There are several options available for correcting malocclusion, and the best fit for you depends on the complexity and severity of your misalignment and your personal preference.
Options For Teeth Straightening: Invisalign vs Braces
For most adults, clear aligners are a more attractive option for correcting misaligned teeth than traditional braces. Invisalign consists of sets of removable, invisible aligners that correct your teeth over time. Every two weeks, the pressure applied to your teeth will change incrementally and coax them into the desired position.
When considering Invisalign vs braces, remember that clear aligners are unsuitable for treating all cases of malocclusion, and for some people, traditional braces may still be necessary. Invisalign can help correct:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Crowding resulting in crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
For an uneven bite (misaligned jaw), teeth rotated over 20°, and short teeth, contemporary braces may be a better option.
Since these custom trays are removable, there are no restrictions on what you can eat or adjustments that need to be made to your daily oral hygiene routine, making them a more convenient option for teeth straightening.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Following an assessment by your dentist, you’ll undergo digital scans and X-rays of your teeth that are sent to the lab and used to create your clear removable custom trays. With advanced technology, dentists at Kellyville Family Dental create a 3D treatment plan that shows you exactly how your new smile will look, so you can feel confident moving ahead with the process.
When treatment begins, you’ll wear each set of clear aligners for roughly two weeks to target a specific tooth movement before moving on to the next set. It’s recommended to wear your clear aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day to ensure your treatment timeline stays on track.
Another consideration for individuals thinking about braces vs Invisalign is the potential for an accelerated timeline with clear aligners. Invisalign can work more quickly than traditional braces, taking as little as six months, but ultimately this depends on the severity of the corrections. Sometimes Invisalign clear aligners must be worn for up to two years to achieve the desired result.
After Invisalign treatment is complete and your new smile lights up your face, you will need to continue wearing a retainer to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position.
Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Better?
The choice between Invisalign vs braces is one that you and your dentist can make together after a consultation. The costs associated with clear aligners depend on your specific case and how long your treatment takes, which translates to how many pairs of aligners you’ll require. Typically, the price is only slightly higher than braces.
For convenience and aesthetics, Invisalign is significantly more appealing, especially to adults who want to avoid the permanence of regular orthodontic braces. Invisalign also requires fewer dentist visits throughout the treatment, spaced up to eight weeks apart.
Invisalign at Kellyville Family Dental
If you’re ready to straighten your smile and gain confidence, talk to your dentist to see if Invisalign is right for you.
At Kellyville Family Dental in New South Wales, we offer Invisalign assessment appointments that bring you closer to a straighter smile. Call us today on (02) 8806 0578 to book your consultation.
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