Straightening your teeth is not just for appearance; it can correct your bite, speech, and overall health in your mouth. Some people considering orthodontic therapy today have a habit of asking the following: Are Invisalign aligners as effective as braces? If you’re looking for alternatives like Invisalign in Coquitlam, knowing how they work will assist you in making the right decision for your smile.
How Does Invisalign Move Teeth?
Invisalign is attained through a set of transparent, removable aligners made from medical-grade plastic. They are used for one to two weeks, then replaced by the succeeding one in the set. They exert controlled pressure on teeth to move them slowly into position.
You don’t have brackets and wires like with metal braces. The aligners fit into your mouth and were designed on a computer. They’re particularly great for mild to moderate spacing, crowding, and alignment.
Who Can Use Invisalign?
Your dentist in Coquitlam will check if Invisalign is suitable for your situation. Invisalign suits teenagers and adults with mild to moderate misalignment, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and spacing. Complex situations of severely bitten and tilted teeth can still be handled better with braces, although these are comparatively fewer in number.
Invisalign also needs commitment. As the aligners need to be worn 20 – 22 hours daily, success also relies on patient compliance.
Does Invisalign Work Better Than Braces?
It depends on the problem being treated. Here’s a quick comparison:
Invisalign vs. Braces: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Invisalign | Braces |
| Appearance | Smooth plastic, less irritation | Visible brackets and wires |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, less irritation | May cause sore spots |
| Removability | Removable for eating and cleaning | Fixed |
| Cleaning | Easy to brush and floss | Harder to clean around brackets |
| Treatment for complex cases | Limited | Effective for all case types |
| Clinic visits | Fewer needed | More frequent adjustments |
| Food restrictions | None | Yes (avoid sticky/hard foods) |
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Having Invisalign does have some specific benefits:
- Almost invisible look
- No dietary restrictions
- Fewer clinic visits
- Evenly smooth, comfortable borders
- Improved oral hygiene
For individuals seeking a low-profile, fast fix for straight teeth, Invisalign is an excellent option.
What’s the Typical Duration of Invisalign Treatment?
Treatment time depends, but most individuals who use Invisalign use it for 12 to 18 months. Traditional braces are worn from 18 to 24 months or more. Those with traditional braces are given a personalized treatment plan demonstrating how their teeth will move during the span of time, and how thrilling to get to see that.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
Invisalign isn’t perfect for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You’ll need to take out your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything other than water.
- You might feel slight pressure or soreness when starting a new set of aligners.
- You must brush after every meal before putting the aligners back in.
- Not ideal for severe bite correction.
Your dentist will consider all these details when discussing your treatment options.
Align Your Smile Without the Hassle – Book Your Appointment!
Are you curious to see if Invisalign is the perfect fit for your smile? At Lincoln Dental Centre, we offer personalized orthodontic solutions that fit your needs and lifestyle. Book a consultation today and let us help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile, the clear and comfortable way.