You want to straighten your teeth, but as an adult, you balk at the thought of brackets and wires, even if they come in the form of clear braces. 

As such, you’ve started considering Invisalign, a well-known alternative to traditional orthodontics that promises to discreetly and comfortably straighten your smile. But you want to know if it’s as effective as everyone says.

That’s an understandable concern, seeing as Invisalign is still a relatively new form of treatment compared to time-tested brackets and wires. Learning more about Invisalign and how teeth straighten using clear aligners will help you determine whether it is the right treatment option for you.

How Invisalign works.

Invisalign launched the world’s first clear plastic aligners back in 1997. These BPA-free plastic trays are custom-made from computer-generated images and impressions of your mouth. When you wear them as directed, they gently apply pressure that shifts your teeth into their intended positions.

Before you can start wearing your Invisalign trays, however, you’ll likely need an appointment to have attachments bonded to your teeth. These small dots of composite help the aligners better guide your teeth into position.

You must wear your clear aligners for a minimum of 22 hours. However, they are removable, so you won’t have to modify your diet like you would with traditional braces. You’ll also need to change your aligners every 10–14 days or as directed by your orthodontist. It’s crucial to remain disciplined and wear the trays daily, or they won’t work as effectively. 

Your orthodontic team will schedule a checkup appointment with you every 6–8 weeks to track your progress. They may recommend staying with the current trays for additional time or give you the go-ahead to move on to the next set.  

Effectiveness of Invisalign

Like traditional braces, Invisalign can correct many oral health conditions. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Not all conditions are the same, so whether clear aligners will be effective for you depends on the severity of the issue you’re facing. 

Typically, custom orthodontic trays can resolve the following orthodontic problems:

• Crowding
• Gaps
• Crooked teeth
• Overbite or underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

The success rate of Invisalign for minor and moderate cases is between 80% and 90%. Most patients are satisfied with the results and would recommend treatment to their friends and family.

While success rates are high, it does depend on factors other than complexity. The rate of tooth movement decreases with age, for instance, so it may be more challenging to move your teeth into proper alignment as an adult. 

Additionally, clear aligners don’t have the same force and capability to move teeth as brackets and wires, which means Invisalign may not give you optimal outcomes if you have a combination of issues in a significantly complex case.

Comparing Invisalign to Traditional Braces

Choosing between a modern treatment and something that has been around for decades can be challenging, but weighing the pros and cons of each will help make the decision easier.

Here is how traditional braces and Invisalign both compare and contrast based on the following factors:

Comfort

Regardless of the method, you’ll likely experience discomfort while your teeth shift into new positions. However, traditional braces may cause more mouth and gum discomfort than clear aligners. Invisalign trays are made from a smooth plastic custom-fitted to your mouth, whereas brackets and wires can rub the inside of your cheeks and lips, causing cuts and irritation.

Visibility

The biggest advantage of clear aligners is that they are practically invisible. They provide a snug fit around your teeth because they are custom-made. Most people cannot tell that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, so you can comfortably wear them no matter your activity.

On the flip side, there’s no way to hide metal brackets and wires, which can make you self-conscious and deter you from undergoing traditional orthodontic treatment in the first place.

Easier to Maintain Oral Hygiene

Because Invisalign is removable, brushing and flossing your teeth is made much easier. There isn’t anything on your teeth to trap food particles and block floss from sliding in between. Traditional orthodontics require you to buy special tools to keep your teeth in good condition.

Treatment Time

On average, Invisalign treatment is shorter than braces, but the exact length of treatment varies based on your condition. The average clear aligner treatment lasts anywhere between 12 and 18 months, but can even be as short as six months. Braces can take up to three years or more for complex cases. Still, much like Invisalign, treatment times vary and can take as few as 12 months.

Every mouth is different, though, so your exact timeline will depend on your unique needs. If you have a more complex case, braces may be the most efficient option. 

Is Invisalign right for you?

Getting Invisalign is an incredible way to straighten your teeth, but you want to get the most out of your treatment. And that means you need a team experienced in orthodontics in Virginia Beach. Consult with King Dental today to see whether Invisalign is suitable for your specific needs.