Braces vs Invisalign in Lombard & Orland Park

ByDr.O Reading Time: 7 minutes
Braces vs Invisalign in Lombard & Orland Park, IL | Which Is Right for You?

Braces vs Invisalign in Lombard & Orland Park, IL: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, you’ve probably narrowed your options down to braces or Invisalign. Both can create beautiful results—but they’re not identical. At Othman Orthodontics, with offices in Lombard, IL and Orland Park, IL, we help patients choose the treatment that fits their goals, lifestyle and budget.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between braces vs Invisalign, including:

  • How each option works
  • Appearance and visibility
  • Comfort and day-to-day life
  • What you can eat
  • Treatment time and results
  • Cost and payment options
  • Which option may be better for kids, teens and adults

By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which treatment might be the best match—and how our team in Lombard and Orland Park can help you get started.

How Braces Work

Traditional braces use small brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected by a thin wire. Gentle pressure from the wire, sometimes with the help of elastics and other appliances, gradually moves teeth into their ideal positions.

At Othman Orthodontics, we offer several types of braces:

  • Metal braces – Classic, durable option with the ability to choose fun colored elastics.
  • Ceramic (clear) braces – Tooth-colored brackets that blend in more with your smile.
  • Lingual braces – Braces that go behind the teeth, hidden from view.
  • Incognito™ braces – A customized type of lingual braces for completely hidden treatment in select cases.

Braces are a great choice for patients of all ages—from children and teens to adults—especially for more complex bite or alignment issues.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners instead of brackets and wires. Each aligner is custom-made to fit your teeth and is worn for about 1–2 weeks before switching to the next in the series. Over time, the aligners gradually move your teeth into place.

We offer:

Invisalign aligners are removable and nearly invisible, making them popular for adults and image-conscious teens in both Lombard and Orland Park.

Appearance: Which Option Is More Invisible?

Braces

Metal braces are visible, though modern brackets are smaller and more streamlined than ever. Ceramic clear braces are less noticeable because the brackets blend with the color of your teeth. Lingual braces and Incognito braces are placed on the back of the teeth, making them completely hidden from the front.

Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic and are very discreet. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them unless they’re very close. For patients in professional settings, those in school or anyone who prefers a low-profile option, Invisalign can be especially appealing.

Verdict: For the most invisible treatment, Invisalign or lingual/Incognito braces usually win. Ceramic braces offer a good middle ground for patients who want discreet treatment but don’t want removable aligners.

Comfort: Braces vs Invisalign

Comfort with Braces

With braces, you may experience:

  • Soreness after braces are placed or tightened.
  • Temporary irritation on cheeks or lips from brackets and wires.

These issues typically improve as your mouth adjusts. Orthodontic wax and warm salt water rinses help, and discomfort usually fades after a few days.

Comfort with Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are smooth and custom-fitted. You may feel pressure when starting a new aligner, but:

  • There are no brackets or wires to rub against the cheeks.
  • Most patients find them very comfortable for everyday wear.

Verdict: Both options involve some temporary soreness, but many patients find Invisalign more comfortable overall.

Eating and Drinking: What Changes with Each Option?

Eating with Braces

With braces, you’ll need to avoid certain foods that can damage brackets or wires, such as:

  • Sticky candies, caramel and taffy
  • Hard nuts, popcorn kernels, ice and very hard candies
  • Chewing on pens, fingernails or very tough bread

Most patients get used to these changes quickly, but food restrictions are part of living with braces.

Eating with Invisalign

With Invisalign, you remove your aligners to eat or drink anything other than water. That means:

  • No list of “forbidden foods” during treatment.
  • You can continue enjoying crunchy and sticky favorites—as long as you brush before putting aligners back in.

Verdict: If food freedom is a big priority, Invisalign has a clear advantage.

Oral Hygiene: Keeping Teeth Clean During Treatment

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Braces create places for plaque and food to collect, so you’ll need to:

  • Brush carefully around brackets and wires.
  • Use floss threaders or special orthodontic floss.
  • Consider adding a water flosser for extra help.

Our guides on how to care for braces and regular dental visits help keep your teeth healthy.

Brushing and Flossing with Invisalign

Because Invisalign is removable, you simply:

  • Take the aligners out to brush and floss your teeth normally.
  • Clean the aligners themselves with a soft brush and cool water or recommended cleaners.

Verdict: From a hygiene perspective, Invisalign is usually easier to manage day-to-day, especially for patients who struggle with flossing around braces.

Treatment Time: Is One Faster Than the Other?

Treatment time depends more on your specific case than on whether you choose braces or Invisalign. In general:

  • Mild cases may be completed in about 12–18 months.
  • Moderate to severe cases often take 18–24+ months.
  • Complex bite issues or surgical orthodontic cases may take longer.

Braces allow your orthodontist to be in full control of tooth movement 24/7, which can be helpful for very complex cases. Invisalign can be just as efficient for many mild to moderate cases—as long as aligners are worn as directed (usually 20–22 hours per day).

Verdict: For many patients, treatment time is similar. The key is how well the chosen treatment matches your case and how consistently you follow instructions.

Cost: Are Braces or Invisalign More Affordable?

Many patients are surprised to learn that braces and Invisalign are often similar in cost, especially for mild to moderate cases. The exact fee depends on:

  • How complex your case is
  • How long treatment will take
  • Which specific option you choose (metal, ceramic, lingual, Invisalign Teen, etc.)

At Othman Orthodontics, we offer:

  • Insurance verification and benefit estimates
  • Flexible, interest-free payment plans
  • Options to use HSA and FSA funds

Learn more about our flexible options on our financing pages for Lombard and Orland Park.

Which Is Better for Kids, Teens and Adults?

Children

For younger children (around age 7–10), we often focus on interceptive orthodontic treatment, which may involve:

  • Expanders
  • Partial braces
  • Early aligner options like Invisalign-style Phase I in select cases

Braces or early expanders are often the most practical choice for younger children who might struggle to keep track of removable aligners.

Teens

Teens usually have more options, including:

Teens who are responsible and motivated to wear aligners as directed can be great candidates for Invisalign Teen. For others, braces may be a better choice because they’re always working, no matter what.

Adults

Many adults in Lombard and Orland Park choose:

Some adult cases—especially severe bite or jaw discrepancies—are better treated with braces and, in some instances, surgical orthodontics.

When Braces Might Be the Better Choice

Braces may be the best option if:

  • You have a complex bite problem (severe crowding, impacted teeth, significant overbite/underbite, etc.).
  • You or your child are unlikely to wear aligners the recommended 20–22 hours per day.
  • You want the orthodontist to be fully in control of tooth movement without relying on removable appliances.
  • You prefer metal braces or enjoy customizing your look with colored bands.

Braces are extremely versatile and can address almost any orthodontic problem.

When Invisalign Might Be the Better Choice

Invisalign may be ideal if:

  • You want a nearly invisible treatment option.
  • You prefer to remove your aligners to eat and brush.
  • Your case is mild to moderate, or you are a good candidate based on our evaluation.
  • You’re committed to wearing aligners consistently for the recommended hours each day.

For many adults and older teens in Lombard and Orland Park, Invisalign offers the best combination of flexibility, aesthetics and comfort.

Braces vs Invisalign in Lombard & Orland Park: How to Decide

The most important step in deciding between braces and Invisalign is a thorough orthodontic evaluation. At Othman Orthodontics, we’ll:

  • Review your goals and priorities (appearance, flexibility, cost, treatment time).
  • Examine your teeth, bite and jaw structure.
  • Take X-rays, photos and a digital scan if needed.
  • Explain whether you’re a candidate for braces, Invisalign or both.
  • Provide a side-by-side comparison of your options, including fees and payment plans.

Our goal is to give you clear, honest information—not to push one treatment over another. We’ll help you choose the approach that makes the most sense for your smile and your life.

Serving Lombard, Orland Park & the Surrounding Suburbs

Othman Orthodontics proudly provides braces and Invisalign for patients in:

Lombard Office

Serving Lombard, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Villa Park, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Westmont, Lisle, Naperville and nearby communities.

Orland Park Office

Serving Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Homer Glen, Oak Forest, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Lockport and surrounding areas.

Schedule a Braces or Invisalign Consultation in Lombard or Orland Park, IL

Still deciding between braces vs Invisalign? The best way to know what’s right for you is to schedule a personalized orthodontic consultation at our Lombard office or an orthodontic consultation at our Orland Park office.

We’ll answer your questions, show you what’s possible with your smile and help you choose the treatment that fits your needs, lifestyle and budget—so you can move forward with confidence.

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