When it comes to straightening teeth, braces and Invisalign are two of the most popular options. But which one works faster? The answer depends on the individual needs of each patient, but generally speaking, Invisalign tends to be faster for most types of orthodontic diagnoses. Invisalign aligners provide an integral force on the teeth, rather than the individual movement of the teeth achieved with braces. This makes them an ideal choice for mild to moderate cases of misalignment.
On average, treatment with Invisalign takes between 12 and 18 months, while braces usually take 22 months to move teeth to the desired alignment. However, braces are more powerful than clear aligners and can be used to solve complex dental problems, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They can also close gaps much faster than Invisalign. Treatment with braces can be much faster because unlike Invisalign, which depends on the patient's needs, metal braces are immovable.
Patients generally wear orthodontic appliances for 18 months to 3 years. After a relatively short period of time, you will notice the movement of misaligned teeth, which can go a long way in boosting your confidence. With Invisalign, your treatment can last 6 to 18 months if you use aligners 22 to 24 hours a day. The type of correction needed influences whether traditional braces or invisible aligners are faster.
Whichever treatment you choose, remember that both braces and Invisalign are tools used by your experienced doctor. Even if braces are the best option, there are several types of appliances to choose from that are less noticeable than the traditional type of metal. Ceramic braces offer all the effectiveness of metal braces, but with a less noticeable appearance that many patients prefer, especially older teens and adults. This makes them an obvious choice for severe complex cases, where treatment with Invisalign may require the intervention of supplemental braces to be fully effective. Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, this is a significant investment, especially if you pay out of pocket.
Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours a day, removed only to eat or drink anything other than water, and to clean the teeth and the aligners themselves. More regular orthodontist visits with braces are required to check progress and adjust them. In conclusion, both braces and Invisalign can help you achieve a beautiful smile in a relatively short period of time. The length of treatment depends on your specific case, but generally speaking, Invisalign tends to be faster for mild to moderate cases of misalignment while braces are more powerful and can be used to solve complex dental problems.
