Either Invisalign® clear aligners or metal braces could be great options for your orthodontic treatment. Today our orthodontists at SmileTown Orthodontics Braces & Invisalign share the differences between these methods of orthodontic treatment to help you determine which option may be right for you.
Metal Braces
Our orthodontists recommend metal braces for patients that are more worried about function than aesthetics or style.
Metal braces can be highly efficient at helping to fix complex misalignment issues and could be excellent at aligning teeth and closing gaps.
Metal braces treatment can take anywhere between 18 months and 3 years to complete, but, typically there is noticeable tooth movement within a fairly short period of time.
Invisalign®
The two main benefits of Invisalign® are that the aligners are clear and can be removed, and are nearly impossible to see when worn.
Lots of people also find that Invisalign®’s smooth plastic aligners are more comfortable than traditional metal braces because they don’t irritate the gums or cheeks the same way metal brackets and wires can.
The average length of Invisalign® treatment is generally between 6 and 18 months, but, this usually varies depending on a patient's specific case.
The reason why the average length of treatment for Invisalign is shorter than metal braces is due to the fact that Invisalign is typically used to correct less complex or severe misalignment problems because it’s seen as a more gentle, less invasive treatment option.
And of course, it is also based on the assumption that the patient will stick to the recommended guidelines for aligner wear, and wear their aligners at least 20-22 hours every single day, throughout treatment.
If a patient wears the aligners less often than prescribed, or for shorter durations every day, treatment time could end up taking much longer.
Both braces and Invisalign® are effective options for straightening teeth, and the treatment you end up choosing will depend on your personal preferences balanced with the severity and complexity of your misalignment.