Invisalign and braces both straighten teeth, but they work differently and cost different amounts. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose.
How each one works
Braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire that the dentist adjusts over time. They’re fixed — you can’t take them out.
Invisalign (clear aligners) uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays. You switch to a new set every week or two, and each set moves the teeth a little.
Cost: Invisalign vs. braces
National price surveys put the average cost at roughly:
- Metal braces: about $5,350 (commonly $1,800 – $8,500)
- Ceramic (clear) braces: about $5,500 (commonly $2,000 – $10,000)
- Clear aligners / Invisalign: about $5,700 (commonly $1,100 – $9,500)
Your price depends on how complex your bite is and how long treatment takes.
Braces special at Enjoy Dental: $250 per arch, with a free orthodontic consultation and 50% off a maintenance cleaning. New patients also get 10% off all treatments (offers can’t be combined).
Side-by-side comparison
- Looks: Invisalign is nearly invisible. Metal braces are visible; ceramic braces are less noticeable.
- Comfort: aligners have no wires or brackets to rub. Braces can feel sore for a few days after each adjustment.
- Eating: with Invisalign you take the trays out to eat. With braces, avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods.
- Discipline: aligners only work if you wear them about 22 hours a day. Braces work all the time because they can’t come off.
- Complex cases: braces handle severe crowding, rotated teeth and big bite problems very well. Aligners work best for mild to moderate cases.
- Time: most cases take about 12 to 24 months with either option.
Does insurance or Medicaid cover them?
- PPO insurance: some plans have an orthodontic benefit with an age limit and a lifetime maximum.
- Florida Medicaid: covers braces only for patients under 21 when the bite problem is medically necessary. Adults aren’t covered. Read does Medicaid cover braces in Florida.
Which is right for you?
Choose braces if you want the lowest cost, have a complex bite, or don’t want to keep track of trays.
Choose Invisalign if appearance matters most, your case is mild to moderate, and you’ll wear the trays consistently.
Get a free orthodontic consultation in Hialeah
Dr. Boyle and Dr. Garcia will check your bite and tell you which option fits — in English or Spanish. See our braces and Invisalign pages, call (305) 871-9111, or book online.