October 23, 2018
Everything You Need To Know About Invisalign
Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.
People who want straighter teeth love the Invisalign concept, but have one big question: Does Invisalign work well than braces? The answer is that one doesn’t work better than the other, they simply work differently. The key is to figure out which solution works best for you.
Metal braces rely on brackets that are bonded to the patient’s teeth and then connected by an arch wire, which puts pressure on the teeth. Every four weeks, the patient’s orthodontist will tighten or adjust the brackets, which over time shift the teeth into proper alignment.
Invisalign aligners should be worn between 20 to 22 hours per day. It can also be shorter or longer depending on how misaligned your teeth are and how long you leave your aligners in each day. Your aligner tray should be replaced every two weeks throughout the duration of your treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Take Compared to Traditional Braces?
- On average, Invisalign treatment for adults will take about 12 months. With teens, treatment time is more likely to vary. This will depend upon the severity of their dental needs as well as how diligent they are with the aligners and doctor’s instructions.
- Traditional braces have to be worn for an average of two years.
- Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 22 hours a day. While this sounds like a lot, the ability to remove these aligners when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth is huge.
- Every 2 weeks your aligners will be switched out. Then, you or your teen will have a follow up with your doctor at Penn Dental Family Practice every 4 – 6 weeks.
- Traditional braces have to be worn 24/7, and certain foods must be avoided so they won’t damage the braces.