For many families in Los Angeles, especially in neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Mid-Wilshire, the choice between traditional dental braces and Invisalign has become a common discussion during early orthodontic consultations. According to board certified Los Angeles orthodontist Dr. Ryan McComb, a graduate of The Harvard School of Dental Medicine at Harvard University, patient experience is what should guide that choice.
“Both braces and Invisalign achieve the same clinical outcomes in the same amount of time,” Dr. McComb explained. “Braces and Invisalign both straighten teeth. Long-term success depends much more on how well they brush their teeth vs how many hours they wear clear aligners every day. Preventing malocclusion from coming back is a result of patient behavior.”
Parents often worry that teenagers will forget to wear their Invisalign aligners, which must be worn for at least 20 hours a day to be effective. However, McComb says that assumption may be outdated.
“We consistently see that teenagers are excellent with Invisalign compliance,” he said. “They adapt quickly, often faster than adults, because they’re motivated by comfort and aesthetics.”
Braces pose a dental hygiene challenge. While braces eliminate the need for daily wear-time discipline, you can’t remove them like invisalign to brush your teeth, so they require stricter hygiene habits. Unlike with invisalign, food can easily lodge around the brackets and wires, creating risks for gum inflammation or enamel decalcification if brushing is inconsistent.
“With braces, compliance shifts from wear-time to hygiene,” McComb said. “You have to brush and floss more often. Invisalign allows normal brushing and flossing because the aligners are removed during brushing and meals.”
Practical Considerations for Los Angeles Patients
Los Angeles orthodontic practices have noted that lifestyle factors often shape the decision more than clinical differences. In Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, patients in high-visibility professions like entertainment, music, and hospitality usually choose Invisalign vs. braces for their discreet appearance. For students and athletes, the comfort of clear aligners instead of metal brackets are an added benefit.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) reports that more than 10 million people worldwide have been treated with clear aligners, a number expected to grow annually as aligner technology improves.
Although the systems are largely interchangeable, McComb emphasized that traditional appliances still play an essential role in early intervention cases.
“For young children with developing underbites or severe crossbites, we may recommend expanders or face masks to guide jaw growth,” he said. “Invisalign has made remarkable progress, including a new palatal expander, but not every case is a fit yet.”
McComb encourages parents to schedule an initial orthodontic assessment around age seven, consistent with AAO guidelines.
“About 20 percent of children require early orthodontic treatment to correct growth-related issues,” he explained. “The other 80 percent are typically placed on observation until they’re ready for comprehensive care.”
Across Los Angeles, orthodontists note that treatment success often hinges on how well patients understand and commit to their care plan.
“Whether it’s braces or Invisalign, outcomes are identical when patients follow instructions,” McComb said. “Our goal is to make the journey comfortable enough that they actually do.”
About McComb Orthodontics
Ryan McComb, DMD, MS, is a board-certified orthodontist and graduate of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He leads McComb Orthodontics, with offices in West Hollywood and Culver City, serving patients across Beverly Hills, Mid-Wilshire, and the greater Los Angeles area. The practice focuses on individualized treatment planning, combining evidence-based orthodontic care with modern technology.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit https://mccomborthodontics.com.
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Alexandre Cerf
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