Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You?

If you have felt self-conscious about your teeth, you may be interested in correcting their alignment. Both Invisalign and traditional braces produce great results, but each system has ideal uses.

How Invisalign Works

The Invisalign system uses custom-fitted medical-grade plastic aligners to shift your teeth into new positions. To design your aligners, your dentist will take mess-free digital impressions of your teeth. This data will help your dentist create a series of aligners that move your teeth using gentle, constant pressure.

You will wear each aligner for about one to two weeks and change to the next in the series. Over time, your dentist's planned tooth movements will take shape, and you will notice amazing changes in your smile. You will visit the dentist every two to three months to check your treatment progress.

Benefits of Invisalign Compared to Braces

Discreet

Many teens and adults prefer Invisalign because it does not attract unwanted attention. Most observers will not be able to tell that you are wearing Invisalign trays.

Comfortable

The aligners are smooth and have no sharp or irritating edges. They fit closely against the teeth and will not cut into delicate oral tissues like braces sometimes can.

Shorter Treatment Times

Invisalign takes approximately 12 to 18 months, compared to braces, which can take 18 months to three years.

Better Oral Health

Since you can remove Invisalign for eating, drinking, and cleaning, your oral hygiene will be much easier to maintain. It can be challenging to keep teeth and gums clean with traditional braces, and patients sometimes encounter problems with gum disease and tooth decay.

When You May Need Traditional Braces

Invisalign works well for most patients needing mild to moderate orthodontic correction, but some may need traditional braces. Patients who may get better results from regular braces include children and those with severe bite issues, jaw formation issues, missing teeth, or impacted teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

How long do you have to wear Invisalign each day?

Invisalign needs to stay in for 22 hours per day. You should only remove them to eat, drink, and clean your aligners and teeth. If you do not wear your aligners or forget to put them back after meals, your treatment will be slower and less successful.

Do I need to wear a retainer after the Invisalign treatment?

You must wear your retainer faithfully after treatment with braces or Invisalign. Otherwise, your teeth will return to their original positions, canceling your investment.

Call Leland Dental

While braces work best in some situations, most adult patients can get great results from Invisalign. If you need help deciding between Invisalign and traditional metal braces, we can help you. Please call our Hanover, MA, office at 781-826-8395 to schedule a consultation today.