Invisalign® vs. Braces
Invisalign® or Traditional Braces?
Invisalign® clear aligners and traditional braces can both straighten teeth. Which one suits you depends on your bite, how far your teeth need to move and whether you are comfortable wearing removable aligners for most of the day. Dr. Fadi White will examine your teeth at our Allen office and explain your options.
Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces
- Appearance: Invisalign aligners are clear. Braces use brackets and wires, which are easier to see.
- Comfort: Aligners are smooth plastic with no brackets or wires. With either option, your teeth may feel sore for a few days after each change.
- Eating and cleaning: You take aligners out to eat, brush and floss. With braces, you clean around the brackets and avoid some hard and sticky foods.
- Wear time: Aligners only work while you wear them, 20 to 22 hours a day. Braces stay on your teeth all the time.
- Check-ups: Patients typically change to a new set of Invisalign aligners every one to two weeks, depending on their individualized treatment plan and the dentist's instructions. We check your progress about every 6 weeks.
- What can be treated: Invisalign may be able to treat crowding, gaps and some bite problems, depending on the case. Some cases need braces or a referral to an orthodontist.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
We use advanced technology like the iTero® digital scanner to quickly capture highly accurate 3D images of your teeth. From there, we create a detailed treatment plan that outlines every tooth movement and estimates the length of your treatment. Plus, you’ll get a preview of how your smile will transform throughout the process.
Your custom aligners are crafted from Invisalign’s exclusive SmartTrack® material, making them virtually invisible—so most people won’t even realize you’re wearing them as you straighten your teeth.
For optimal results, wear your Invisalign clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them only when eating, brushing, and flossing.
As you move through each set of aligners, your teeth shift step by step. You change to a new set as Dr. White directs, and we check your progress about every 6 weeks to keep your treatment on track.
If some teeth need more movement at the end of treatment, Dr. White can order refinement aligners. Once treatment is finished, ask us about Retainers for Life. These custom retainers are made from the same digital scan as your aligners, so you can reorder replacements online and have them delivered to your door.
To learn more about the Invisalign system and explore all your orthodontic treatment options, schedule an appointment at our Allen office. We look forward to meeting you and helping you create a smile you’ll love to show off!
