When it comes to straightening teeth, there are two main options; braces and Invisalign.
Braces are generally well known to straighten teeth considering they have a long history of use . However these days, newer technology clear aligners such as Invisalign are becoming increasingly popular and a growing demand for them is seen.
If you’re looking at options for straightening and aligning your teeth, it’s important to understand each route so you can decide which one is best for you.
What is Invisalign?
At its heart, Invisalign is a method of straightening and aligning teeth using a series of clear retainers.
Much like traditional braces, Invisalign can rectify a number of dental issues including:
- Gapped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overbites and underbites
- Crowded teeth
The duration of treatment depends entirely on the patient’s teeth, and on how disciplined the patient is with wearing the aligner trays. Generally speaking, it takes one to two years to completely align the teeth, although it can take longer if the patient doesn’t wear their aligners often enough.
The benefits of Invisalign are many, but the most obvious is their appearance, as Invisalign is barely noticeable at a glance. Someone would have to be standing close to the patient to see the aligners.
Additionally, Invisalign is more comfortable than braces, as they are custom-made for the patient so they fit perfectly. Also, Invisalign aligners can be removed for short periods of time as necessary, such as during meal times, for cleaning the aligners and teeth, and for taking photos during special occasions.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign instead uses a series of clear custom-made aligners that fit in the mouth like thin mouth guards.
Each aligner will slowly push the teeth into their correct position. The patient wears each aligner for as long as it takes to move the teeth slightly, then switches to the next aligner in the series as instructed by their orthodontist. Over time, the teeth eventually move into place.
They are also made using smart dental software, which maps out the series of aligners starting from the original teeth positioning to the final correctly aligned positioning. The additional benefit of this technology is that it can provide the patient with an AI-generated image of how their teeth will look at the end of the treatment.
Is Invisalign cheaper than regular braces?
Invisalign typically costs more than regular braces, however, exact costs depend entirely on the treatment.
For example, if your teeth don’t need to move much to achieve perfect alignment, then you may not need as many aligners in the series. This would help to keep the costs lower.
That said, many people prefer to choose Invisalign due to the myriad of benefits this orthodontic treatment offers. From the barely noticeable aesthetics of Invisalign to the comfort and ease of use, it’s a popular option despite the slightly higher costs.
If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign or have questions for our dentists about how Invisalign could improve your oral health and smile, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us today to set up a free 15 minute consultation appointment or give us a call with any questions.
