Crooked teeth, bite problems and gaps in your smile can ruin your self-confidence, but traditional metal braces make your problems even more obvious. Fortunately, you may have another option. Our dentists use Invisalign® to restore smiles and make orthodontic treatment less embarrassing.
Understanding Invisalign
The innovative Invisalign system is a better answer to the question of how to straighten teeth in a comfortable, convenient and aesthetically pleasing way. The treatment process involves wearing a series of custom-crafted, plastic aligner trays over your natural teeth. After wearing one set of Invisalign clear braces for about two weeks, you’ll exchange them for a new set. Over a period of months, the transparent braces move your teeth gently into their new position and eliminate spacing and rotation problems. Our Invisalign certified dentists utilize the system to correct a number of mild to moderate orthodontic problems in adults and teens. The best part of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are virtually invisible; no one has to know that your smile is “under construction”.
How Long Does It Take to Finish Invisalign Therapy?
Invisalign treatment time depends on how much correction is needed to achieve the desired results. The more your teeth need to be rotated or repositioned, the longer it will take. Our dentists can give you an estimate of your Invisalign length of treatment after a thorough orthodontic examination. In general, treatment times range between 6 months to 18 months; one year is the average treatment time for adults. In teens, the time frame varies. After successful completion of your treatment, you may be advised to wear Invisalign retainers for an extended time to maintain your new smile.
Invisalign vs Braces: Is Invisalign as Effective as Braces?
When considering the benefits of Invisalign vs braces, several factors are important. The Invisalign system is just as effective as braces in treating moderate alignment or spacing problems. However, severe orthodontic problems may respond faster and better to traditional braces. If efficacy is equal with both treatments, Invisalign offers extra benefits such as better aesthetic value and improved access to teeth during oral hygiene tasks, which can help improve overall dental health. If you’ve narrowed your choices to Invisalign vs braces, our experienced dentists can help you make the best final decision based on Invisalign cost, treatment time, and your personal needs.