Braces vs. Invisalign for Fixing an Overbite: Which One is Better?

If your overbite makes you feel self-conscious or causes discomfort while eating or speaking, you’re probably wondering: Braces vs Invisalign—which is better for fixing an overbite?

Both braces and Invisalign are effective treatments for overbite correction. Invisalign is more discreet, but braces may be the better option for severe cases. So, how do you choose the right one?

The answer depends on the severity of your overbite, your lifestyle, and what you expect from treatment.

In this article, we’ll break down key differences between braces and Invisalign, including treatment time, cost, effectiveness, comfort, and maintenance—so you can make an informed decision.

Braces vs Invisalign: Key Differences for Overbite Correction

Braces vs Invisalign For An Overbite

Now, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing between braces and Invisalign, helping you decide the best option for correcting an overbite.

1. How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite?

The length of treatment varies for every patient, but in general:

  • Braces: 1 to 2 years for mild to moderate overbites, up to 3 years for severe cases.
  • Invisalign: 6 to 24 months, depending on how consistently you wear the aligners.

Since braces are fixed to your teeth, they work 24/7 without any interruption. Invisalign, on the other hand, is removable, so treatment time depends on how well you follow the instructions. If you don’t wear them at least 22 hours a day, it will take longer to see results.

Know how long it takes to fix overbite with Braces and Invisalign depending on several factors.

2. Appearance: Which One is More Discreet?

If you’re concerned about how you’ll look during treatment, Invisalign is the clear winner.

  • Invisalign: Transparent and barely noticeable—perfect if you have a job, event, or social setting where you prefer a more natural look.
  • Braces: More visible, especially traditional metal ones. However, ceramic braces offer a more subtle option.

3. Cost: Is Invisalign More Expensive Than Braces?

Orthodontic treatment can be pricey, but here’s a rough estimate:

  • Braces: $2,000 – $6,000
  • Invisalign: $5,000 – $8,000

Invisalign typically costs more than braces, mainly due to custom aligners and more frequent replacements. If cost is a big concern, braces are the more budget-friendly option.

4. Which Overbite Cases Can They Fix?

Not all overbites are the same, and the cause of your overbite matters when choosing treatment.

Braces:

✅ Best for severe or complex overbites
✅ Can fix deep bites & excess overjet
✅ Works in cases requiring tooth extractions
✅ Can be combined with surgery for skeletal overbites

Invisalign:

✅ Effective for mild to moderate overbites
✅ Now improved with attachments & elastics
✅ Not ideal for severe skeletal overbites

In the past, Invisalign wasn’t recommended for severe overbites, but newer attachments and rubber bands have made it more effective. However, if jaw surgery is needed, braces are still the preferred choice.

5. Daily Wear Time: Which One is Easier?

  • Braces: You wear them 24/7, no choice.
  • Invisalign: You need to wear them 22-23 hours a day, but many people forget or take them out too often—delaying results.

With Invisalign, self-discipline is key. If you’re the type who might forget to wear them consistently, braces might be a better long-term solution.

6. Follow-Up Appointments: How Often Do You Need Checkups?

  • Braces: Every 4-6 weeks for adjustments.
  • Invisalign: Every 2 weeks to get a new set of aligners.

Since Invisalign requires frequent replacements, expect more visits to the orthodontist compared to braces.

7. What Are They Made Of?

  • Braces: Metal or ceramic brackets attached to your teeth.
  • Invisalign: Clear, plastic aligners custom-made for your mouth.

If you don’t like the look of metal braces, ceramic braces offer a clearer alternative.

8. Comfort: Which One Feels Better?

  • Braces: Can cause irritation from wires and brackets, especially in the first few weeks.
  • Invisalign: Generally more comfortable, but can feel tight when switching to a new set.

Braces can sometimes poke or rub against your mouth, requiring orthodontic wax for relief. Invisalign avoids this issue but can still cause soreness when shifting teeth.

9. Pain: Which One Hurts More?

Both options cause discomfort at the beginning, but:

  • Braces: Can be more painful due to wires, brackets, and adjustments.
  • Invisalign: Causes mild pressure pain, especially when switching aligners.

Your mouth adjusts to both treatments within a month, so the pain is temporary.

Know how long braces hurt and how long Invisalign causes pain.

10. Eating with Braces vs Invisalign

  • Braces: No hard, sticky, or crunchy foods (think caramel, popcorn, or nuts).
  • Invisalign: No restrictions—you remove them while eating!

If you love crunchy foods or don’t want to change your diet, Invisalign is the winner.

Learn how to eat, what to eat, and which foods to avoid with braces.

11. Oral Hygiene: Which One Is Easier to Clean?

  • Braces: Harder to clean; food gets stuck in brackets.
  • Invisalign: Easier to maintain; remove them to brush and floss.

Since braces trap food particles, you’ll need special brushes and flossers to keep your teeth clean. Invisalign is more convenient—but you must brush after every meal before putting them back in.

Because of these reasons, patients with Invisalign’s may have better periodontal health than patients with braces.

12. Cleaning & Maintenance: Invisalign vs Braces

When it comes to daily maintenance, Invisalign is hands down easier to clean than braces.

  • Braces: Since they’re fixed to your teeth, you have to clean around the brackets and wires while they’re in your mouth. This requires extra effort, as you can’t just pop them out and rinse them.
  • Invisalign: You can remove them, making it easy to brush and rinse them with lukewarm water or a mild cleaning solution.

However, Invisalign isn’t completely hassle-free. Aligners can develop stains and odors if not cleaned properly. Some people also forget to clean them regularly, which defeats the purpose of an easy-to-maintain appliance.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a soft toothbrush and Invisalign cleaning crystals to keep your aligners fresh. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic.

With braces, you’ll need to be more cautious about food debris and use tools like interdental brushes to reach tricky spots.

🔹 Invisalign Pros: Easier to clean, removable for rinsing, no food sticking issues.
🔹 Braces Pros: No risk of losing aligners, but harder to clean.

Ultimately, if you prioritize easy maintenance, Invisalign wins. But if you’re okay with putting in extra effort, braces are still effective.

13. Effectiveness: Which One Works Better?

If you’re looking for the most powerful correction, braces are still the gold standard—especially for severe or complicated overbites.

  • Braces: Can fix any level of overbite, from mild to extreme cases. Works well with extractions, elastics, and even surgery if needed.
  • Invisalign: Has improved significantly with new attachments, elastics, and more advanced aligners. However, it still struggles with severe skeletal overbites.

While Invisalign is now capable of treating more complex cases than before, braces remain more effective overall because they allow for precise movement of teeth in multiple directions.

💡 Pro Tip: If your overbite is mild to moderate, Invisalign is a great choice. But for severe overbites or jaw misalignment, braces (sometimes combined with surgery) are the better option.

🔹 Braces Pros: Best for severe cases, can move teeth in any direction.
🔹 Invisalign Pros: Effective for most cases, but struggles with extreme overbites.

The verdict? Braces are still the best option for severe overbites, but Invisalign is catching up with new advancements.

14. How Do Braces & Invisalign Work to Fix an Overbite?

The mechanics of braces vs Invisalign are quite different, but both use gradual force to move teeth into place.

How Braces Work:

  1. Brackets are glued to each tooth.
  2. Wires are threaded through the brackets to apply controlled pressure.
  3. Rubber bands (elastics) or springs are used to pull the upper front teeth backward.
  4. Over time, this pressure shifts the teeth and aligns the bite.

If your overbite is severe, braces may be combined with tooth extractions, jaw surgery, or expanders to achieve the best results.

How Invisalign Works:

  1. Custom aligners are made to fit your teeth.
  2. You wear them 22+ hours a day, only removing them to eat or brush.
  3. Each set of aligners applies gentle pressure to shift teeth into place.
  4. Rubber bands & attachments help move teeth in specific directions for bite correction.

The key difference? Braces apply force constantly, while Invisalign works only when worn properly.

🔹 Braces Pros: Best for severe cases, works all the time.
🔹 Invisalign Pros: More comfortable, but depends on patient compliance.

If you want a low-maintenance treatment that works 24/7, braces are the way to go. If you prefer a removable and discreet option, Invisalign is great—but only if you’re disciplined.

15. Side Effects After Treatment

Orthodontic treatments, when done by a qualified orthodontist, don’t have major long-term side effects. However, there are some common post-treatment concerns:

  • Teeth shifting back: Without a retainer, teeth can move back to their original position.
  • Mild sensitivity: After treatment, teeth might feel slightly sensitive for a few weeks.
  • Jaw discomfort: In severe overbite cases, jaw position may take time to stabilize.

Braces may cause temporary gum irritation due to brackets, while Invisalign can cause dryness due to constant aligner wear.

💡 Pro Tip: Wear your retainer as prescribed after treatment to prevent relapse.

16. Tooth Staining or Decay After Treatment

Both braces and Invisalign can cause staining if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene—but braces tend to pose a higher risk.

  • Braces: Food and plaque can get trapped around brackets, causing yellow stains or white spots after removal.
  • Invisalign: Doesn’t directly cause stains, but improper cleaning can lead to buildup under aligners, resulting in discoloration or bad breath.

💡 How to Avoid Staining:
For Braces: Brush thoroughly, use fluoride toothpaste, and avoid staining foods.
For Invisalign: Clean aligners daily, brush after meals, and avoid sugary drinks while wearing them.

🔹 Braces Pros: No aligners to worry about, but harder to clean.
🔹 Invisalign Pros: Less staining risk, but requires proper cleaning habits.

If oral hygiene isn’t your strong suit, Invisalign may be easier to maintain—but with proper care, braces won’t cause long-term issues.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

👉 Braces is the better choice if:

✅ You have a severe overbite
✅ You need extractions or jaw surgery
✅ You want the most powerful correction
✅ You’re okay with visible brackets
✅ You don’t mind extra cleaning steps for better correction.

👉 Invisalign is the better choice if:

✅ You have a mild to moderate overbite
✅ You prefer a discreet, removable option
✅ You’re disciplined enough to wear them consistently
✅ You don’t want to change your diet or oral care routine

Both braces and Invisalign can fix an overbite, but the right choice depends on your case and lifestyle. If you’re still unsure, consult an orthodontist to determine which option suits you best.

No matter what you choose, fixing your overbite will improve your smile, confidence, and long-term oral health!

You can also check out other options to fix an overbite.