The Invisalign® Difference

Speed

Invisalign aligners

  • Faster than braces
    (on average, 5 months faster!)¹

Traditional braces

  • Longer treatment times

¹Gu, J et al. AJODO February 2017;151:259-66. Buschang, P et al. Angle Orthodontist, Vol 84, No 3, 2014.

Comfort

Invisalign aligners

  • Less painful than braces²

Traditional braces

  • Metal wires can irritate or cut the inside of the mouth

²In a pain score of 1-9, 1 being extremely painful and 9 not at all painful, Invisalign teenager patients (age 13-18 n=106) rated pain score of 6.5 vs traditional metal braces teenager patients (age 13-18 n=141) rated pain score of 5.1. Data on file at Align Technology, as of December 28, 2022.

Lifestyle

Invisalign aligners

  • Fewer doctor visits than braces³
  • ZERO emergency visits due to broken brackets or wires
  • Removable for sports
  • Eat anything you want
    (just pop ‘em out first!)

Traditional braces

  • More frequent doctor visits,
    plus the possibility of emergency visits to fix broken brackets and wires
  • Not removable
  • Food restrictions

³Buschang et al; Comparative time efficiency of aligner therapy and conventional edgewise braces. Angle Orthod 1 May 2014; 84 (3): 391–396. Borda et al; Outcome assessment of orthodontic clear aligner vs fixed appliance treatment in a teenage population with mild malocclusions. Angle Orthod 1 July 2020; 90 (4): 485–490.

Oral Hygiene

Invisalign aligners

  • No brackets or wires = easier brushing and flossing
  • Less plaque than braces4
  • Supports healthier gums5

Traditional braces

  • Brackets and wires can make brushing and flossing difficult
  • Possibility of decalcification (discoloration) on teeth
    after treatment

4Percentage of dental hygienists that primarily work in a practice offering the Invisalign system who ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ to the question “During Invisalign clear aligner treatment, most patients have less plaque compared to patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment.“ (n=135).

5Based on lower plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing pocket depth (PPD).) for the Invisalign patients measured at the mid facial, mid lingual, and buccal line angles of the maxillary right first molar, right canine, left lateral incisor, mandibular left canine, right central incisor, and right first molar, measured at 6 months, and 12 months of treatment, on 42 adult patients (average age 18-44 years, 20 Invisalign treatment, 22 fixed appliances, In-Ovation-R, GAC).

Responsibility

Invisalign aligners

  • 98% of orthos say teens wear their aligners as instructed during treatment6
  • My Invisalign™ app helps teens keep treatment on track

Traditional braces

  • Fixed appliances require teens to keep braces on



6Data from a global survey of 70 orthodontists in NA, EMEA & APAC that were experienced in treating teenagers with permanent dentition with Invisalign clear aligners (minimum of 60 cases, past 12 months). Data on file at Align Technology, as of June 10, 2021.

Cost

Invisalign aligners

  • May be covered by insurance, up to $3,0007
  • HSA/FSA eligible
  • Flexible payment plans available

Traditional braces

  • Same ways to pay as
    Invisalign treatment


7Data from OrthoFi for calendar year 2021, N = 112,243, US patients with dental insurance coverage who used OrthoFi insurance verification tool. Data on file at Align Technology, as of January 19, 2023.