Are you debating whether Invisalign® or traditional braces is the best fit for yourself or a loved one? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Both treatment options help to improve your dental health and your confidence.
Before we dive in, we want to clarify that, no matter what method you choose, it is important to straighten your teeth or correct an issue with your bite. Individuals with crooked or misaligned teeth are at greater risk of developing cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other damage to their teeth.
In today’s blog post, let’s take a closer look at the differences between Invisalign® and traditional braces.
Invisalign®, or invisible braces, is a clear, removable system of aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. Drs. Miller, Solberg, and Williams use 3D digital computer imaging to take images and impressions of your teeth and jaw that are then used to create your customized aligners. Patients wear their trays for 20 to 22 hours per day and shift to a new set of aligners every two weeks. The total number of aligners will depend on the purpose and length of your treatment.
Treatment plans typically last between 9 and 15 months. During this time, teeth slowly shift into their new positions. It’s important to schedule periodic check-ups with your dentist to monitor treatment progress and make any necessary adjustments. Once you’ve completed your system of aligners, we recommend wearing a nightly retainer to maintain your results.
But how does Invisalign® compare to traditional braces?
Patients often consider the Invisalign® trays to be more comfortable and convenient than traditional braces. They are removed when eating and drinking as well as when brushing and flossing. Traditional braces are permanently fixed to the teeth, which may restrict some of your food choices or trap small particles of food.
Additionally, Invisalign® offers a more discreet solution. The clear, hard-soft plastic material used to create the aligners is nearly invisible, as opposed to the more noticeable metal bars of traditional braces.
Of course, Invisalign® may not be the right option for every patient.
It is often a good fit for teen and adult patients with mild to moderate dental concerns. It can treat a wide range of occlusion and tooth alignment issues, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
Braces are best for larger adjustments, as they are more powerful and provide patients with a total transformation. As we touched on above, Invisalign works slower than traditional braces. In addition to the shorter treatment time, braces require fewer trips to the dentist, as they rarely need to be checked and/or tightened.
Whether Invisalign® or traditional braces is the best solution for you, Maitland Ave Smile Co. will work with you to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable with your new smile!
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, dental anxiety, and more.