Whether you’re considering Invisalign or traditional braces, the right choice comes down to what fits your lifestyle best. Here at Washington Orthodontics near Factoria Boulevard, we help patients from nearby neighborhoods like Somerset, Eastgate, and Newport Hills find the braces options that works best for them.
Whether you’re heading to class at Bellevue College, running errands at Marketplace at Factoria, or spending weekends out at Coal Creek Park, your treatment should fit around your life—not the other way around. In this guide, we’ll walk through how Invisalign and braces compare, so you can feel confident choosing the right path for your smile.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gently shift your teeth into place. Unlike braces, there are no brackets or wires. The aligners are nearly invisible when worn and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Each set of aligners is worn for about 1 to 2 weeks before switching to the next in the series, gradually moving your teeth closer to their ideal position. Most patients need to wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to stay on track.
Why Patients Choose Invisalign:
- Discreet appearance—most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them
- No food restrictions—just take them out before meals
- Easier brushing and flossing without wires in the way
- More comfortable with smooth edges (no poking or irritation)
- Fewer in-office adjustments compared to traditional braces
Invisalign is a great option for many teens and adults, especially those with mild to moderate alignment issues who want a low-profile solution.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Side-by-Side Comparison
Not sure which treatment fits your needs best? Many of our patients near Factoria Boulevard—whether they’re coming from Somerset, Eastgate, or Newport Hills—ask the same thing. Here’s a quick breakdown of how Invisalign and braces compare across the things we get asked about most:
| Feature | Invisalign | Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear and nearly invisible | Metal or ceramic brackets are visible |
| Removability | Removable for eating, brushing, etc. | Fixed to your teeth—only your orthodontist can remove them |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic trays; no wires or brackets | May cause irritation from metal parts or adjustments |
| Oral Hygiene | Easy to brush and floss normally | Requires special tools to clean around brackets and wires |
| Food Restrictions | None (just remove aligners before eating) | Avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods |
| Treatment Time | Often shorter for mild/moderate cases (with good compliance) | Typically better for complex cases and jaw issues |
| Follow-Up Visits | Fewer, mostly to check progress and receive new trays | Regular tightening/adjustments required |
| Discipline Required | High—you need to wear aligners 20–22 hours a day | Low—they’re always working in your mouth |
| Best For | Mild to moderate alignment issues, patients who want flexibility | More complex alignment or bite corrections, lower-maintenance option |
Both treatments can be highly effective, it really comes down to your preferences, needs, and how committed you are to the process.
Which One Works Faster—Braces Vs. Invisalign?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Which treatment gets results faster—Invisalign or braces?” And the answer really depends on your specific case.
For mild to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign can work just as quickly—sometimes even faster—than braces, but only if the aligners are worn consistently for 20 to 22 hours a day. Skipping trays or wearing them less than recommended can delay your progress.
Braces, on the other hand, are fixed in place and always working. They’re often more efficient for complex issues like significant crowding, bite problems, or jaw alignment. Since they don’t rely on patient compliance, braces tend to stay on schedule even when life gets busy.
What we tell our Washington Patients:
If you’re great at sticking to routines and want the flexibility of a removable option, Invisalign could be a great match. But if you’d prefer something that works in the background with less responsibility on your end, braces may be the better choice.
How Much Does Invisalign or Braces Cost?
Cost is a big factor when choosing between Invisalign and braces, and many patients ask us which option is more affordable. The truth? They’re often more similar in price than most people expect.
Here’s what to expect:
Invisalign typically costs a little more due to the technology, lab fees, and custom trays.
Braces are usually slightly less expensive, especially traditional metal braces. Ceramic or clear braces may cost more.
At Washington Orthodontics, we work with our community to make treatment as affordable as possible. We offer flexible payment plans and accept many insurance providers that cover orthodontic care.
Things that can affect your total cost:
- How complex your case is
- How long your treatment will take
- Whether you need additional procedures (like attachments or rubber bands)
- Insurance coverage or HSA/FSA usage
Still not sure which option fits your budget? We’ll go over a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation and help you explore payment options that make sense for you.
Which One Fits Your Lifestyle Better?
Your daily routine plays a big role in which treatment will work best for you. Both Invisalign and braces are effective, but how they fit into your lifestyle can make all the difference.
Invisalign might be a better fit if:
- You’re often out and about, eating on the go, or attending social events
- You prefer a more subtle, low-profile look
- You’re good at remembering routines (like putting your aligners back in after meals)
- You want the freedom to remove your aligners when brushing, flossing, or taking photos
Braces might be a better choice if:
- You’d rather not worry about keeping track of removable trays
- You don’t mind the look of brackets or wires
- You want a set-it-and-forget-it solution that works 24/7
- You’re treating a more complex alignment or bite issue
We see all kinds of patients near Factoria—from busy students at Bellevue College to professionals commuting through Eastgate—and each person’s needs are different. During your consultation, we’ll walk through what your typical day looks like to help you decide which option fits best with your lifestyle.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Invisalign and braces are proven, effective ways to straighten your teeth—it all comes down to your goals, preferences, and how much responsibility you want to take on during treatment.
If you’re looking for something low-profile, removable, and flexible, Invisalign might be the better match. If you want a set-it-and-forget-it solution that works around the clock (especially for more complex issues), braces could be the way to go.
At Washington Orthodontics, we’ve helped hundreds of patients near Factoria find the right treatment for their unique needs. During your consultation, we’ll look at your alignment, walk you through your options, and build a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Whether you’re ready to start or still weighing your options, we’re here to help you take the next step. At Washington Orthodontics, we offer:
- Same-day consultations
- Flexible payment plans
- Invisalign and traditional braces options
- A convenient location near Factoria Boulevard in Bellevue
