Which option is faster, Invisalign or braces? Misaligned or crooked teeth can lead to biting issues and make cleaning your teeth difficult, increasing your risk of tooth cavities, decay, and gingivitis. Having misaligned teeth can also make you feel more self-conscious, lowering your self-esteem and confidence.
Wearing braces is one of the most effective ways to treat these orthodontic problems. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, about 4.5 million Americans wear braces, with 80 percent of them being children between age 6 and 18. Besides braces, Invisalign is another treatment option that works equally well but in a comparable timeframe.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, plastic aligners to align and straighten teeth. Invisalign clear aligners work by exerting pressure onto your teeth, gradually moving the teeth into their rightful position. The outcome is more uniformly aligned teeth that appear straighter.
Invisalign makes an excellent treatment option for both adults and children with teeth misalignment issues. Clear aligners require no metal brackets or wiring during treatment, making them more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.
Apart from being comfortable to wear, other benefits of Invisalign include:
Invisalign are Subtle and Barely Noticeable
Clear aligners are virtually invisible, which means you can correct your teeth problem without worrying about your smile. This helps boost your self-esteem and feel more confident even in social situations.
They are Removable
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners are designed removable. So, you can get them out when you’re eating, cleaning your teeth, or playing contact sports. This also gives you the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods without feeling discomfort when chewing or worrying about your aligners getting damaged.
Fewer Appointments Required
With Invisalign, you require fewer visits to the orthodontist since they don’t require adjusting during the treatment. You need to change the aligners according to directions and see your orthodontist to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned. Fewer appointments mean a reduction in the cost of treatment and less time off work.
How Do Braces Differ from Invisalign?
Both Invisalign and traditional braces are practical options for correcting your misaligned teeth. However, there are distinct differences in their approach to fixing your teeth. One significant difference is that traditional braces rely on metal brackets, wires, and elastics to adjust your teeth’ position, while Invisalign utilizes plastic aligners.
Another notable difference is that braces are on all the time. You’re only required to wear your clear aligners for at least 22 hours per day to be effective. Traditional braces are typically removed at the end of your treatment, and Invisalign trays are replaced with a new set every week or two.
Lastly, braces treatment can be more affordable than Invisalign treatment. Traditional braces also work well for nearly all orthodontal problems, including severe cases.
How Do Treatment Times Vary?
While there is no one-size-fits-all for knowing how long your orthodontic treatment will take, many orthodontists estimate Invisalign treatment to take between 6 to 12 months. On the other hand, braces can take about 18 to 22 months on average.
Every smile is different, and how long you’ll need to wear Invisalign aligners or braces to correct your dental issues depends on various factors. One of the major factors is the severity of your orthodontic problems. For instance, if you have a mild case of teeth spacing, it can be pretty faster to fix using braces or Invisalign than when you have severe crowding.
Treatment times using braces or Invisalign can also vary depending on your age. Typically, adults wear braces or Invisalign aligners longer than younger individuals. That’s because a child’s bones are still growing and developing, meaning they are more malleable and easier to move. That allows the teeth to move faster, reducing the treatment time significantly.
On the other hand, adults’ teeth and jawbones are fully grown, making them less responsive and, in turn, taking more time to achieve results. How long your treatment will take using braces or Invisalign will also depend on how closely you follow the treatment plan.
For Invisalign, this means wearing your aligners for at least 24 hours each day and changing your aligners according to the set schedule. You also need to maintain proper oral hygiene to keep you from periodontal diseases that may interfere with your treatment. Not following the treatment plan can make your treatment take longer.
Is Invisalign Faster than Braces?
Invisalign is usually a faster treatment option than traditional braces since it requires about 6 to 12 months of treatment to produce your desired results. With braces, the average length of treatment can range between 18 and 24 months.
If you’re looking to get a beautiful, flawless smile in the shortest time possible, Invisalign treatment can be an excellent choice for you. However, your treatment can take longer depending on the severity of your case, your age, how well you adhere to your dentist’s instructions.
Why/How Does Invisalign Shorten Treatment Times?
One of the main reasons that Invisalign shortens your treatment time is that the aligners are custom-fit. After every few weeks, your aligners need to be changed with a new set. Each new set of aligners you wear helps move your teeth closer to their correct position. However, you need to wear every set for the required time each day to shorten your overall treatment time.
Also, advances in Invisalign technology and tooth movement techniques help significantly reduce Invisalign treatment times. For instance, accessories such as hidden buttons and rubber bands can help expedite teeth movements. Also, new materials like SmartTrack aligner material provide more tooth movement strength, reducing your treatment time in half.
Summing It All Up
Braces and Invisalign are both excellent treatment options for teeth straightening and realignment. While the treatment times vary depending on the severity of your dental issue, Invisalign tends to achieve the desired results faster than braces. The differences between braces and Invisalign come in handy when deciding the best option for you. No matter the treatment you choose, treatment will improve your bite, your smile, and restore your confidence.
Dr. Glaser provides quality Invisalign and braces from his orthodontic office in Westchester County, NY. He offers quality orthodontic services to Northern Westchester and Putnam Counties, including Cortlandt Manor, Peekskill, Yorktown Heights, Mahopac, Croton-On-Hudson, and Cold Spring. If you’d like to discuss the orthodontic treatment options available at Glaser Orthodontics, please call (914) 353-4823.