Is Invisalign® as Effective as Braces?

It's hard not to love Invisalign®. After all, it can get you the straighter smile you’ve been dreaming of without the discomfort or hassle of traditional braces. But is it as effective? The short answer is usually yes!

The Dental Touch team in Oakland, California, trusts Invisalign to resolve mild to moderate dental issues, ranging from gaps to overcrowded or rotated teeth. In these cases, you can get results as effective as braces. However, there are some situations where braces are best.

Trying to decide between Invisalign and braces? Here's what you need to know.

Getting results with Invisalign

It's easy to be skeptical about Invisalign — how could a clear plastic tray work as well as brackets and metal wires? Braces do have extra muscle when you need it, but Invisalign comes with a technological advantage.

This system starts with 3D iTero Element® digital scanning technology that takes 6,000 images per second and makes a digital model of your teeth and gums. From there, our team uses their ClinCheck® software to create your customized teeth-straightening plan.

Not only does this advanced technology provide proven results, but we can make finely tuned adjustments down to a single tooth. But best of all? You can also see what your teeth will look like before you even get started.

After you've created your straightening plan, your removable aligners get fabricated. They fit snugly around your teeth, applying a gentle pressure that shits your teeth into their ideal position. However, to get results, you have to wear your liners for 20-22 hours each day before changing to your new set every 1-2 weeks.

If you follow these steps, you start getting results you can see within weeks.

When braces offer advantages

The Invisalign system can solve numerous problems, even complex corrections with the help of their SmartForce® attachments. But there are still reasons to choose traditional braces.

The most obvious consideration that comes into play with teeth straightening involves the level of correction you need. Because of that, we could recommend braces if you have complex orthodontic issues or several problems to correct simultaneously. However, the other reason to go with braces is far less obvious.

One of the most appealing things about Invisalign is its comfort, discrete appearance, and convenience because you can remove them whenever you want. In fact, you have to remove them when eating and drinking. But this convenience can also interfere with your treatment if you don't wear them for at least 20 hours a day.

As a result, traditional braces offer the advantage of being a "set it and forget it" solution. While that can come with its own challenges, you don't have to worry about getting enough hours in each day, losing your aligners, or changing to the next tray in the program. Instead, you simply visit the orthodontist for adjustments until they remove them at the end of your treatment.

Fortunately, you don't have to decide between Invisalign and braces on your own. Our team can perform a comprehensive exam to determine whether Invisalign can work for you. Then, you can discuss your treatment options together, including the pros and cons of each straightening system so that you can find the most effective solution for you.

Conclusion

Ready to start the journey toward a straighter, more beautiful smile? Contact The Dental Touch Oakland to schedule a visit by calling 510-658-0110 or booking an appointment today.