Is Invisalign Faster than Braces?

Invisalign has rapidly grown in popularity over the past decade, with more and more patients opting for invisible aligners instead of their wire predecessors. It makes sense: Invisalign treatments can provide the same smile-correcting results, in about the same amount of time, but without the obvious and sometimes painful effects of braces. But is Invisalign faster than braces?

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional metal braces that uses clear aligner trays to force teeth to move into their new places. The pressure placed on the teeth by these invisible aligners moves them to create a more uniform, straighter smile. 

While in some cases attachments might be affixed to several teeth and matched to the aligner trays to speed up the process and increase the effectiveness, no metal brackets or wires need to be worn at all. Unlike braces, Invisalign trays can be removed to eat and brush your teeth, which makes them significantly more convenient and comfortable than braces.

What are Braces?

You’re most likely familiar with traditional braces: these are made of metal brackets adhered to each tooth and connected by metal wires, which work to move each individual tooth into place over the course of a treatment plan. 

These were the most popular form of smile correction for almost two centuries before the advent of invisible aligners. 

Is Invisalign Faster than Braces?

Whether or not Invisalign is faster than braces really depends on the treatment plan your orthodontist comes up with for you. It also depends on your teeth and current dental health.

In many cases, Invisalign is faster than braces, because the trays can be customized as the treatment goes on. When you come into your dentist or orthodontist office for your check-ins—typically every four to six weeks—new aligners are made in accordance with your progress, which means they are being carefully monitored and constantly updated.

Plus, the one-piece trays force the teeth to move all at once, which speeds up the process. Braces, on the other hand, work on each tooth individually. 

Invisalign aligners typically take around one to two years to reach the desired result, while traditional braces can take as long as three years. 

Of course, the speed and effectiveness of your Invisalign also depend on your own consistency when it comes to wearing them. While you can remove the invisible trays, you need to put them back in after eating or brushing your teeth, for a total of 22 hours of wear per day. If you don’t, the treatment process may take longer or may not achieve the desired result. 

If you’re not sure if Invisalign is right for you, take our online smile assessment to find out!

When to Choose Braces Over Invisalign 

Despite all the advantages of Invisalign, Braces may be the better choice for you if:

• You have a more complex case: Invisalign is a great choice for esthetic fixes, but in the case of more major orthodontic work, braces are more powerful and achieve better results. 
• You are not as disciplined about wearing aligners: While in some cases, Invisalign removable trays make them the better option, it can be a drawback for those who may be forgetful or reluctant about putting the trays back in for the recommended 22 hours of wear.

Mint Leaf Dentistry Invisalign Options

If you’re looking for Invisalign treatments in Morrisville, North Carolina, contact us at Mint Leaf Dentistry, call us at  919-330-1710, or book with us online! Our Gold Plus Invisalign dentists are ready to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted!