braces are their only option, other less noticeable treatment options, such as Invisalign aligners, can also improve their smile.

But what if there were a way to combine both the efficiency and aesthetic benefits of braces and Invisalign in one overall Invisalign treatment plan? The great news is, you can!

Comparing the Differences of Braces With Invisalign

When it comes to straightening your teeth, you’ll have a couple of different options available to you depending on the types of treatments needed – braces or Invisalign. Below are some of the primary differences between the two:

  • Braces: Traditional braces are fixed dental appliances that are bonded to your teeth using brackets joined together by tensioned wires. Over time, the force of the wires will begin to shift teeth into an optimal position for your jawline. This type of treatment is typically used to help correct full row or individual alignments.
  • Invisalign: Invisalign is a temporary treatment option that uses removable, transparent aligners custom-molded to fit your teeth and shift them progressively over the course of the treatment. Many times, Invisalign treatment is used to help fix bite problems or to straighten individual teeth. Invisalign aligners are a preferred choice for individuals who are worried about the look and feel of traditional braces since the clear aligners are transparent and removable.

Common Use Cases for Braces and Invisalign Treatment

Braces

  • Severe Malocclusions – Some orthodontic treatments have specific requirements that may limit the amount of options patients have. In these cases, traditional braces may be the preferred method for achieving significant bit corrections or jaw alignment issues that are found in the patient.
  • Vertical Tooth Movements – In some cases, teeth may require vertical repositioning that can’t be achieved through other methods. Because of the controllable tension available when applying traditional metal braces, this may be the optimal treatment solution for handling intrusion and extrusion of teeth along the jawline.
  • Less Struggling – Braces are put in place and removed only by your orthodontist. Once in place, you won’t be required to move or adjust them on your own. This can actually be a good thing for individuals who don’t want to struggle with removing, cleaning, or repositioning Invisalign products each day.

Invisalign

  • Mild to Moderate Adjustments – Invisalign is a great solution for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. This can include crowding, spacing, or minor bit issues along the jawline that need correction. Clear aligners like Invisalign require less tension than traditional braces and are often more comfortable for many patients to wear.
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders – TMJ is a diagnosed disorder that can cause pain in certain areas of your jawline associated with the muscles that control movement. This could be due to certain injuries, arthritis, or other genetic issues. In these situations, Invisalign treatments are typically preferred due to their gentler forces on the teeth and jaw.
  • Less Noticeable – One of the primary reasons why many people prefer using Invisalign is how they look. Because of the aligners’ transparent design, they are significantly less noticeable than traditional braces and are removable.

Can Invisalign Aligners Be Used With Braces?

Although many people might think that they’re limited to choosing only one form of orthodontic treatment – wearing traditional braces or using Invisalign aligners – the truth is that there is another option.

Using a hybrid Invisalign treatment is another option you can explore that gives you the best of both worlds. While Invisalign isn’t used at the same time as braces, using hybrid treatments allows you to primarily rely on clear aligners for straight teeth and jawline adjustments, but then will use clear cosmetic braces for a short period of time to help manage any malocclusions that need additional support to ensure a quality adjustment.

The Benefits Of Wearing Both Traditional Braces And Invisalign

Combining the use of traditional metal braces and Invisalign treatments can be highly beneficial and let you leverage the strengths of each format while offering a much more customized and effective overall treatment process.

Below are some of the reasons why exploring a hybrid orthodontic treatment approach can be a great idea:

Better Treatment Efficiency

It’s hard to say metal braces are better than Invisalign aligners or vice versa. Both treatment options have their own set of benefits and scenarios where they are the most logical choice for straightening teeth or jawline adjustments.

The great thing about using a hybrid Invisalign treatment approach is that they both can be used at different phases, using metal braces to assist with more major corrections while transitioning to Invisalign aligners shortly after to further refine the alignment and provide more comfort overall.

Improve Comfort and Aesthetics

Many people struggle with discomfort when using braces long-term. Although they’re effective, it can be difficult to get used to pressure that can cause on the jawline, specifically in the beginning stages of treatment.

Typically, metal braces are used for the entire treatment, staying in place for months or years, depending on the patient. However, when using a hybrid treatment approach, you’ll be able to quickly transition to clear aligners, allowing for a more discreet and faster final treatment phase.

What Are Some Drawbacks of Wearing Braces And Invisalign for Orthodontic Treatment?

Although both orthodontic treatment formats can be applied during one overall treatment, not all situations are best suited for wearing braces and Invisalign trays. Each treatment approach is intended for unique circumstances, and depending on a patient’s needs, combining both braces and Invisalign trays might not be the best overall solution.

Some of the drawbacks of needing to rely on both braces and Invisalign could include:

  • Added Treatment Complexity – Hybrid orthodontic treatments often require a much more comprehensive plan to be in place to make sure you’re able to achieve the desired results. This will typically involve additional visits to your orthodontist and could potentially require additional screenings to make sure the treatment is going according to plan.
  • Higher Costs – One thing to consider when receiving treatment is that wearing braces and Invisalign can typically lead to higher costs. Since you’ll need additional assessments and custom-fitted appliances, you’ll want to make sure this option is the best financial choice before proceeding with treatment. However, not all orthodontists may follow the same treatment plan, so it’s important to speak with yours and get a detailed list of the suggested services and their prices.
  • Potential for Additional Discomfort – Although hybrid orthodontic treatments can help to alleviate the discomfort that can come with needing to wear braces for several months, this doesn’t necessarily eliminate the potential for experiencing soreness as your teeth adjust to new appliances. It can take some time to get used to transitioning between braces and Invisalign, which can lead to irritation of your teeth or jawline and may also mean you need additional adjustments.

Possible Treatment Compliance Issues – One of the challenges that some individuals have when using both braces and Invisalign is being able to adapt to wearing permanent and removable treatment options. Invisalign requires a certain amount of compliance from wearers to make sure treatments go as planned. If you’re unable to follow the procedures properly, there could be setbacks in the effectiveness of using a hybrid format.

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