How Is Invisalign Different From Traditional Braces?

How Is Invisalign Different From Traditional Braces? from Novel Smiles in McLean, VATraditional metal braces and Invisalign® are two of the most common options for teeth straightening. Continue reading to discover the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces. When deliberating between the two options, you might ask questions about their effectiveness and cost. However, the goal is to choose the treatment option that would get the best results.

An overview of Invisalign vs. traditional braces

The fact that Invisalign aligners are removable and undetectable makes it popular among patients looking to straighten their smiles discreetly. This feature allows patients to take the aligners out to eat, brush, and floss, as well as for special occasions. There is no dietary restriction since these aligners are detachable. This also removes the concern about broken brackets or loose archwires, as with braces.

The transparent plastic trays are practically invisible on the teeth, and treatment may involve as few as 12 or as many as 48 trays, depending on the extent of tooth movement required. The dentist will provide guidelines on how and when to use the aligners. The average length of Invisalign therapy is 6 to 18 months, although this varies from patient to patient. This depends on a patient's commitment to wearing the aligner for the recommended 20 to 22 hours each day since failure to do so may cause therapy to take longer.

Invisalign users should see the dentist every four to six weeks. With each appointment, the dentist will be able to monitor the progress. To ensure the teeth keep moving, patients will swap their aligners every one to two weeks. This is a crucial step in the straightening procedure. Treatment may be delayed if a patient misses dental visits or forgets to change aligners on time.

How are braces different?

Braces are still the most popular option for teeth straightening, considering they existed long before Invisalign was introduced. Braces are not removable, which is the most apparent difference between them and Invisalign. They are, nevertheless, very effective with resolving complicated problems and sometimes work more quickly than Invisalign.

While treatment times vary from patient to patient, braces often take anywhere from 18 months to three years to complete. However, patients will usually notice indications of progress very quickly. The treatment duration with Invisalign is shorter compared to braces.

The quantity of care required for braces is one factor that makes some individuals avoid this option. Patients need to avoid certain meals and visit the dentist regularly to adjust the brackets and wires from time to time. Brushing and flossing is also less fun with wires and brackets standing in the way. The good news is that there are a variety of accessories available to aid dental hygiene regimens.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in McLean, VA

Ready for a straighter smile?

Regardless of which treatment method you select, both braces and Invisalign can correct dental misalignments while enhancing the smile and oral health. This is a big choice, so it is advisable to discuss it with a dentist who has experience with both Invisalign and traditional braces. They will help you decide the most suitable method to straighten your teeth and get the smile you desire.

Request an appointment or call Novel Smiles at 703-942-8882 for an appointment in our McLean office.

Related Posts

Invisalign Can Correct Your Teen’s Improper Bite

The teenage years can be awkward, especially for those who have to deal with crooked teeth. Invisalign® presents an alternative to traditional braces, and these clear aligners can have the same corrective impact with less discomfort both physically and socially for a self-conscious teen. The benefits of clear aligners and the ability to correct an…

4 Tips To Improve A Teen’s Invisalign Experience

Invisalign® clear aligner trays are not just for adults; teenagers and some children can also benefit from this treatment system. Many teens prefer Invisalign® over traditional braces because of the numerous advantages it offers, including:Discreet treatment appliancesMore comfort throughout the entire processRemovable trays for improved oral hygieneWhile wearing these trays is easy and relatively effortless,…

How Invisalign Can Straighten A Teenager’s Teeth

If your teen needs teeth straightening, Invisalign® Teen is one potential option you can choose. The treatment has both benefits and drawbacks when compared to traditional braces.Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that can be used in place of traditional braces for straightening teeth. The Invisalign Teen treatment differs only slightly from the adult…