Invisalign vs. Braces
There’s never been a better time to straighten your teeth with the most advanced clear aligner in the world. Our office is proud to be a certified provider of Invisalign clear aligners, which give you a clear, convenient, and comfortable option to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without the use of traditional metal braces.
What is Invisalign Treatment?
To understand how Invisalign treatment works, we first need to understand how orthodontic treatment works. Whether you choose conventional metal braces, ceramic braces, Clarity Advanced Clear Braces, or Invisalign’s transparent aligners, all braces work in essentially the same way. All that’s really required is consistent, gentle pressure on the teeth.
Over time, pressure causes the surrounding bone to soften and your teeth shift in the direction of the pressure. Conventional braces achieve that pressure through a combination of brackets, elastics, and wires. By contrast, Invisalign achieves the same pressure through a series of custom-made transparent aligners. Each aligner is designed to accomplish a specific step in your treatment plan. You’ll wear an aligner for a specified time, after which you’ll swap it out for a new aligner. The experience is similar to having metal braces adjusted every so often.
The process begins with a 3D scan of your mouth and gums using the iTero Element Intraoral scanner. The scan is quick, easy, and provides your orthodontist with all of the information they need to create your treatment plan and your aligners.
Benefits of Invisalign
- Faster treatment: With weekly aligner changes, you’re on your way to the smile you want even faster. Depending on your response to treatment, particularly in mature adults, we may consider longer periods between aligner changes.
- Proven results: SmartTrack® material and SmartForce® features are clinically proven to improve control of tooth movement with Invisalign clear aligners.
- Better fit: Aligners made from SmartTrack material are comfortable, fit well, and are easy to put on and take off.
- Effective: Invisalign clear aligners can treat a wide range of teeth-straightening conditions, including crossbites, crowding, open bites, gapped teeth, overbites, and underbites.
- Virtually invisible: Most people won’t even know you’re going through treatment, because Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible!
- Comfortable: Invisalign clear aligner trays are not only smooth and comfortable to wear, but they’re also removable. That means you can continue doing all the things you normally would, from brushing and flossing to eating whatever you like.
- Convenient: Invisalign treatment is ideal for your busy schedule, since you only need to visit our office every six weeks.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Your First Consultation
At your initial consultation, we will discuss your orthodontic needs and evaluate whether Invisalign treatment is right for you.
Your Custom Treatment Plan
We will use a scanner such as the iTero® digital scanning system to create fast, precise 3D digital images of your teeth. Then we will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and how long your treatment will be. You’ll even get to see how your teeth will move and preview your new smile.
Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Your custom-made aligners will be made of Invisalign’s proprietary SmartTrack® material. They’re virtually invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them during your teeth straightening.
Wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results, and take them out only to eat, brush, and floss.
Your Progress
As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth will gently and gradually shift into place. We may recommend that you begin wearing a new set of aligners every week and schedule checkups every six weeks or so.
Your New Smile
When your treatment is complete, ask us about a Vivera® retainer. Vivera retainers are custom-made using the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign clear aligners.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Is Right for You?
Both Invisalign and braces are effective orthodontic treatments, but they differ in comfort, appearance, and flexibility. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Invisalign | Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear and nearly invisible | Visible (metal or ceramic brackets) |
| Removability | Removable for eating, brushing | Fixed to teeth |
| Comfort | Smooth, no wires | Can cause irritation from brackets/wires |
| Oral hygiene | Easy brushing and flossing | Requires special tools |
| Discipline required | High – must wear 20–22 hrs/day | Always working |
Still not sure which option is right for you or your child? Schedule a free consultation and we’ll help you decide!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
How long do I need to wear Invisalign aligners each day?
Is Invisalign treatment faster than braces?
In many cases, yes. With weekly aligner changes and consistent wear, Invisalign treatment can be quicker than traditional braces — though it depends on your individual case.
What can Invisalign treat?
Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Is Invisalign comfortable?
How often do I need to visit the orthodontist during Invisalign treatment?
Is Invisalign really invisible?
Invisalign aligners are made from a clear plastic that’s virtually invisible when worn. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Is Invisalign a good option for teens or adults?
Yes — Invisalign is ideal for both teens and adults looking for a discreet, effective way to straighten their teeth without the look or feel of traditional braces.
