Dr. Stephen A. Price

NORTHERN VIRGINIA GENERAL DENTISTRY &
INVISALIGN PREMIER PROVIDER

Call today for your free no obligation consultation: (703)-935-2879

6035 BURKE CENTRE PKWY | SUITE #200 | BURKE, VA 22015

Is Invisalign Faster than Braces?

By: | Thursday, July 30th, 2020 | Invisalign

Thursday, July 30th, 2020


The idea of a straight, attractive smile is very appealing to most of us. However, the timing of treatment is a big question many people have when considering orthodontics. Understandably, there is something to be said about achieving results as quickly as possible. This is one reason why so many people are drawn to Invisalign. But is Invisalign actually faster than braces? That depends. We’ll discuss that here.

Treatment Must be Customized

There are several options to getting a straighter smile, spanning the whole spectrum of conservativeness. Standard braces are often viewed as the least conservative method of straightening teeth because brackets are glued into place and strung with a wire that is only changed by the orthodontist. Invisalign is somewhere near the other end of the spectrum, a nearly-invisible aligner that can be removed whenever one wishes (sort of). An important aspect of treatment that needs to be understood is that every person has unique needs, which means all treatments have to be customized. Some of the factors that influence a dentist’s recommendations include:

  • The alignment issue that needs to be corrected
  • The severity of misalignment
  • The presence and severity of malocclusion (bite issues)
  • The general condition of the teeth and gums

Braces are typically recommended when a patient has more complicated dental issues such as severe crossbite or malposition of the molars. Braces may also be used to correct less complicated issues, including deep bites and minor tooth turning.

Invisalign is one of the least invasive methods of straightening teeth and may be recommended for mild to moderate misalignment in which teeth are either spaced too far apart or are crowded. Some patients may be candidates for Invisalign even if they have minor overlapping or turning.

So How Long Does It Take?

Many websites portray traditional orthodontic treatment as long and complicated. That’s not always the case. Some people have to wear braces for 18 months to a few years. Others, however, only have to wear braces for 6 months. The same can be said of Invisalign. Some patients need to wear aligners for about a year. Others may only need to wear them for a few months.

The difference between the timing of Invisalign and braces relates to the severity of the problem needing correction, not to the method of that correction. The primary difference between Invisalign and traditional orthodontic treatment is that one is simply more discreet, comfortable, and convenient than the other.

We’d love to help you get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. To schedule your Invisalign consultation in our Burke, VA office, call (703)-935-2879.

 

 

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