Choosing between braces vs Invisalign® can feel a little like choosing between two very good options: you’ll get a beautiful, healthy smile either way. The question is simply which treatment fits your life best?
At Fellow Orthodontist in Union Square, Manhattan, Dr. Lin delivers some of the most advanced orthodontic treatment available and is widely recognized as a trusted Align™ Technology consultant who helps other orthodontists refine and elevate their Invisalign care.
Needless to say, you’re in the best hands here, and we’ll create a beautiful smile with your choice of treatment.
So if you’re still debating Invisalign vs. braces, we want to help you decide! Take this fun quiz to see which option aligns with you best.
The Quick-Start Quiz: Should You Choose Braces or Invisalign?
Answer these questions honestly, and have fun with it. Your perfect orthodontic match might surprise you.
Keep track of your answers; your results are waiting below!
1. How confident are you in wearing something 22 hours a day?
- A) I’m consistent! If it’s part of my routine, I’m good.
- B) Mmm… I tend to forget things that aren’t glued to me.
- C) I could probably do it, but I’d need reminders.
2. What’s your preferred treatment vibe?
- A) I’m looking for something low-key, subtle, and barely noticeable.
- B) I’m fine if people see my treatment. I actually like the look of braces!
- C) I’m not concerned either way. I just want my dream smile ASAP.
3. What’s your lifestyle like?
- A) I want flexibility (especially for meals and photos).
- B) Give me something that works 24/7 without me thinking about it.
- C) I don’t mind structure, but I love convenience, too.
4. Which one sounds the most like you?
- A) I’m in school, or work full time. I’d like flexibility and being able to remove my treatment when needed.
- B) I’m someone who likes routine. I prefer something that stays put and works 24/7 without me thinking about it.
- C) My schedule is always stacked! I need something convenient but realistic for my day-to-day life.
5. How would you describe your smile goals?
- A) I had braces before, fell off the retainer wagon (oops), and now I just need a little fine-tuning.
- B) I’ve got some crowding or bite issues going on, and I want something strong and predictable to get everything lined up.
- C) I’m dealing with bigger stuff (overbite, underbite, jaw discomfort) and I’m ready for an expert to help me build a really healthy foundation.
6. What’s your food personality?
- A) I love crunchy, chewy, and sticky things too much to give them up.
- B) I’m fine avoiding certain foods for a while.
- C) I don’t want restrictions, but I could make them work if needed.
7. How do you feel about keeping track of trays?
- A) Easy. I’d put them right back in their case.
- B) Oh no. They’d be in the wild within 24 hours.
- C) I’d try… but accidents happen.
8. Do you want the fastest option?
- A) I’ve heard aligners can be fast. That sounds great.
- B) Braces feel more “set it and forget it”, which seems faster for me.
- C) I just want what’s fastest for my smile.
9. What kind of appointment style fits your life best?
- A) Quick, virtual check-ins sound perfect. A virtual treatment monitoring option that reduces office visits would make my life SO much easier.
- B) I don’t mind popping into the office. Wire adjustment appointments feel totally manageable.
- C) I’m flexible. I just want whatever gets me the best results.
10. What’s most important to you during treatment?
- A) Appearance is everything right now. I’ve got photos, events, or big moments coming up and want something discreet and camera-friendly.
- B) Staying on budget is key. I need flexibility when it comes to financing, and monthly payments that are easy to manage.
- C) Honestly, whatever works best with my insurance and gives me the healthiest results is perfect for me.
Your Results: What Your Answers Say About You
Okay, moment of truth! Take a look at your A’s, B’s, and C’s… your smile personality is hidden in those letters.
Mostly A’s → You’re Team Clear Aligners
You love flexibility, convenience, and the freedom to pop your treatment out when needed (hello, crunchy snacks).
Invisalign® clear aligners fit perfectly into your world, because clear aligners are:
- Nearly invisible
- Smooth and comfortable
- Removable for meals + brushing
- Easy to manage with virtual check-ins
Why this matters:
Clear aligners only work if you wear them 22 hours a day, and your answers show you’re up for that commitment. You care about aesthetics, convenience, and staying camera-ready, which makes aligners a great match.
Mostly B’s → You’re Team Braces
You’re a routine-lover, a structure-seeker, or someone who just wants something that stays put and works around the clock. Braces check alllll the boxes for you.
Braces may be your best match because they’re:
- Always working (no remembering required)
- Great for mild or complex cases
- Highly predictable and reliable
Why this matters:
Your answers show you value consistency, simplicity, and letting your treatment run on autopilot. Braces specialize in exactly that.
Mostly C’s → You’re the “Let’s See What the Doctor Recommends” Type
You’re flexible, practical, and focused on long-term results above all. You’d do well with either option depending on your exact smile needs.
Your results suggest you care about:
- Convenience
- Health-first decisions
- Whatever gets the job done right
- Expert guidance
Why this matters:
The choice is yours! A consultation and smile exam with Dr. Lin will tell you exactly which one will get you the healthiest, most confident smile – while meeting your lifestyle preferences.
Good News: Your Budget Works Either Way!
A, B, or C… your wallet can relax. Both braces and Invisalign are affordable at Fellow Orthodontist in Union Square, Manhattan.
We offer flexible financing for Invisalign and braces, with:
- Flexible monthly payments with 0% interest to fit your budget
- Discount opportunities: NYU students
- Insurance support: We accept insurance, and we’ll do the paperwork!
- FSA/HSA payments accepted
- Custom treatment plans: If you only need a touch-up, you won’t have to pay for full treatment!
- We offer an exclusive Invisalign Touch-up package to treat minor tooth movement. Find out if you’re a candidate.
Next-Level Smile Transformations with Fellow Orthodontist
No matter which treatment your quiz results point you toward, one thing stays the same: We make your smile journey as convenient as possible.
At Fellow Orthodontist, you can stay on track with fewer in-office visits through the My Invisalign app— a virtual care option that reduces appointments by 60%! Complete quick virtual check-ins through your phone, and Dr. Lin monitors your progress remotely. It’s fast, easy, and perfect for busy schedules.
Whether you choose Invisalign or braces here, you’ll get a convenient, personalized treatment experience designed to blend seamlessly into your lifestyle.
FAQs: Your Top Braces vs Invisalign Questions, Answered
- Should I get Invisalign or braces?
Both options can create a beautiful smile. It really comes down to your lifestyle, consistency, and treatment needs.
- Is Invisalign better than braces?
No treatment is technically “better” — it truly depends on your preferences, and we’re here to create stunning results either way. During your consultation, Dr. Lin will help you decide which treatment aligns best with your lifestyle, preferences, and treatment needs!
- What are the types of braces available?
At Fellow Orthodontist, we offer the widest range of braces options. We have something you’ll love, between:
- Invisalign® clear aligners
- Brava® hidden braces
- ICONIX® champagne-gold braces
- Ceramic clear braces
- Traditional metal braces
- Invisalign vs braces: which is faster?
When it comes to which is faster, the honest answer is: it depends. Clear aligners move teeth efficiently when worn for 22 hours a day — and Brava hidden braces reduce treatment time by 50% on average.
Braces are a set-it-and-forget-it situation, while clear aligners require your commitment to wear them day and night. Ultimately, Dr. Lin will tell you which approach gets your smile to the finish line fastest.
- What’s the difference in cost?
The Invisalign vs braces cost conversation is easier than you think. Both are affordable with us, with 0% interest financing and monthly payments as low as $200 with insurance. While your treatment fee is based on the complexity of your smile care, your cost is always upfront and transparent with us.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match IRL? </h2>
That was a lot to take in! Thank you for playing along, and we hope you have a little more clarity about your perfect ortho treatment match.
Whether you landed on braces, Invisalign, or a mix of both, our highly-experienced orthodontist near you in Union Square, Manhattan is here to guide you toward the treatment that fits your goals, lifestyle, and smile.
Let’s get the ball rolling! Book your consultation today with our Union Square orthodontic office!
