Is Invisalign as Effective as Regular Braces?
When you want to improve the appearance of your smile, braces and Invisalign are the most common teeth straightening options.
Traditional braces use force to shift the position of your teeth through the use of brackets and wire that are affixed to your teeth.
Invisalign, on the other hand, has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. It’s a pain-free treatment that involves wearing removable BPA-free plastic aligners that fit comfortably in your mouth. One of the reasons people prefer Invisalign over braces is that they deliver great results while being much less invasive.
However, there are many types of braces available, and some patients will benefit more from them than Invisalign. It’s helpful to consider all your options before deciding on the right solution for your smile.
Both Invisalign and braces can deliver beautiful results, but braces are more effective for people with severe crookedness, as well as most children and teenagers.
At Woodside Dental, every cosmetic treatment begins with a consultation and complete assessment. We look at your teeth positioning, overall oral health, and jaw structure to determine which type of treatment would be best for your smile.
Professionals and patients alike often choose Invisalign because it’s less invasive and easier to care for. Since they don’t use any wires or brackets, Invisalign aligners make it easy for you to care for your teeth. You can straighten your smile without having to brush or floss around brackets, bands, or wires. You can also get regular cleanings without issue.
Braces, on the other hand, require both personal modifications and multiple trips to your orthodontist for adjustments. These adjustments generally occur every month or two, and they take around 30 minutes.
With Invisalign, you wear a tray for at least 22 hours a day. You cannot brush or eat with aligners in, but Invisalign is easy to remove and replace depending on the situation. If you don’t wear your Invisalign for at least 22 hours, your treatment won’t be effective.
Invisalign can be worn anywhere from 6 to 24 months depending on your needs and desired outcome. Braces are worn for an average of 18 to 24 months. Whether you choose Invisalign or braces, you will need to wear a nightly retainer for the rest of your life to prevent your teeth from shifting.
Cost-wise, Invisalign and braces are comparable. Rates can range from $2,000 to over $5,000 depending on your needs and insurance coverage.
The biggest difference most patients are concerned with is their appearance. Not everyone likes the look of traditional braces or the idea of having to wear them for an extended period of time. Unlike regular braces, Invisalign is nearly invisible and removable.
If you’re looking for a skilled orthodontist to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, you’ve come to the right place. At Woodside Dental, we take time to tailor every solution to a patient’s needs. We also consider factors like your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences when developing recommendations for cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Please contact our team today to schedule an appointment. During your consultation, we can discuss all of your questions about teeth straightening and explore your options together.
