Braces and aligners are two popular treatments to fix dental issues with teeth. With advancements in technology, incognito braces, and Invisalign have become the leading choices for people looking for a discreet way to perfect their smile.
This article will explore the nuances of both options, such as how they work, their pros and cons, what problems each treatment can solve, pricing, and much more.
Whether you are considering braces or aligners, this Incognito braces vs Invisalign comparison should help you make an informed decision.
Incognito Braces
Unlike traditional metal braces that rely on brackets and archwires, Incognito braces feature custom-made lingual brackets attached to a gold-alloy wire that attaches directly to the back of your teeth. This makes them completely invisible from the front-view perspective and significantly reduces discomfort during treatments.
Aside from aesthetics, these braces can correct issues such as crowding, spacing, crossbites, and overbites by providing gentle pressure which will gradually move teeth into proper alignment.
The wire and brackets of incognito braces have exceptional strength, greater flexibility, and comfort compared to other types of braces.
While there are many benefits associated with using Incognito braces, it is important to note that they require a higher initial investment compared with other forms of orthodontic treatments; additionally, due to its customization process, treatment time is often much longer than with other treatment types.
It should also be noted that because they are placed further back near the tongue they can also irritate the mouth while getting used to them.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an alternative, invisible way to straighten teeth without having to wear traditional braces. It uses a series of custom-made clear aligners, or trays, that are molded to the shape of your unique mouth and move the teeth in small increments over time.
The aligners are easy to keep clean and can be removed for short periods; this allows for improved comfort and better oral hygiene compared to traditional braces. People with mild crowding, spacing issues, crossbites, overbites, or underbites may find Invisalign helps them achieve straighter teeth faster than other treatment options.
One of the key advantages of Invisalign is its convenience and comfort; the aligners are barely visible and much more comfortable than traditional braces. Additionally, its removable design allows for better oral hygiene because you can take the aligners out when brushing or flossing, ensuring your mouth stays healthy throughout treatment.
One downside associated with Invisalign is that it may not be suitable for everyone; some people have more complex cases that cannot be addressed with Invisalign alone, requiring additional work after the treatment.
Differences Between Incognito Braces and Invisalign
- Discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatments, such as incognito braces (also referred to as lingual braces) and Invisalign, offer patients the ability to discreetly correct misaligned teeth without advertising that they are undergoing treatment. However, there are substantial differences between these two options.
- Similar to the traditional metal version, incognito braces are fixed against the teeth with brackets that hold them into place, which means that they are only removable by an orthodontist. Invisalign on the other hand uses plastic clear aligners that are fully removable by the patient throughout the treatment period.
- It is generally more difficult to clean braces versus aligners, such as Invisalign, as food particles can get stuck in them whilst eating, and it can be difficult to remove these from the brackets. Invisalign aligners are much easier to keep clean due to them being able to be removed and teeth cleaned thoroughly before putting them back in.
- The brackets used with braces tend to cause much more discomfort than treatment undertaken with aligners which are a more comfortable experience as the plastic material does not scrape the inside of the mouth when used.
- With Invisalign, you will need to remember to wear aligners for at least 22 hours per day and there is a risk that you may forget to put them back in once removed.
- Clear aligners are best suited for patients with mild teeth straightening issues whereas braces can deal with all levels of severity.
An article by the British Lingual Orthodontic Society states that lingual braces can be more expensive than Invisalign, which is due to the cost of materials used, extra time making them, and additional time needed during appointments for adjustments.
Pricing
There are some differences between both Invisalign and Incognito braces with one such difference being the cost.
While the cost of treatment will vary based on individual needs, one can expect to spend between $3,500 to 8,000 on Invisalign aligners while typical costs range from $8,000 to $10,000 with Incognito lingual braces.
Generally incognito braces cost more due to the materials used and the length of time it takes to make and adjust them.
See our article: Types of Clear Braces.
Alternatives to Invisalign
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to Invisalign, there are several brands of clear aligners available on the market.
Unlike Invisalign, these products offer at-home delivery with no need to visit an orthodontist. The convenience and cost savings of using at-home delivery makes them a great choice for those who want a quick, hassle-free treatment without breaking the bank.
Some of the most popular brands include SmileDirectClub, Byte, and NewSmile, all offering similar types of treatments with great results, though their prices may vary from one another slightly.
See our article: Invisible Braces – How They Work.
These companies sell custom-made, high-quality aligners of similar quality to the Invisalign product that requires only self-monitoring or advice from customer care professionals over the phone, all for much cheaper than Invisalign. This can be perfect for individuals who want straight teeth without any hassle or extra costs of visiting an orthodontist.
Not only that but these treatments also typically come with a period guarantee on achieving desired results, just like Invisalign does, so you don’t have to worry about wasting your money.
Here are some reviews of the best available invisible aligners:
NewSmile Review – A low-cost option that comes with premium aesthetics, a free retainer, and a tooth whitening kit.
SmileDirectClub Review – The most popular choice, this product has a lifetime guarantee and a free one-time replacement agreement. This aligner has the best 3D scanning process.
Byte Review – The best pick and the most affordable option. A lifetime guarantee for peace of mind and a free HyperBite and teeth whitening kit are on offer.
Candid Review – The most similar product to Invisalign Aligners this product has excellent reviews. Hybrid in-office care is offered too.
ALIGNERCO – The cheapest with a zero deposit option for monthly payment plans. A seasonal discount offer is in place on aligner packages at $945.
Incognito Braces vs Invisalign – What Option is the Best For You?
The decision between Invisalign and Incognito braces depends on the level of malocclusion a patient has.
If you have mild to moderate malocclusion, meaning your teeth are slightly crooked or misaligned, then Invisalign would be the best option. On the other hand, if you have severe malocclusions caused by an overbite, underbite, or extreme crowding of teeth, then Incognito braces are the way to go.
If you’re looking for an inconspicuous solution that allows you to maintain your daily activities with minimal disruption, then Invisalign could be ideal as they are clear aligners that fit snugly over your teeth and can be removed for eating and other activities. On the other hand, if you’re after a more long-term solution that provides precise results in realigning your teeth, then Incognito braces could be better suited for you.
Ultimately which treatment plan is best for you will depend on how much correction is needed and what kind of results you want in terms of both convenience and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lingual Braces Better Than Invisalign?
Invisalign offers a better solution for mild teeth straightening issues mainly due to the added convenience wearing them offers, but for more severe problems lingual braces are better as they give more strength in moving the teeth.
Are Lingual Braces Cheaper than Invisalign?
Not in most cases as lingual braces cost between $8,000 to $10,000 per treatment versus $3,500 to $8,000 for Invisalign. The overall cost of each varies depending on the length of treatment time needed and the severity of the issue.
Does Lingual Braces Take Longer than Invisalign?
Yes, lingual braces generally take around 18 to 24 months of treatment, whereas Invisalign on average takes around 12 months. However, the time that is needed to treat a patient’s teeth depends on the complexity of the treatment plan needed.
Are Incognito Braces More Uncomfortable than Invisalign?
Yes, due to Incognito braces using metal and wires, they can irritate the inside of the mouth at the start of treatment. Invisalign uses plastic trays and as such is much more comfortable to wear.
