Is Invisalign faster Than Braces?
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Choosing your orthodontic treatments
Braces and Invisalign are the two most common orthodontic treatments for misaligned, crooked or rotated teeth. A lot of people, especially adults, prefer Invisalign because it is discrete and removable. But how long the treatment takes can matter also. While Invisalign treatments can sometimes work quicker than braces, that is not always the case. Plus, there are a lot of other important things to consider in the match-up between Invisalign vs. braces, such as which is more comfortable, affordable and most importantly effective.
What processes are involved with Invisalign and metal braces
Braces use metal or clear brackets attached to the teeth and tightened through a number of wires and, often, rubber bands. This gives braces a lot of power to move teeth. Monthly visits are usually needed to adjust and tighten the braces to move misaligned teeth into alignment. Braces can fix even the most severely misaligned teeth.
On the other hand, Invisalign’s is a series of rigid-yet-flexible clear plastic trays that fit over the entire dental arch. They are made from 3D imaging of a patient’s teeth. Trays are usually changed every two weeks, and they gradually shift the teeth into alignment. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate misalignment and crowding. More serious misalignment might be repaired with Invisalign’s but it may take a lot longer than traditional braces.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is Faster?
How quickly either orthodontic treatment is able to align a patient’s teeth is completely dependent on the severity of their dental and facial issues. The first consultation a patient has with their dentist/ orthodontist will provide them with an understanding of what is needed and a plan for moving forward. Invisalign’s is often faster than braces. Invisalign slowly but steadily aligns all of the teeth at the same time, as opposed to braces, which apply pressure on misaligned teeth. Here is a rough estimate of the time for treatment:
- Metal braces often require 20-24 months.
- Invisalign often requires 6 to 18 months;
There is usually a wider timeframe for Invisalign compared to braces because the more misaligned your teeth are, the longer Invisalign’s will take. One of the challenges with Invisalign that you should not forget is that it requires a lot of discipline and you will only see results if you are following the instructions to a tee. Invisalign’s needs to be worn at least 20-22 hours a day to work. If you do not comply with that, there is a high chance that your treatment will take longer, even in cases that are not very complex.
How Much is Invisalign Compared to Braces?
The cost of either treatment varies by area and the specific dentist or orthodontist seen for treatment, as well as the complexity of the case. It is best to discuss cost with your chosen dentist before beginning any treatment.
- Invisalign costs, on average, between £2500 and £3,500;
- Braces cost, on average, between £2,100 and £4,000.
Whether you are opting for braces or Invisalign’s this is a significant investment—especially if you are paying out of your own pocket. Before making any decision, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each treatment to make the best choice overall.
Which Is More Effective: Braces or Invisalign?
Even though Invisalign sounds more appealing because of its clear and removable aligners, it is even more important to get the treatment that will work best to fix your individual problem.
The complexity of your misalignment will determine the treatment your dentist/ orthodontist will recommend. Invisalign is best for mild to moderate crookedness, crowding, or gaps. Braces are better suited for more severe cases of all of these, as well as overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
There are a variety of considerations, whether you want straighter teeth for purely aesthetic reasons or because you want to improve your dental health. Getting problems fixed quickly is often a primary concern of a patient. However, the condition of a patient’s teeth will ultimately determine how fast either braces or Invisalign’s is able to correct the issues. Finding the right dentist near me or orthodontist to help guide you through these decisions is also very important. The first consultation will tell you everything you need to know, as well as answer any additional questions you may have regarding treatment. For more information on Invisalign braces, please visit our Invisalign homepage.
At Whites, our dentists have treated over 2000 Invisalign cases. We are one of London’s dedicated Invisalign clinics. Please feel free to visit our Invisalign’s before and afters page to see some of our results. We are pleased to say our patients leave with a bright, straight happy new smile on completion of their Invisalign treatment.
For additional details on how you can create your perfect smile, please feel free to get in touch with us, our highly experienced team will be happy to point you in the right direction. If you would like to find out whether Invisalign is right for you, book a complementary consultation appointment now by calling us on 020 8 616 0590.
I am Dr Jeen. I am a qualified dentist and have written this article for Whites Dental.