ORTHODONTICS · COMPARISON

Braces or Invisalign: which is better for you?

Q: What happens if I lose or break an Invisalign aligner?

You should let your clinic know as soon as possible. Depending on the stage of treatment, you may temporarily go back to the previous aligner or move on to the next one early while the replacement is made, so as not to lose momentum in tooth movement.

There is no single answer: it depends on how complex your bite is, how much you care about aesthetics, and your daily discipline. Invisalign is virtually invisible but needs to be worn 20–22 hours a day. Braces don't depend on your discipline and can handle more complex cases, in exchange for being visible.

Dentaláser Clinical Team · Clinical Director: Dr Alberto Cerezo · Published on 2 September 2026

Patient with metal braces during an orthodontic check-up

Metal braces remain the most effective option for complex cases.

What sets Invisalign apart from braces

Braces are fixed pieces (metal or ceramic) that are bonded to each tooth and connected by a wire arch that the orthodontist adjusts at each check-up. Tooth movement is controlled by the clinic, visit by visit.

Invisalign is a system of clear, removable aligners custom-made from a 3D scan of your mouth. Each aligner is worn for 1 to 2 weeks before moving on to the next in the series, and progress depends on wearing it for the recommended amount of time.

Comparison: duration, price and use cases

Metal braces vs Invisalign
Feature	Invisalign	Metal braces
Visibility	Virtually invisible	Visible
Average duration	6–18 months depending on the case	12–24 months depending on the case
Guide price*	Above the national median for orthodontics	Usually the more affordable option
Removable for eating	Yes, removed with no restrictions	No, some foods are off-limits
Daily hygiene	Easy, removed for brushing	More time-consuming, with interdental brushes
Complex cases	Limited to mild-to-moderate cases	Also effective in severe cases
Depends on patient discipline	Yes (20–22 hours/day of wear)	No, the clinic is in control

*As a market reference, the Spanish Consumers' and Users' Organisation (OCU) puts the median price for a full course of orthodontic treatment in Spain at €2,000 (dental health survey, November 2024). This is not Dentaláser's price: it varies widely depending on the system, complexity and duration, and your exact quote comes from your first visit, which is free.

Advantages of Invisalign

Aesthetics: barely noticeable, useful if your work or daily life puts you in the public eye.
Comfort: no metal in the mouth, less rubbing on lips and cheeks.
No food restrictions: take it out to eat and drink whatever you like.
You can preview the result with a 3D scan before you start.

Advantages of braces

They don't depend on the patient's discipline: tooth movement continues whether you're having a good day or a bad one.
They handle cases of severe malocclusion or complex tooth movements that Invisalign can't resolve.
They tend to be the more affordable option for long or complicated treatments.
They can't be lost or left at home, since they're fixed to the tooth.

What to choose depending on your case

The decision isn't just an aesthetic preference: it depends on the diagnosis. As a general guide:

Mild to moderate crowding, good discipline: Invisalign tends to be a good fit.
Severe malocclusion, complex crossbite or the need for extractions: braces tend to be more predictable.
Jobs with a lot of public-facing exposure: Invisalign or ceramic braces (less visible than metal ones).
Tight budget for a long treatment: metal braces tend to be the most affordable option.

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Only an individual diagnosis can determine the right system Neither this article nor any comparison table replaces an assessment of your bite, your X-rays and your specific case. At Dentaláser, that first consultation with the orthodontist is completely free.

Frequently asked questions

Neither hurts when fitted. Both cause mild pressure and discomfort for the first 2–3 days after each adjustment (braces) or each new aligner (Invisalign), while the tooth moves. It's manageable discomfort, not sharp pain, and it settles on its own.

Yes, it's possible if the orthodontist finds that the case needs more control than the aligner can offer. It's a clinical decision made by reviewing how the tooth movement is progressing, not a free choice made by the patient.

Let your clinic know as soon as possible. Depending on the stage of treatment, you may temporarily go back to the previous aligner or move on to the next one early while the replacement is made, so as not to lose momentum in tooth movement.

Sources

Spanish Consumers' and Users' Organisation (OCU), dental health survey, November 2024: median price for a full course of orthodontic treatment in Spain.

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