Is Invisalign Faster Than Braces?

Did you know that 9 out of 10 individuals have teeth that are at least slightly misaligned? Living with crooked and misaligned teeth is a nightmare, but one that you don’t have to live through. Orthodontics like Invisalign and metal braces can permanently straighten misaligned teeth for a perfectly straight and pleasant smile.

If you’re stuck between the two orthodontic treatments, the time to results is likely a crucial factor in determining the better option. To help you decide, we'll dive deep into both treatments and determine which is faster. Without further ado, let’s get straight into it.

The Differences Between Invisalign and Braces

How Do Braces Work?

Metal braces are the traditional go-to treatment for severe dental malocclusions, including underbites, overbites, and crowded teeth. Braces consist of metal brackets with arch wires passing through them. The metal brackets make contact with misaligned teeth while the wires wind around the teeth.

The dentist will tighten the wires, making the brackets exert pressure on the misaligned teeth. The pressure exerted on the teeth gradually moves them into their correct alignment. Dentists periodically tighten the archwires until the teeth straighten perfectly.

How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?

Invisalign treatment involves wearing trays made from a strong, flexible, and durable type of plastic or polyurethane resin. The process starts with the dentist taking impressions of your teeth with a digital scanner. They’ll then send the impressions to a lab to create a series of plastic trays based on your specifications.

Once ready, patients wear the trays over their teeth for at least 20 hours every day. The trays apply pressure on the teeth, slowly moving them into place. Patients must swap their aligners for tighter-fighting ones every two weeks until the teeth straighten completely. This solution is a great option for minor/moderate malocclusions. 

Is Invisalign Really Faster than Braces?

While both Invisalign and metal braces are effective against misaligned teeth, Invisalign treatment is faster. Invisalign treatment takes nine to eighteen months to complete, while braces take twenty-two months to complete the treatment.

However, it’s worth noting that the duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the teeth misalignment and how closely the patient follows the dentist’s instructions. Treatment takes longer for patients who wear their Invisalign trays for only a few hours a day than those who wear them for at least twenty hours a day.

What are the Benefits of Invisalign?

The benefits of Invisalign are numerous: Invisalign offers a discreet and virtually invisible way to straighten teeth, it's comfortable to wear, allows for easy removal for eating and cleaning, and typically results in a shorter treatment duration compared to traditional braces. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are custom-made for each patient, promoting a precise and comfortable fit, and they can improve oral hygiene by facilitating regular brushing and flossing. Ultimately, Invisalign provides an effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for achieving a beautifully aligned smile.

Should I Get Invisalign for My Crooked Teeth?

You should get Invisalign aligners if you have slightly or moderately misaligned teeth. The treatment may not be suitable for people with severe teeth misalignment or complex dental issues affecting the jaw.  A consultation with one of our highly qualified and experienced dentists will determine whether you qualify for Invisalign aligners.

Start Your Invisalign Treatment Today!

Invisalign trays are just what the dentist ordered for your teeth misalignment. Not only are they discrete, but they also fit comfortably on the teeth and don’t restrict your diet. If you’re sick and tired of feeling self-conscious about your crooked teeth, it’s time to schedule an appointment for your Invisalign treatment.

Contact Cerritos Plaza Dentistry or visit our clinic in Cerritos, CA, to book an appointment with us for your Invisalign treatment. We believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile.