Invisalign vs braces: Everything you need to know

Are your teeth not as straight as you would like them to be? Do feel self-conscious about your smile? Braces or Invisalign could be the solution. To help determine the best treatment for you, it’s important to know the difference between Invisalign vs. braces. While both procedures can be used to straighten teeth, Invisalign is an alternative to braces that are invisible and removable. Traditional braces are metal brackets that are glued to the teeth and connected with wires and rubber bands. Choosing between the two, depends on the condition of your teeth and several other factors we will discuss in this blog.

The main difference between traditional orthodontics and Invisalign is how each treatment works to change the alignment of your teeth and bite. If you’re looking to fix gapped teeth or an overbite/underbite, Invisalign might be a good option. However, some cases require more time or involve other factors to fix your teeth. That’s where traditional orthodontics may be a better option.

To look at each option in more detail, here we have outlined the pros and cons of braces and Invisalign:

	Braces	Invisalign
Pros	·       Better for more complicated issues ·       May cost less than Invisalign	·       Invisible ·       Removable ·       No difficulty eating ·       Shorter duration than braces
Cons	·       No need to clean beyond flossing and brushing ·       Not as aesthetically pleasing, although, white brackets are available and less visible	·       Needs to be removed before eating ·       Extra cleaning ·       Temptation to remove, not wear constantly

Braces tend to work faster for correcting more complex alignment issues. Invisalign is best for someone with minor issues, like gapped or crooked teeth, but if you have aa severe overbite or underbite traditional braces are the better way to go.

Invisalign is not recommended for children because their teeth are still changing. Both treatments will lead to a straighter, healthier smile, and with each treatment plan patients must be willing to maintain proper hygiene and adhere to regularly scheduled check-ups.

The duration of the treatment will vary by individual case, but most patients will wear Invisalign for seven to 18 months, while braces stay on typically for at least two years. Orthodontic check-ups are every 5 to 7 weeks for Invisalign and every one to two months for traditional braces.

To find out what option is best for your case, it is important to consult a professional with orthodontic training. Dr. John Dougherty and Dr. Prabhidi Adhikari are both trained in orthodontics, allowing our dentists to not only take care of your oral health, but also provide cosmetic and orthodontic treatments to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Call Artistic Dental at (602)840 - 5400 or book a free consultation online to find out whether Invisalign or traditional braces is best for you. 

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is a unique orthodontic treatment option that corrects overcrowded, crooked teeth with clear plastic aligners. Although this technology has been around for almost 17 years, it’s often considered a newer and modern alternative to metal braces. Invisalign has many advantages over traditional braces, yet many people don’t think of it as a “go-to” option for straighter teeth. Why is that?

John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, of Artistic Dental may have an idea: change can be scary, and many of their patients are comfortable with the cost and outcome of traditional braces. Still, Invisalign is becoming a much more cost-effective solution for those wanting straighter teeth without the restrictions of traditional braces. In this blog, we explain how Invisalign works.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners to correct overcrowded and crooked teeth for a straighter, more radiant smile. These aligners are made out of clear plastic, so they are virtually undetectable. The treatment process for Invisalign is relatively quick and easy, so patients can achieve a confident smile, faster.

The first step requires talking to an Invisalign provider, like John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, at Artistic Dental. They will determine whether or not you’re a candidate for this orthodontic procedure. If you are a candidate, they will develop a customized treatment plan for your specific needs.

Contrary to popular belief, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone, and patients may be turned away if they have teeth or a bite that cannot be corrected with Invisalign. This system cannot support all tooth movements, so it’s important that patients talk to their dentist at Artistic Dental about their cosmetic dentistry options.

Once your questions about Invisalign, its cost, and any other concerns are answered, your dentist will take x-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth to create a customized treatment plan. Your dentist will use 3-D imaging software and other technologies to create the aligners. Once these have been made, you’ll be given your first few aligners to begin the treatment regimen.

You may be asked to follow a series of sequential steps when wearing the aligners. Patients are usually told to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, seven days a week, for approximately two weeks. John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, may ask you to schedule check-ups every six to eight weeks to review your progress.

Invisalign provides many benefits over traditional, metal braces, which is why they shouldn’t be overlooked as a treatment option for crooked teeth. For example, these removable aligners can help either maintain or improve a patient’s oral hygiene. Food particles and other debris can get stuck in between the metal brackets of traditional braces, making routine brushing and flossing difficult. Invisalign prevents these mishaps by allowing patients to remove their aligners after eating and drinking for a thorough cleaning.

Despite some of the benefits, patients will need to commit to the process and remain disciplined throughout. It can be very easy to stop wearing the aligners for more than a few hours a day, and doing so will prevent you from having the smile you want.

If you are interested in learning if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, you can schedule a consultation with John P. Dougherty, D.D.S., MAGD, and Prabidhi Adhikari, D.D.S., FAGD, today and find out whether or not this treatment option is right for you!

How do I know if I need orthodontia?

One of the first things people will see is your smile, which explains why so many turn to orthodontia. Orthodontia is a very effective treatment to achieve a beautiful smile, but it is not only utilized for its cosmetic benefits. Proper oral alignment will also help improve overall health by guiding correct jaw growth, realigning one's bite, protecting teeth from wear, and preventing jaw pain and problems with one's teeth later on.

Understanding orthodontia benefits may be reason enough to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment. Before making any decisions, however, it's important to first seek guidance from a trained professional in orthodontia to see how orthodontic treatment would help your smile and bite.

The first step is an exam and discussion with your dentist; then the dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. In the case of Artistic Dental, we are trained and certified in orthodontics and able to provide treatments as needed.

For children, it is recommended that they be evaluated for orthodontics by age seven; this is when dentists and orthodontists can start to tell if emerging teeth will be misaligned or there are complications with jaw growth. In some cases, they may find that everything is acceptable and that orthodontia is not necessary. If treatment is recommended, it will usually begin between the ages of 9 and 14.

Although most people who have orthodontia are young, braces aren't just for tweens and teens. In fact, of the more than four million people in the U.S. that wear braces, 25% are adults, proving that it's never too late to get that perfect smile!

Braces have come a long way since the old metal brackets. Now there are a variety of options, including clear, invisible and ceramic. After the course of orthodontic treatment, which can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, patients will usually wear retainers in order to maintain the position of the teeth and the surrounding bone.

If you are thinking about orthodontia for you or your child, contact Artistic Dental for a complimentary consultation. We can answer any questions you may have, tell you if treatment is something worth pursuing, and discuss your options. Give us a call or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Why Invisalign® might be the option for you

Invisalign® has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide. This teeth straightening treatment can give you the smile you’ve always wanted without the braces you’ve always avoided. Even up close it’s difficult for people to tell someone is wearing Invisalign®.

How does Invisalign® work?

Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without metal wires or brackets. The patient will wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As they replace each aligner with the next in the treatment plan, the teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until the teeth have straightened to the final position the dentist has recommended. Patients will see the dentist every six weeks to ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned. The Invisalign process takes approximately 9-15 months. The average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but it will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Once the dentist determines Invisalign® is the best course of treatment for the patient, they will take photographs, X-Rays and impressions. After conducting further diagnostic analysis the dentist will create a plan tailored to the patient’s needs. The next step is checking to see if the patient qualifies for orthodontic insurance benefits and to provide an estimate of costs. When the treatment plan is finalized, the patient’s records will be sent to Invisalign^® with the dentist's instructions. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign^® will translate the dentist’s instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. This innovative approach to orthodontics is seeing an influx of patients eager to take advantage of this revolutionary treatment. 

Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari are both Invisalign trained dentists.  If you would like further information on Invisalign® or would like to schedule a consultation please call our office today at (855) 447-5552.