Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign

If you’re exploring orthodontic treatment in Lakewood, you may find yourself asking the same big question many patients do: braces or Invisalign? Both options can give you a beautifully aligned smile, but they work differently and fit different lifestyles. At Brodsky Orthodontics , we’ve been helping families make this choice for decades, and we’re here to share what you should know.

Comparing Braces and Invisalign 

When you weigh braces or Invisalign, it helps to compare how they function, how they look, and what life feels like while wearing them.

Design

• Braces : Metal braces are durable and efficient. Modern versions are smaller and more comfortable than ever, and you can choose colorful elastics for a personalized touch.
• Invisalign : The aligners are made of smooth, nearly invisible plastic. They fit seamlessly into your mouth, making them a discreet choice for teens and adults alike.

Function

• Braces : Traditional braces use brackets and wires to gently move your teeth into place. They are highly effective for complex cases, including severe crowding, bite problems, and rotations.
• Invisalign : Invisalign uses clear, custom-made aligner trays that fit snugly over your teeth. They’re great for mild to moderate cases and can also address more complex movements with advanced planning. We talked all about them in last month’s blog!

How They Wear

• Braces : Adjustments can cause some soreness, and the brackets may occasionally irritate your cheeks or lips.
• Invisalign : With no brackets or wires, Invisalign is often more comfortable, though you may feel pressure as you switch to a new set of aligners.

Lifestyle

• Braces : Since they’re fixed to your teeth, braces do their work 24/7. You’ll need to be mindful about avoiding sticky, chewy, or hard foods, and you’ll need extra care with brushing and flossing.
• Invisalign : Aligner trays are removable, so you can eat what you like and brush and floss as usual. The key is discipline—you’ll need to wear your aligners 20–22 hours per day for the best results.

Office Visits

• Braces : You’ll visit the office every 6–8 weeks for adjustments.
• Invisalign : Checkups are usually spaced farther apart, and many can be combined with digital progress tracking.

Braces offer unmatched precision and reliability for complex cases, while Invisalign offers discretion and flexibility for those who can commit to wearing aligners consistently. Many patients in Lakewood find that either option works—it’s simply about which better suits your life.

LightForce Clear Braces: A Middle Ground

If you love the reliability of braces but prefer something less noticeable, our LightForce clear braces may be the perfect solution. 

• These braces are made with 3D-printed , tooth-colored materials designed to blend with your natural smile.
• They offer all the control of traditional braces with a more discreet look, making them a popular choice for adults and image-conscious teens. 
• Because each bracket is custom-made for your teeth, treatment can often be more efficient and comfortable.

Why Two-Phase Treatment Works for Kids 

When it comes to young children, full braces may not always be the first step, and Invisalign is usually unsuitable. Instead, we often recommend a two-phase treatment plan. This approach starts early to guide jaw growth and make room for permanent teeth, then finishes later with full braces or aligners.

• In Phase One , which typically begins between ages 7–10, orthodontic appliances (like expanders or partial braces) correct jaw size, spacing, and bite issues while your child is still growing. This step can prevent more serious problems later and often shortens the time needed for full treatment as a teen.
• Phase Two happens after most permanent teeth have erupted, usually around ages 11–14. At this stage, we use braces or aligners to fine-tune alignment and bite. Invisalign usually isn’t recommended for very young children, since compliance is a major factor, and children may not be ready to wear aligners consistently.

Two-phase treatment gives your child the best of both worlds with early intervention that minimizes future issues and an awesome smile that lasts for life.

Why Choose Brodsky Orthodontics in Lakewood?

• Experience you can trust : Serving Lakewood families since 1976.
• High-tech care : Digital scans, iTero 5D technology, and 3D imaging for precise treatment.
• Award-winning Invisalign providers : More than 7,000 Invisalign cases treated.
• Personalized plans : Never cookie-cutter, because we tailor every treatment to your needs.
• Board-certified orthodontists : Drs. Joel Brodsky, Dr. Charles Brodsky, and Dr. Jeremy Vistica stand out as some of the best doctors in our region, and they put your health first.

An Option for Everyone

We don’t expect you to have everything figured out upon your first visit to Brodsky Orthodontics . In fact, one of our most important jobs is consulting with you and supporting the decisions you make. Come visit our Lakewood office soon to start the conversation!