Is Invisalign as Effective as Braces?

Invisalign® was first approved by the FDA in 1998, and became available to the public the next year. The appeal of the clear aligners was enormous, particularly among adults who needed braces. 

At Duval Orthodontics, Dr. J.A. Duval provides Invisalign for his patients and is enthusiastic about the change aligners can make in their lives. If you’ve been self-conscious about your smile your whole life, or you’ve had issues with your bite, getting Invisalign can change everything. 

The Invisalign process

When you get Invisalign, we create aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. They gradually move your teeth into proper alignment over time. You wear them most of the time, removing them only to eat, drink anything that’s not water, and brush and floss. The aligners are an alternative to traditional metal braces. 

Every week or two, you’ll get a new set of aligners. Each set of trays moves your teeth a little more. 

Since the aligners are clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. Most people will never even realize you’re wearing them. 

Invisalign corrects problems such as:

• Gaps between teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite

Invisalign compared to braces

If you’ve hesitated to get braces because you don’t like the way they look, you don’t feel they are professional-looking, or some other reason related to their appearance, you’ll appreciate the fact that Invisalign aligners are clear, and not noticeable to most people. Another advantage is that they work faster than traditional braces. Most people wear Invisalign for 9-15 months, while braces are worn an average of 18-24 months. 

Invisalign is very effective in treating mild-to-moderate orthodontic problems, such as traditional braces are often used to treat. If your problems are more severe, though, traditional braces could be a better option for you. 

The most important part of success with Invisalign is following the treatment plan. If you wear and care for your aligners as instructed, you should have the smile you’ve always wanted by the end of your treatment. You may also need aligners to wear at night for some time in order to extend your results. 

Get started! 

Once Dr. Duval determines that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, we perform a digital scan of your mouth. That scan is uploaded into the Invisalign platform, which creates a treatment plan designed to move your teeth into proper position. It even creates an image of what your smile will look like when you’ve finished your treatment. 

At your follow-up appointment, we double-check to make sure your tray fits as it should. If you need adjustments so that your gums aren’t irritated, we can make them. We can also place temporary tooth-colored attachments on your teeth to help the aligners work. At this appointment we also provide thorough instructions for the care of your trays. 

If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign or find out if you’re a good candidate for this revolutionary treatment, schedule your appointment at either location of Duval Orthodontics today.