Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is Right for You?

Invisalign® offers a modern alternative to traditional braces, providing an effective solution for straightening teeth with fewer visible signs of treatment. With both Invisalign and braces available as options for orthodontic care, it can be difficult to determine which is best for you. While traditional braces are a tried-and-true solution, Invisalign presents a more discreet approach. Understanding the differences between these two treatments can help you make informed decisions about which option is more suitable for your lifestyle and needs.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear system that gradually straightens teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, which use brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth. These aligners will gradually move teeth into their desired positions over time. The aligners are swapped out every few weeks for a new set to continue the progression.

Moreover, unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign's system allows a general dentist to prescribe treatment. However, they will need to have the appropriate system and license for it. Traditional metal braces require the expertise and care of a dental specialist, like an orthodontist. This often leads patients to need two dental homes instead of one.

How Invisalign works

The process of receiving Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation with a dentist who specializes in cosmetic or family dentistry and has orthodontic expertise. The dentist will take digital impressions of the teeth, which they use to create a 3D model of the patient's mouth. This model enables the dentist to design a customized treatment plan, illustrating how the teeth will shift over time. Afterward, the aligners are manufactured, and the patient will wear them for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them only when eating, drinking colored beverages, or completing oral hygiene.

Patients will wear their aligners in a specific order and will receive new ones every one to two weeks. While the treatment length depends on the severity of the dental issue, it generally ranges from several months to a little over a year. Throughout the process, follow-up appointments with the dentist are scheduled to monitor progress and ensure that the treatment is on track.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign is an excellent option for those who prefer a more aesthetic treatment. As the aligners are clear and discreet, they are ideal for individuals who prefer not to have the visibility of metal brackets and wires. Some key benefits of Invisalign include:

• Discreet appearance. The aligners comprise a patented thermoplastic called SmartTrack, offering a nearly invisible treatment option that does not interfere with daily life or social interactions.
• Comfort. Invisalign aligners are smooth and customized to fit the teeth, providing a more comfortable experience compared to traditional metal braces, whose components may irritate the gums.
• Removable. Patients can remove the aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene compared to braces.
• Predictable results. The digital treatment plan provides a clear and predictable path for how the teeth will move, helping patients visualize their final results.

Invisalign vs. braces

While both Invisalign and braces are effective orthodontic treatments, Invisalign provides a more flexible and aesthetically pleasing option. However, there are a few factors to consider when choosing between Invisalign and braces.

• Appearance. Invisalign aligners are clear, making them less noticeable than traditional braces, which offer a visible silver metal framework.
• Comfort. Invisalign aligners tend to be more comfortable because they have no brackets or wires that rub against the gums.
• Treatment length. Duration varies depending on the severity of the malocclusion, but Invisalign typically has a maximum treatment time of 18 months, while braces can extend up to three years.
• Maintenance. Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene, whereas braces require longer daily hygiene routines and special products, such as interdental threaders.
• Dietary restrictions. Braces require abstinence from sticky, hard, and tough foods, as they can damage the wires, while Invisalign has no dietary restrictions.

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is suitable for many patients, especially those with mild to moderate misalignments. Invisalign can treat a wide range of concerns, including crooked teeth, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and crowding. However, those with severe dental problems may benefit from traditional braces, which offer more precise control over complex movements. A consultation with an orthodontic dentist will determine whether Invisalign is the most suitable option for individual needs.

Schedule a consultation

Invisalign provides a modern and aesthetically pleasing option for individuals seeking to straighten their teeth. Are you considering Invisalign? Contact our office to schedule a consultation and determine your candidacy.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.

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